Comprehe %Ve Master Plan

COMPREHE %VE MASTER PLAN

PREPARATION OF THESE Sf AVE BEEN FINANCED IN PART THROUGH AN URBAN P GRANT FROM THE HOUSING AND HOME FINANCE AGENCY LPM HE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 701 OF THE HOUSING ACT OF I AMENDED. THESE STUDIES WERE PREPARED UNDER THE S OFTME BUREAU OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE.

BELLA TE A CLAUSS PLANNING SULTING SERVICES BOROUGH COUNCIL J. W. Trenkle, President Theodore R. Round, Vice President Ronald G. Crawford John M. Doverspike Howard D. McCracken John L. McIlwain Donald R. Steim Alvin M. Van Dyke

ADMINISTRATIVE

0FFlClA LS Harry E. Himes, Jr., Mayor Martha L. Lutterbach, Secretary Wilber S. Bowers, Treasurer David C. Suckling, Solicitor R. B. Shannon, Engineer

PLANNING AND ZONING

COMMISSION William A. Decock, Chairman Albert E. Pryde, Vice Chairman Harry T. Blaney, Secretary-Treasurer William A. Hutchison Warren N. Coax (Term expired 6/65) Harry W. Dame (Appointed 7/65) ACKNOWLEDGMENT

THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OF KITTANNING

BOROUGH AND BELLANTE AND CLAUSS, INCORPORATED,

WISH TO EXPRESS THEIR GRATITUDE TO THE MANY

PERSONS WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE DEVELOPMENT

OF THE COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN. THE ASSISTANCE

OF THE PENNSYLVANIA BUREAU OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT,

THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAYS, THE BOROUGH

ENGINEER, THE BOROUGH SOLICITOR, THE ARMSTRONG COUNTY

PLANNING COMMISSION, AND THE BOROUGH OFFICIALS IS

GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGED.

JULY 1965 I 1 KITTANNING BOROUGH PLANNING and ZONIN6 EOMMlSSlON

I CITY HALL I KITTANNING, PA.

1 RESOLUTION

WHEREAS the Kittanning Borough Planning and Zoning Commission wa, duly 1 appointed by the Kittanning Borough Council in accordance with provision of the Borough Code (Act of July 10, 1947, P. L. 1621, as amended); 1 AND WHEREAS the Kittanning Borough Council authorized the Kittanning Borough Planning and Zoning Commission to prepare a Master Plan, and such surveys-and studies as may be essential thereto, for the phybical 1 development of the municipality;

8 AND WHEREAS the Kittanning Borough Planning and Zoning Commission has developed a Master Plan for the physical development of the Borough, a based upon comprehensive studies and the best knowledge available. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the attached Master Plan be adopted by the Kittanning Borough Planning and Zoning Commission I to serve as the official guide for the future development of the Borough. I Adopted at the regular meeting of the Kittanning Borough Planning 1 and Zoning Commission on August 31, 1965. I I I I 1 &wL@dLWL Harry W .I Dame, Member TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

INTRODUCTION i

BACKGROUND STUDIES

Physiography 1 Land Use 7 Population 17 Economic Base 31

PHYSICAL STUDIES

Housing 54 Community Facilities 89 Traffic 114 Parking 143

COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Introduction 156 Planning Objectives 167 Land Use Plan 169 Urban Renewal Plan 178 Community Facilities Plan 185 Major Thoroughfares Plan 199 Central Business District 211 And Parking Plan Effectuation of the Planning 219 Proposals TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont'd)

Tables Page

Table 1 Summary of Existing Land Uses 9 Table 2 Comparison of Percentage Land Use 14 Distribution for Kittanning and Selected Municipalities, 1962-1963 Table 3 General Land Development Limitations 15 By Degree of Slope Table 4 Slope Analysis 16 Table 5 Comparative Population Trends 18 Table 6 Resident Live Births and Deaths, Kittanning 20 Borough, and Birth and Deaths Rates, Kittanning Borough and Armstrong C ounty, 195 5-1 96 3 Table 7 Factors Affecting Population Change: 21 Natural Increase and Migration, 1955 To 1960 Table 8 Age Distribution of the Population : 22 Number and Percent Table 9 Comparative Percentage Distribution of the 24 Population by Age For Borough of Kittanning, Armstrong County, Commonwealth of Pennsyl- vania and the United States, 1960 Table 10 Median Age of Population 25 Table 11 Male-Female Distribution By Age Group 26 Table 12 Comparison of Household Sizes 27 Table 13 Employed Labor Force: Kittanning Borough 33 and Armstrong County Number, Distribution and Percentage Change 1950 and 1960 Table 14 Characteristics of the Labor Force 34 Table 15 Selected Characteristics of Retail Trade 35 Table 16 Characteristics of Retail Trade: 37 Kittanning and Selected Areas 1948, 1954 and 1958 Table 17 Retail Trade by Kind of Business Group: 38 Sale Volume and Percentage Change in Constant 1954 Dollars Table 18 Selected Service Receipts, By Type of 45 Establishment Table 19 Wholesale Trade Characteristics 47 Table 20 Family Income Distribution 51 Table 21 Number of Housing Units and Occupancy 56 Table 22 Housing Types 56 Table 23 Tenure and Occupancy of Housing 57 Table 24 Population Distribution by Occupied 59 Housing Unit TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont'd)

Tables Page

Table 25 Size of Housing Units 60 Table 26 Age of Housing 61 Table 27 Value of Owner-Occupied Housing Units 61 Table 28 Condition of Housing 64 Table 29 Characteristics of Substandard Housing Units 81 Table 30 Characteristics of Substandard Housing Units 82 by Planning District Table 31 Characteristics of Families or Individuals 85 Occupying Substandard Housing Units Table 32 Characteristics of Families or Individuals 86 Occupying Substandard Units by Planning District Table 33 Comparison of Family Size and Monthly 87 Income of Families Occupying Substandard Housing Units Table 34 Comparison of Family Size and Number of 88 Bedrooms in Unit and Overcrowding of Families Occupying Substandard Housing Units Table 35 Fire House Location Standards 96 Table 36 Public Recreational Facilities 98 Table 37 Recreational Land Area Deficiencies 100 by Type of Facility Table 38 School Structures and Facilities 104 Table 39 Distribution of Public School Pupils 108 by Grade Table 40 Projected School Enrollments by Grade 110 Table 41 Major Street and Highway Classification 118 Table 42 Existing Street Characteristics 120 Table 43 Recommended Minimum Street Widths by 121 Type of Street Table 44 Recommended Minimum Design Standards 126 by Type of Street Table 45 Recommended Sight Distance at Intersections 127 Table 46 Traffic Volumes, Carrying Capacity and 137 Roadway Deficiencies Table 47 Existing Parking Facilities 146 Table 48 Percentage Utilization of Parking Spaces 148 Table 49 Peak Hour Utilization of Parking Spaces 150 Table 50 Turnover and Duration of Curb and Off- 153 Street Parking Table 51 Estimated Current Parking Need by Area 155 Table 52 Comparison Between Existing Distribution 176 of Development and the Land Use Plan Table 53 Existing and Proposed Recreational 195 Facilities TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont'd)

Maps Page

Regional Location preceding 1 Topography following 2 Existing Land Use following 7 Vacant Land Analysis following 16 Population Distribution following 20 Structural Conditions following 66 Community Facilities following 109 Major Street Characteristics following 138 Central Business District following 144 Parking Space Utilization following 151

Land Use Plan following 17 7 Urban Renewal Plan following 18 4 Community Facilities Plan following 198 Major Thoroughfares Plan following 210 Central Business District and following 2 18 Parking Plan

I I I I I I I I I Introduction

Over the past several decades Kittanning has witnessed the continuing effects of change. ‘In many respects the Borough has moved forward under the heading of progress. By the same token, however, since movement is two-directional, other facets of community life have suffered or moved backward. Population change, new land development and changing needs and services have emphasized the need for controlled, orderly development in the Borough. The correction of problems springing from past development, and the recognition and preparation” for anticipated future growth is of vital concern to every resident. The planning and action taken to meet the problems of growth, change, deterioration and obsolescence has a direct bearing on local taxes, on stability of investment, on the ability to find employment or conduct business, and on the amenities of home life.

The local officials of Kittanning, in full recognition of the community- wide benefits to be derived from a comprehensive planning program, created a local Planning Commission in June of 1960. The Planning Commission, seeking to develop a guide for the future growth.and development of the Borough, initiated the preparation of a comprehensive master plan. It is apparent, however, to both the local officials and the Planning Commission that the future of Kittanning cannot be planned irrespective of the surrounding municipalities. Any future development in Kittanning will have an impact on the surrounding communities as surely as adjacent developments will affect the Borough. Therefore, it is hoped that the initial action of Kittanning will encourage a combining of efforts to establish a coordinated planning program with adjacent areas.

I The Kittanning Master Plan was prepared iznder Sectiofi 701 of the Housing Act of 1954, as amended, This program is corrfially referred to as the "701 Planning Assistanee Program.': Under the provisions of this program, the Federal Governmegt, through the Housing and Home Finance Agency, eon- tributed three-quarters of the cos5 of the preparation of the Master Plan. Kittanning provided the remaining one-quarter. At the local level, this program was administered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania throllgh the Bureau of Community Development of the Depastmeiit of Commerce

In order to expedite the plafining program, the Bormgh erigaged the serviees of Bellante and Clauss, Incorporated, plaming cansnltants, who provided teehnieal assistance, advice and gaidance ir. the development of the Plan. Tfie Master Plan, however, refleets the local goals and objectives established by the Planning Gomissior_ and loeal officials

THEMASTERPLANPROGRAM

WHAT IS C3MMUNITY PLANNING

Planiiing ean be defined sinply as the exercise of ir?tekligent foresight. It is the process of translating the eommunityPs physical, economic and social goals into sound plazas for development aimed at creating a better physical. environment at minimum cost.

WHY PLAN

A coimonity has two choices with respect to dealing with growth or change in physical structure; it can meet problems as they arise or it can plan ahead in anticipation of future needs.

The first of these eoirrses generally leads to haphazard growth and often to excessive cost, Planning, if well done with the best overall commufiity goals and objectives in mind, points the way to econonical and orderly development.

I WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR COl@lUNITY PUNNING In the broadest sense everyoce in the community is responsible for community planning. However, the actual formal preparation of a eompre- I hensive community development plan or "master plan, as it is sometimes i 'i

called,, lies with the local planning commission. The planning commission is a representative group of civic-minded persons in the community appointed by the'governing body, The planning commission serves as a staff; agency of the Local officials and is an information-gathering and an advice-giving I ' body. Because of the highly technical problems involved in developing a comprehensive Master Plan, planriing commissions often engage the services of a professionally competent 'planning consultant to assist in the prey paration of the plan,

:WHAT IS A MASTER PLAN

A Master Plan ,is generally recognized today as the basic and most important technical aid required by a community to deal.kno,wTngly and constructively with the continuing problems of growth and change in physical structure. 1, ' v,, The Master Plan is a composite of mapped and written objectives and standards to guide and coordinate the long-range development of a community in such areas as land use, traffic and community facdlities. Consequently, I it provides a sound basis for making policy decisions affecting local 'development, I

It is important to emphasize that even with the ultimate adoption of a Master Plan, the planning program can never be considered to be I Planning is a continuous process. The Master Plan .will require careful and periodic re-evaluation in order that it may reflect changing conditions. In short, discreet modifications of the Plan to meet new conditions is inherent# in,its conception. 1

Furthermore, it should be understood that the purpose of a Master Plan is I not to provide detailed lblueprints and specifications for individual projects, but to set long-range Objectives for the event~alfulfillment of projects and policies. The effectiveness of a Master *Plan rests in its I thoughtful use by local officials and an interest in its objectives by citizens concerned with, overall community development. ' I I I 1 1 1x1 1 SCOPE OF PLANNING PROGRAM

The Master Plan for the Borou.gh of Kittaniiing consists of the following major elements :

Ejtisting Conditions- All, An analysis of conditions which have shaped past development and those which will determine future growth, including studies of existing land use, physiography, population trends, economic characteristics, community facilities, traffic conditions, and housing and Ileighborhood conditioris

-Pla?ning Proposals. Plans for the filtiare development of land, streets, parking and public facilities.

Program for ~&f~tuaticn~~ans.A program for carrying out the varisus planning proposals through zoning and subdivision regulations, capital improvements programming and urban renewal action.

Regardless of the scope of the planning program, however, its success will be measured only in the form of its accomplishments in the years to come, Responsibility for the successful effectuation of the planning program is community-wide and, as such, rests in many hands:

The Consultaxt shall be responsible for guiding the Planning Commission toward the development of a mear?ingful plan which will be feasible to undertake,

The Planning- Co shall have t:, be alert to changing conditions and needs in the community; to medie the pEata over the years as needed; and to bring to the attention of the elected officials the action re- qaired to encourage sound living conditions and a healthy environment for the growth of business and industry.

The Elected Officials- _- shall require the courage and foresight to initiate such actions as may be required, either in the form of enacting codes and ordinances or in the budgeting of funds for public improvements, to assure that the citizens will have a sound commity with a high level of municipal services,

hV 1 1 The General Public will have to lend their support to the plans and actions of the Planning Commission and the Elected Officials. No Master Plan has been successfully effectuated without the understanding and support of the citizenry. In order to develop under- 1 standing and support it will be the further responsibility of the Planning Commission and Elected Officials to keep the public well informed of their plans and objectives. 1

IN SUMMARY, IT SHOULD BE RE-EMPHASIZED THAT THE EFFECTUATION OF A COM- 1 PREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IS NOT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ANY ONE GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL; IT WILL REQUIRE THE JOINT EFFORT OF ALL THOSE WHO WILL BE AFFECTED BY THIS PLANNING PROGRAM. I I 1 1 I I I I I I I I 1 V I BACKGROUND STUDIES

Physiography Land Use Populo tion Economic Base 1 1 REGIONAL LOCATION MAP 1 KITTANNING , PENNSYLVANIA I I i I 1 I I I I I I I I

I N

THE PREPARATWN OF THIS MAF' WAS FINANCED IN PART ..., INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS THROUGH AN URBAN PLANNING GWFROM THE HOUSMG AN0 HONE FINANCE AGENCY, UNDER THE PRWlSDNS OF FEDERAL HIGHWAYS PREPARED BY BELLANTE AND CLAUSS 701 OF OF W, I SECTION THE HOUSINO ACT AS AMENOED. FLANNERS , ARCHITECTS ' ENGINEERS WITH SUPERVISION BY THE BUREN OF COMMUNITY r7 STATE HIGHWAV3 OEVELOPYENT. PENN3YLVANlA DEPARTMENT OF COYMERCS FEBRUARY ,1965 I I i i a I i I I A study of physiography involves a description of the features and phe- nomena of nature which characterize a particular area or region. Features I such as location, topography, drainage, soils and climate are some of the more important physiological factors which influence economic, social and cultural growth and development. These factors have had a very decided influence on Kittanning as a community, and Kittanning, as it relates to I a much larger entity, Amstrong County, in turn is part of a broader 1 region encompassing Southwestern Pennsylvania, I GEOCRAPHEC LOCA TUOH

Kittanning is located in the central portion of Armstrong County in South- 1 western Pennsylvania. It is situated approximately 49 road miles northeast of the City of Pittsburgh, 23 miles east of the City of Butler, 27 miles west of Indiana Borough, 56 miles northwest of Johnstown, 51 miles I east of New Castle and 74 miles east of Youngstown (Ohio).

The Borough, which occupies an area of slightly less than one square mile, i is bounded on the west and north by the Allegheny River, on the northeast and east by Rayburn Township, and on the south and southeast by Manor i Township I

1 -1- i TOPOGRAPHY

Armstrong County lies within the major physiographic division known as the Appalachian Plateau Province. With the passage of geologic time and periods of uplifting, erosion'and dissection, the terrain bears little resemblance to a plateau, but rather is characterized by low narrow flood plains along major watercourses, broad rolling hills, and rugged, steep hills and ridges. Elevations in the County are variable and range from a low of 740 feet above mean sea level at Freeport, to a high of 1,740 feet above mean sea level north of Mount Tabor in the northeastern part of the County. In general, however, the predominant elevations in the County range between 1,100 and 1,300 feet.

Kittanning, which is located on a narrow flood plain of the.Allegheny River, is for the most part relatively flat. The elevation of the Borough is approximately 800 feet above mean sea level. The terrain in the Borough's northeast section and along its entire eastern boundary consists of a valley wall, which rises sharply and is quite rugged. Elevations along this valley wall increase rapidly from approximately 820 feet just within the Borough to 1,200 and 1,300 feet less than one-quarter mile east of the Borough. In the northeast section of the Borough is the largest single, vacant tract in Kittanning, .which roughly resembles a triangle. Here the elevation runs from 800 feet along the Allegheny River to 1,310 feet over a distance of about four-fifths of a mile in an eastward direction.

The topographic conditions noted above have resulted in several conditions which adversely affect Kittanning. These are as follows:

1. The Borough is subject to periodic flooding by the Allegheny River, as well as erosion along the river bank.

2. Severe surface storm runoff and erosion prevails along the river valley wall along Kittanning's eastern boundary.

3. Restrictive topography has limited the potential to provide for. an adequate system of regional through-traffic arteries, thus excessive regional traffic is channelled through the Borough.

4. Topography limits the potential for new growth and development.

-2- TOPOGRAPHY

BOROUGH OF KITTANNING

THE FUWRATION OF THIS MbP WAS FINANCED IN PART THRWO~ AN -BAN PLANNING- GRANT FROM TWE WSING AND WME FINWCE AGENm, WER THE FUWISIONS OF YClXN XY ff TI€ HOUSING ACT Q 1954. IS AMENDED. ARMSTRONG COUNTY I PENNSYLVANIA Wlni SWERVEION 81 THE BUREIU OF COYMUNITV DNELDRIENT, PoHSnvmw MRRTYENT OF MUMERE BOROUGH OF KITTANNING PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION I I I 0RAIN AG E Kittanning lies within the Allegheny River drainage basin. Accordingly, all surface drainage flows generally westward towards the Allegheny River. The I Allegheny River flows in a southerly direction where it eventially joins with the Monongahela River at Pittsburgh to form the Ohio River. I The Allegheny River in Armstrong County is relatively free from pollution and offers excellent recreation and economic potential., The recreational potential of the river is particularly apparent in Kittanning where much I of the river frontage has been preserved as a park facility.

I The consistent low temperatures of the river make it especially suitable for industrial cooling purposes. The mean monthly temperature of the I river near Kittanning has averaged 50.7 degrees. The level of the water in the Allegheny River is regulated by a system of flood control reservoirs and slack water dams. Through the use of a series I of locks and dams and a 9-fOOt channel, boat navigation over a distance of 72 miles is possible from Pittsburgh to the northern boundary of Armstrong County. There are five locks numbering 5 to 9 located on the river within I Armstrong County. Lock 7 is situated in Kittanning north of the Kittanning Bridge in the vicinity of Chestnut Street. Since the Allegheny is navi- gable, it provides Armstrong County with water transportation potential to the Ohio Valley industrial complex and to the Mississippi Valley and 1 the Gulf of Mexico. I I F LOODIN G As noted above, flood control dams and reservoirs have been installed along the Allegheny River and some of its major tributaries, to lessen I the danger of floods in the Allegheny Valley. Kittanning, however, along with many communities situated within the flood plains of the Allegheny and its tributaries, is subject to periodic flooding. Flood threats occur I chiefly during the winter months when there are heavy and prolonged periods of rain, coupled with the melting of snow accumulations and the thawing of I river ice. The most recent serious flood condition occurred during the early part of March of 1964. The flood stage at the "upper" and "lower pbol" of Lock 7 I is 23 feet and 29 feet, respectively, During this recent flood, the water I I -3- I I reached a level of 26.6 feet at the upper pool and 34.5 feet at the lower pool. Flood waters more than doubled the normal width of the river and some twenty blocks in the low lying downtown portion of Kittanning 1 (essentially the area lying within the 800-foot contour level as shown on the Topography Map) were either partially or completely inundated. The river spilled its banks first at Mulberry Street and then swept over several locations to the north. Water Street was flooded most of its I length from Walnut Street to a point near High Street, thereby closing a major link in the area's traffic circulation system. Flood waters also closed the Kittanning Bridge. In an easterly direction, the flood I waters, containing large cakes of ice and debris, pushed as far back as North and South McKean Street. The effects ofthe flood were also felt in other areas ofthe community as a result of water back-up in the sewage system and water seepage into the basements of structures from the over- I saturated condition of the earth. I Floods of comparable severity were experienced in 1959 and 1936. I Obviously, in the wake of a flood, the clean-up and restoration of service is an immense and costly process, to say nothing of extensive personal loss and threats to health, safety and welfare. Although the current flood protection system greatly reduces the potential of flooding, other precautions I must be engineeringly studied and developed in the immediate future to completely rid flood plain communities of the flood threat. I I SOIL CONDlTlONS

The composition of the soil in Kittanning is variable. Essentially, how- I ever, the soil types and their composition fall into three general associations: the river bank soils, the flood plain soils, and the upland soils. 1

The river bank soil type is "Monongahela" silt loam. This soil is imperfectly drained, becomes saturated very quickly and is subject to I erosion.

The main soil types, which comprise the flood plain portions of Kittanning I and which underlie almost all of the built-up portion of the Borough, are "Philo" silt loam and "Atkins" silt loam. Underlying the silt loam surface are layers of silty clay, sandy loam, and shale or gravel. These soil I types, as is the case with Monongahela soil, are imperfectly drained. On flatter surfaces after heavy rains, the soil becomes saturated quickly and surface and subsurface drainage becomes fair to poor. I I -4- I The major soil types of the upland sections or steep phase sections of the Borough include "Dekalb" gravelly loam, "Gilpin" shaley silt loam, "Wharton" silt loam, and "Cavode" silt loam. All of these soil types are generally underlain by layers of silty loam, clay and gravel or shale. In most places both surface and subsurface drainage are good. On steep slopes, however, the soil is susceptible to serious erosion.

CLIMATE

While the seasons in Kittanning are well defined, the climate is characterized by the absence of great extremes of summer or winter temperatures. The interseasonal variations in temperature average about 20 degrees F., and the change from season to season is generally gradual. The daily temperature during July, the warmest month, ranges from about 58 degrees F. to 84 degrees F.; during the coldest months, December through February, the temperature ranges between 18 degrees to 40 degrees F. The period between the last spring freeze and the first fall freeze extends from mid-May to early October. The mean annual precipitation in the recent past has been 39 inches; and the mean annual snowfall, 31 inches. The prevailing wind direction is west-southwest.

MINING

The extraction of mineral resources, inc.luding coal, sand, gravel, clay, lime, gas and oil, has long been one of prime economic activities of Arm- strong County. The most important of these mineral resources has been coal. Unfortunately, however, due to technological changes, fuel sub- stitutes and foreign imports, bituminous coal mining is a declining industry, In 1945, the coal industry in Armstrong County produced approximately six and one-half million net tons and employed about 4,600 persons. By 1960, production and employment had declined to 2.8 million net tons and about 1,200 workers. Strip mining and augur mining now produce slightly better than one-half of all coal produced in the County.

It is expected that the operation of the Keystone Electric Generating Station, now under construction near Elderton in Armstrong County, will greatly increase the demand for coal in the Armstrong-Indiana County area. It is estimated that the demands for coal will increase annual coal production in this area by approximately 33 percent and increase coal employment by 15 percent.

-5- I I According to U. S. Bureau of Mines estimates made in 1949, Armstrong County has 1,550 million short tons of coal reserve. This estimate is based on known beds of 14 inches or more in thickness with less than 2,000 feet of overburden. Most of the coal that is in reserve in the I County is west of the Allegheny River, although there is a wide distribution throughout the County. 1

Coal mining only effects the Borough of Kittanning indirectly since there is presently no mining in the Borough proper and no known recoverable I coal reserves of any significance underlying the Borough within the flood plain section. Coal mining, as it had been in the past, is still an important economic activity in the Townships which neighbor Kittanning to the north and east. "Upper Freeport" coal is being mined I just north of the Borough by the Carpentertown Coal and Coke Company. This coal, it is reported, has metallurgical qualities not to be found anywhere else in the County. Coke is produced here for consumption by I the Sharon Steel Company in Sharon, Pennsylvania. I 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 I 1 I -6- I Use

A study of existing land uses and development characteristics is part of the basic knowledge required in the preparation of a comprehensive plan. The land use analysis, supplemented by the other existing conditions studies undertaken as part of the inventory phase of the planning program, serves two major functions: it forms the basis for the preparation of a Land Use Plan which shows the amount, type and location of land needed for various types of land use development to make up a balanced and sound community; and it serves as a basis for the preparation of land development controls which govern the use and density of uses on land in accordance with the recommendations of the land use plan

The character of existing development was determined by a lot-by-lot field survey of the entire Borough and its surrounding area. The information gathered from this survey was further supplemented by examin- ation of tax records and available maps, The data collected from the above process is graphically depicted on the Existing Land Use Map.

For the purpose of this study, the principal use of a given piece of property was attributed to the whole property, except where there was indication of an additional major use.

-7- EXISTING LAND USE KITTANNING AREA

SCALE IN FEET m- m-

FUEWRED 01 BELLANTE AND CLAUSS. INC PLANNERS . ARCHITECTS . ENWNEERS WOVEYBER ,w,

BOROUGH OF KITTANNING ARMSTRONG COUNTY PE N N SY LVANI A

BOROUGH OF KITTANNING PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION GENERAL LAND USE CHARACTERiSTrCS

Kittanning has a total area of 624.5 acres, excluding inland water areas comprised of portions of the Allegheny River. The total developed area of the Borough, which consists of residential, commercial, industrial, and various other public and semipublic uses including streets, constitutes approximately 395 acres or 63 percent of the Borough's,total land area. The remainder ofthe Borough consists of 229 acres of vacant land or about 37 percent of the total land area.

Residential land use comprising approximately 152 acres or 24 percent of the total land area, is the largest single form of land development in Kittanning, Street rights-of-way account for the second largest use of land, consisting of about 104 acres or 17 percent. The remaining major land uses include public and semipublic uses, 48 acres or 8 percent of the total area; commercial and mixed uses, 44 acres or 7 percent; and industrial uses, 20 acres or 3 percent. A summary of existing land use development in the Borough is shown on Table 1.

SUMMARY OF MAJOR LAND USE CHARACTERISTICS

Land development in Kittanning has been influenced by the Borough's geographic location along the eastern bank of the Allegheny River and the physiographic conditions which characterize the river valley along the Allegheny. The Borough extends in a general north-south direction along the river for a distance of approximately three miles and, while the boundaries ofthe Borough are irregular, it has an average depth of approximately one-third of a mile. For the most part, development has taken place following a rigid gridiron street pattern which is oriented in a north-south direction, The character of the terrain along most of the Borough's remaining boundary is comprised of steep hillsides and ridges.

Kittanning is without question a predominantly residential community. Residential development accounts for 38 percent of the Borough's developed area. Residential uses combined with residential-related uses, such as churches, schools, and recreational areas, constitute approximately 50 percent of the total developed area of the Borough. Computed on the basis of the net developed area of the Borough, that is the total developed area minus streets, residential and residential-related uses comprise 69 percent.

-8- I I TABLE 1 SUMMARY OF EXISTING LAND USES I BOROUGH OF KITTANNING, 1963 I LAND USE CATEGORY AREA IN ACRES PERCENT OF TOTAL LAND AREA RESIDENTIAL 151.7 24.3 I Single-Family 105.2 16.9 Two-Family 37.1 5.9 Multi-Family 8.1 1.3 Mobile Homes 1.3 0.2 I

MIXED USE 8.7 1.4 Residential-Professional 0.6 0.1 I Office Residential-Commercial 8.1 1.3 1 C OMMERC IAL 35.0 5.6 General Retail and Service 17.5 2.8 Automotive Commercial 7.5 1.2 Heavy Commercial 10.0 1.6 1 INDUSTRIAL 20.0 3.2 I PUBLIC AND SEMIPUBLIC 48.1 7.7 Schools, Parks and 23.1 3,7 Playgrounds I Public. 16.9 2.7 Semipublic 8.1 1.3

STREETS 104.3 16.7 1 RAILROAD 27.5 4.4 I VACANT LAND 229.2 36.7 TOTAL 624.5 100.0 I Source: Land Use Survey, Bellante and Clauss, November, 1263. I 1 I I -9- I Of the 152 acres in residential use, 105 acres or about 60 percent of the total area devoted to residential development is occupied by single-family residences, The single-family residential structure, therefore, is the most prevalent housing type in the Borough,

Two-family and multi-family structures (three or more families ) occupy only 37 and 8 acres, respectively. Mobile homes occupy approximately 1 acre. All of these uses combined account for approximately 31 percent of the area devoted exclusively to residential use.

It is difficult to describe the residential development pattern in Kittanning since residential neighborhoods are not well defined. With the principal exception of two general areas, namely the sections of the Borough lying between Arch Street and Jacob Street and the area abutting Walnut Street, all remaining sections of the Borough are predominantly residential in character. The residential areas contain mixtures of various housing types and densities including single-family homes, duplex homes, row houses, house trailers, and apartments. Residential densities, for example, range from approximately 6 housing units per net acre in the vicinity of Hickory Street to an average of from 14 to 18 units per net acre in the vicinity of Union Avenue, High Street, Orr Avenue and Woodward Avenue. In those areas where housing is comprised almost exclusively of multi-family units such as in the vicinity of the central business district densities are even higher.

Almost every residential section of the Borough is interspersed with commercial and/or industrial development of varying intensities. Un- fortunately, in a good number of instances, mixtures of residential and nonresidential development have resulted in an inharmonious and incompatible land use pattern.

Commercial Development

Approximately 35 acres or 9 percent of the Borough's developed area is used exclusively for commercial purposes. Mixed residential-commercial development, generally typified by a structure housing a:business use on the first floor with a residence in the rear or on the upper floors, occupies an additional 9 acres.

The Borough's central business district lies generally between Water, Arch, Grant and Jacob Streets. Market Street which bisects this area in an east-west direction forms the primary shopping street. The central business district contains the heaviest concentration of commercial retail and service establishments in the Borough and serves also as a regional commercial center for Armstrong County.

- 10 - Other concentrations of commercial development oriented more towards automotive commercial activities and heavy commercial uses such as warehousing, building supply yards and wholesale distributing are found along the Penn- sylvania Railroad right-of-way, adjacent to the central business district, and in the vicinity of Walnut and Mulberry Streets in the southern section of the Borough.

Individual commercial establishments are also found scattered throughout most sections of the Borough.

Industrial Development

Kittanning does not contain what might be termed an industrial district. Instead, individual industrial operations are fairly well distributed over several sections of the Borough.

A major portion of the land used for industrial purposes is found, however, in close proximity to the railroad. Industrial activities in the Borough include brick and concrete block manufacturing, dairy processing, printing, clothing manufacturing and metal fabricating.

The total area used for industrial purposes is 20 acres or 5 percent of the Borough's developed area.

Public and Semipublic Development

Public uses such as the Municipal Building, Library, Fire Houses, County Courthouse and Post Office occupy about 17 acres. For the most part, these facilities are concentrated within the central business district.

Semipublic uses which include churches, fraternal organizations, clubs, and the like, are distributed throughout the community and occupy approximately 8 acres.

Schools, parks and playgrounds comprise about 23 acres.

Combined, the above public and semipublic uses occupy 48 acres or 12 percent of the Borough's developed area.

- 11 - I I Streets 1 Streets anc highways, as measured by their right-of-way widths, account for 104 acres or 26 percent ofthe Borough's developed area. Essentially, the street system in the Borough extends in a rigid gridiron pattern which runs i in an elongated north-south direction and narrow east-west direction.,

Basically, traffic movement north of Market Street is locally oriented, I except for regional filtration to and from Troy Hill Road and Johnston Avenue. Market Street serves both as the Borough's primary shopping street, as well as a through-traffic artery connecting Routes 28, 422 I and 66 and the Market Street Bridge, the primary Allegheny River vehicle crossing in central Armstrong County. Traffic movement south of Market I Street is comprised of both local and through-traffic on most major streets. Railroads I The Pennsylvania Railroad maintains a right-of-way which bisects the Borough from north to south. This line enters the County in the Freeport area, crosses the Allegheny and Kiskiminetas Rivers just east of Freeport, follows the east bank of the Allegheny River and continues north and north- I west through Clarion and Venango Counties. On this line, the Pennsylvania has four trains daily, two north and two south. The railroad right-of-way I in Kittanning is at grade and comprises approximately 28 acres. i Vacant Land There are approximately 229 acres of land in the Borough which are presently undeveloped. This represents about one-third of the total area of the Borough. With the exception of a narrow vacant strip of land which extends 1 along most of the bank of the Allegheny River and several small well-distributed vacant lots and parcels found throughout the Borough, almost 95 percent of the total undeveloped land area in Kittanning is situated in ~' the north and northeast section. 1 An evaluation of the suitability of the Borough's vacant land area is presented in a later section. At this point, however, it is significant to note that because of the absence of zoning controls in the Borough, this land could conceivably be used for any purpose, Therefore, inharmonious I development of vacant land with respect to surrounding development could i be detrimental to the sound and orderly growth of the community. I ~I I - 12 - I I CHARACTER OF LAND USES ADJOINING THE BOROUGH

As noted previously, the Borough of Kittanning is bounded on all four sides by natural features which have shaped its growth. The Allegheny River forms 1 a natural boundary along Kittanning's entire western edge, separating the Borough from West Kittanning and Applewold Boroughs and East Franklin Town- ship immediately across the river. As shown on the Existing Land Use Map, I West Kittanning and Applewold are almost entirely built-up residential communities. The combined area of the two Boroughs is 169 acres. Neither community has a central business district nor an industrial district. I There is, however, extensive highway commercial development distributed along U. S. Route 422 in this area. I East Franklin is a sparcely-developed rural community with an area of approximately 32 square miles, Over the past decade, the Township has experienced growth both in terms of residential subdivision activity and I highway commercial development. This growth can be attributed to the development pressures which are radiating from the urban core area formed by Kittanning, West Kittanning and Applewold. I

The terrain bordering the northern, eastern and southern sides of Kittanning is steep and, as such, has restricted urban development. The land is pre- 1 dominantly undeveloped, although some strip mining is taking place northeast ofthe Borough. The only extensive development of any major conse- quence includes the residential settlements of Troy Hill situated along. 1 Troy Hill Road and Grandview which abuts Route 28. Both are immediately east ofthe Borough. Along the southern portion of the Borough in the vicinity ofthe intersection of Routes 422 and 66, there is a small con- I centration of residences and several commercial establishments including a large super market. 1 Approximately one mile south of Kittanning along Route 66 is the Ford City, Manorville, Ford Cliff urban complex, which is very similar in physical make-up to the Kittanning area. 1 1 I 1 I 1 - 13 - 1 TABLE 2

COMPARISON OF PERCENTAGE LAND USE DISTRIBUTION FOR

KITTAI-

LAND USE CATEGORY KITTANNING _Apollo _Freeport Leechburg N. Apollo

Residential 24.3 40,7 50.2 29.2 27.7 42.1 27.5 52.7

C ommerci a1 5.6 4.3 - 7.8 4.4 5.8 3.0 4.8

Commercial-Residential 1.4 1.7 0.5 5.3 1.7 1.6 0.1 0.8

Industrial 3.2 13.8 - 19.2 4.2 5.6 3.4 0.3 I P Public and Semipublic 7.7 5.0 1.4 8.3 5.0 6.7 0.8 5.0 rp I Street 16.7 24.3 32.2 19.2 15.7 26.9 16.6 31.5

Railroads 4.4 3.1 - 3.4 1.3 2.2 0.5 -

Vacant 36.7 c7.1 15.7 8.1 40.0 9.1 48.1 5.0

TOTAL 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

TOTAL LAND AREA 624.5 187.2 31.3 432 6 256 0 255.7 353.2 137.3 IN ACRES

* Data for municipalities, exclusive of Kittanning, are based on surveys conducted by Bellante and Clauss during 1962 as part of a county-wide land use study. Data for Kittanning is based on survey conducted by the consultant during November, 1963.

Source: Land Use Surveys, Bellante and Clauss, 1962 and 1963. 1

VACANT LAND USABILITY I

One of the most critical factors in determining the development potential 1 of vacant land is the degree of slope established by the topography. Where there are excessively steep grades, land has severe development limitations; while other land with only moderate grades has less re- 1 stricted usefulness. Table 3 describes the classification of slopes by percent of grade and the generally recommended land uses for each range of slope. I

TABLE 3 I GENERAL LAND DEVELOPMENT LIMITATIONS BY DEGREE OF SLOPE 1 SLOPE RANGE DESCRIPTION SUITABLE USES I 0 to 8% Relatively flat to gently All urban-type uses, partic- . .. rolling ularly suited to large-scale commercial and industrial development 1

8 to 16% Moderately rolling to Residential, commercial, re- very rolling; definite creational and limited in- I hills and valleys dustrial

16 to 24% Short, steep hills and ) Forestry, conservation, in- ridges ) stitutional, recreational I ) and limited residential uses 1 Over 24% Very steep and precititious) I ... .. 1 As noted previously, Kittanning contains approximately 229 acres of vacant land, 95 percent of which is situated in one large tract in the extreme northern section of the Borough. A summary of the character and location 1 of vacant land acreage by degree of slope is shown on the Vacant Land Analysis Map. 1

Of the 229 acres of land remaining for general development in the Borough, 25 acres or 11 percent have slopes ranging from 0 to 8 percent. Approxi- 1 mately 79 acres or 34 percent have slopes of from 8 to 16 percent, and 125 acres or 55 percent have slopes in excess of 16 percent. 1 1 - 15 - I 1 I From the above, it can be noted that slightly over half of the remaining vacant land in the Borough has little or no urban development potential I due to excessive slopes. As can be seen on the Vacant Land Analysis Map, the vacant land falling within the four slope range categories is comprised of an irregular series. Noting the progressions, however, it is I conceivable that the development potential of the more restrictive vacant land areas, 16 to 24 percent, can be increased somewhat with grading and filling. Where the terrain exceeds a 24 percent slope, there is a severe I access problem which will hinder continuity of development.

I TABLE 4 I SLOPE ANALYSIS 5

I SLOPE RANGE TOTAL BOROUGH LAND AREA VACANT LAND AREA Acres Percent Acres Percent

I 0 to 8% 353 0 3 57 24.9 11 I 8 to 16% 115.4 18 79.0 34 16 to 24% 68.6 11 56.1 25 I Over 24% 87.2 -14 -69.2 -30 TOTAL 624.5 100 229.2 100

Source: Plotted and computed by Bellante and Clauss, February, 1964.

In order to attain the full development potential of the vacant land area northeast of Johnston Avenue, the tract should be planned in its entirety even though development will, in all probability, occur in stages. This will permit the early establishment of a curvilinear street system and land development pattern which will relate to the topography, and prove more economical in the long run for the developer as well as the municipality

- 16 - VACANT LAND ANALYSIS

Y z 4 a LL

I-

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BOROUGH OF KITTANNING

THE PREPlRATION OF THIS YAP WAS FINWCEO IN PART THROW4 AN URBIN PLANNING GWT FWY THE HOUSING ARMSTRONG COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA AWO WYE FINANCE AGENCY WOER rnE FUWISIOPS a SECTION ‘4 OF ME )(OUSING IC1 OF 8954. AS AUENOEO wim SUPERVISION 01 m~ BURE~U OF OO~YUNITI. OEVELWENT. PMt6VLVWIA OEMRTUENT~OFCCUYERCE BOROUGH OF KITTANNING PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION I I I

I Population Ch ormteristics I t I I This section analyzes the characteristics of the Borough's present population and estimates the size of its future population. Population I stydies are a prerequisite in determining the adequacy of existing municipal services and facilities serving the present population. Projections of future population size are needed to estimate future land requirements, shopping area requirements, and land areas required I for supporting community facilities such as schools and recreation. I PO PU L AT10 N TRENDS B Many important changes have taken place in the population structure of Kittanning over the past several years. The most obvious change was the I decline in the total population from 7,731 persons in 1950 to 6,793 persons in 1960. Another significant change was the relative aging of the popula- I tion - 37 percent of the population was over 45 years of age in 1960.

Two factors help to explain why these changes have taken place. First, t the economy of Armstrong County has not been expanding rapidly. This led to the out-migration of individuals and families in search of economic opportunities. Secondly, there was an outward movement of persons from the urban to the rural areas of the County. This is re- I flected more in tenns of the age composition of the population rather than in absolute numbers. I I - 17 - I I 1 TABLE 5

I COMPARATIVE POPULATION TRENDS I BOROUGH OF KITTANNING AND SELECTED AREAS, 1940 TO 1960 % CHANGE % CHANGE 1940 1950 1940-50 1960 1950-60 1 GEOGRAPHIC AREA - I - KITTANNING BOROUGH 7,550 7,731 t 2.4 6,793 - 12.1

3 West Kittanning 1,005 910 - 9.5 1,101 + 21.0 Borough Applewold Borough 457 500 + 9.4 48 9 - 2.2 I East Franklin Twp. 2,959 3,505 t 18.5 4,087 t 16.6 Rayburn Twp. 1,909 2,164 t 13.4 2,179 -t 0.1 Ford City Borough 5,795 5,352 - 7.6 5,440 t 1.6 1 Manor Twp. 3,982 4,798 + 20.5 5,013 4- 4.5 ARMSTRONG COUNTY 81,087 80,842 - 0.3 79,524 - 1.6

I PENNSYLVANIA 9,900,180 10,498,012 t 6.0 11,,319, 366 -t 7.8 I Source: U. S. Census of Population, 1940, 1950 and 1960.

I Table 5 reflects the changes that have taken place in Kittanning and its surrounding communities since 1940. While Kittanning continued as the largest population center, it had a substantial population percentage loss, With the exception of Applewold, all other surrounding areas had I a population increase between 1950 and 1960. East Franklin Township has had the largest percentage and numerical increase since 1940.

The pattern of decline in Kittanning is, in many ways, more similar to County trends. Armstrong County had a very slight decrease between 1940 and 1950 of 0.3 percent, while Kittanning increased by a modest 2.4 percent. Between 1950 and 1960, both the County and the Borough declined in population. The lack of economic vitality is largely responsible for the decline pattern.

- 18 - I

COMPONENTS OF POPULATION CHANGE I

Population change is dependent upon three factors: the number of births, I the number of deaths, and migration. The numerical difference between births and deaths represents the "natural increase" of the population Migration is the movement of persons into and out of an area. The rate 1 of "inrr and 'rout" migration will largely determine whether a community has a net population increase or decrease. Within an economic region, such as the County, migration rates will depend on employment opportunities; within a smaller geographic entity, such as the Borough of I Kittanning, employment will be a major factor, but the quality of residential areas, schools, recreation areas and municipal services will also influence migration patterns. I 1 BIRTHS AND DEATHS (NATURAL INCREASE)

Official birth and death statistics from the Pennsylvania Department of Health are available only for the years 1955 through 1963. Estimates of I natural increase - the excess of births over deaths.- are calculated on the basis of data covering the period 1955 - 1960. 1

In the years from 1955 through 1959, Kittanningls birth rates were high, especially when compared with the Armstrong County rate. Since 1959, the I Borough rate has declined, with a slight upward spurt seen in 1963. Arm- strong County birth rates remained relatively stable until 1961. Kittanning's birth'rate, with the exception of 1961 and 1962, has exceeded the County rate. I

The death. rate in Kittanning was at a relatively high level throughout the p&iod 1955 - 1963. As shown in Table 6, the Borough rate has been con- I sistently higher than the Codnty. I In the two most recent years for which statistics are available, 1962 and 1963, Kittanning's birth and death rates have been brought very close together. In 1963, the difference was only 0,3 per 1,000 population, In terms of the actual numbers, there was a difference of only two births I over deaths in 1963. The implications of these trends are clear: as the birth and death rates approach the same level, the opportunity for natural increase of the population is cancelled out. Future population increases I must, therefore, come from the in-migration of persons. I I I I TABLE 6

RESIDENT LIVE BIRTHS AND DEATHS, KITTANNING BOROUGH

AND BIRTH AND DEATH RATES*, KITTANNING BOROUGH AND

ARMSTRONG COUNTY 1955 - 1963

BIRTHS DEATHS -YEAR KITTANNING ARMSTRONG CO. KITTANNING ARMSTRONG CO. -No. -Rate -Rate -No. -Rate -Rate 1955 222 30.7 22.0 95 13.1 9.4 1956 207 29.0 22.4 75 10.5 9.3 1957 206 29.3 23.8 93 13.2 10.1 1958 187 27.0 23.3 88 12.7 9.9 , 1959 182 26.6 22.1 90 13.2 10.3 1960 152 22.4 20.6 83 12.2 10.3 1961 141 21.1 21.2 86 12.8 9.6 1962 116 17.6 18,5 103 15.6 10.5 1963 125 19.2 18.2 123 18.9 11.6

* Rate per 1,000 estimated midyear population

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Health.

MIGRATION

Migration is the movement of population into or from an area. While there is a constant movement of persons in a community, net "in" or "out" migration is influential in determining whether an area has a population increase or decrease

Between 1955 and 1960, there were 1,042 resident births in Kittanning, and 461 deaths, for a natural increase of 581 persons. Since there was an actual population loss reported in the 1960 Census, out-migration was undoubtedly the decisive factor in the Borough's population change. The total estimated out migration from the Borough was 1,030 persons.

- 20 - Q 4r Q*

LEGEND

REmESENTS3HQIsvIQ WITS APmxIwITuI

(31 AVERAGE NUMBER OF PERSONS PER nousEnm --- FIMINIIIO DISTRICT BWNDARIES

WEST KITTANNING

PREPARED BY BElLUrTE AND CLAUSS PLANNERS . lRcWTECTS ' ENOINEECS NOVEMBER, 1964

BOROUGH OF KITTANNING

THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART THROUGH dN URBAN PUNNING GRAM FRW THE WING AND HWE RNANCE AGENCY. UNER THE PROWIONS OF SECTloH 701 OF THE HOUSING ACT OF IE34.AS AMEMED. ARMST RO N G WlTH SUPERVISIMI BY THE BUREAU OF COMMUNITY C OU N TY PENNSY LVA N I A DMLWMENT, PENNSYLVANIA DEMRTLOlT OF COHIIERO. I Jll7 BOROUGH OF KITTANNING PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION TABLE 7

FACTORS AFFECTING POPULATION CHANGE:

NATURAL INCREASE AND MIGRATION, 1955 TO 1960

ESTIMATED POPULATION, 1955 7,242

NET NATURAL INCREASE 1955-1960 581

Number of births(1) 1,042 Number of deaths(1) 46 1

ANTICIPATED 1960 POPULATION 7,823

ACTUAL 1960 POPULATION 6,793

ESTIMATED NET OUT-MIGRAT ION 1,030

('1 Resident births and deaths - January 1, 1955 through April 1, 1960

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULA TlON

The rates of natural increase and migration are major factors which affect the composition of the population. These population characteristics include the age and sex distribution ofthe population, the median age, and household size. Analysis of these social characteristics gives an indication of the potential for future natural increase, the facilities that are needed to serve various age segments of the population, and land areas required for residential use and other purposes.

AGE DISTRIBUTION

The general trend over the past twenty years has been toward an aging of the population. A much higher percentage of the population was over 45 years of age in 1960 than in 1940.

- 21 - I 1 Under 25. In numerical and percentage terms, the Borough's "under 25" population has decreased since 1940. No numerical change was noted in the age group 5 - 14 in 1960, but, because of the general population loss, it increased to 17 percent of the total population. I There were fewer of the very young (under 5 years) in 1960 than in 1950, but more than reported in the 1940 Census. The major change was in the group 15 - 24. These are the young persons in I the late high school, college, military service and labor force entry years. It also includes the young marriageable and child- rearing age groups. In all respects, it is the key group with 1 respect to influencing future population levels and characteristics. In 1960, this age group comprised only 13 percent of the total population, whereas in 1940, it was 18 percent, and in 1960, 14 percent. There was a numerical decrease of 212 persons 15 - 24 1 between 1950 and 1960. I TABLE 8 I AGE DISTRIBUTION OF THE POPULATION: NUMBER AND PERCENT BOROUGH OF KITTANNING 1940, 1950 AND 1960 I

AGE GROUP 1940 1950 1960 Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent I

Under 5 532 7 759 10 6 44 9 5 - 14 1,162 15 1,163 15 1,163 17 I 15 - 24 1,385 18 1,082 14 870 13

Total Under 25 3,079 41 3,004 39 2,677 39 I

25 - 34 1,291 17 1,238 16 7 06 10 35 - 44 1,010 13 1,114 14 905 13 I Total 25 - 44 2,301 30 2,352 30 1,611 24 1 45 - 54 857 11 890 12 880 13 55 - 64 6 91 9 721 9 7 46 11 I 64 and Over 622 8 7 64 10 87 9 13

~~ ~

Total 45 and Over 2,170 29 2,375 31 2,505 37 I

TOTAL 7,550 100 7,731 100 6,793 100 I Source: U. S. Census of Population, 1940, 1950 and 1960. Note: Percentage figures may not add to 100 due to rounding. I - 22 - I I Equally important is the fact that of the 1,163 pers0r.s who, in 1950, were between 5 and 14 years of age, only 75 percent "survived" to enter the 15 - 24 group ir. 1960. (Of the 1,162 persons 5 - 14 in I 1940, 93 percent "survived" to enter the 1950, 15 - 24 age group,)

25 - 44. This group sustained the greatest percentage loss, from I 30 percent ofthe population in 195'0, to 24 percent in 1960. Numer- ically, the group between the ages of 25 and 34 years declined by 532. The 706 persons in the age group 25 - 34 represents a "sur- I vival" of only 65 percent of the group that was 15 - 24 years in 1950. Only ten percent of the population was between 25 and 34 years of age., The age group, 35 to 44 years, while reduced in I number and as a percentage of total population, did not decline as rapidly as the 25 - 34 group.

1 45 and Over. There was a percentage increase in all three age categories comprising this group, and a numerical increase in two categories. The greatest change took place in the group over 65 I years of age which increased by 115 persons and by three percent of total populations. The 45 and over category represents 37 percent of the total population. The extension of the life span, re- i sulting from medical and scientific improvements, is a prime factor in the recent changes in the over 45 group.

I Selective out-migration is one of the major factors responsible for the relative changes taking place in the population structure. Young persons in the ages of 15 - 34 are the most mobile in the population. Frequently, I they are attracted by employment outside of the home area, particularly if job opportunities are scarce. Such has been the case in Kittanning and Armstrong County in recent years. Military service and the pursuit of higher education also attracts young out-migrants. Out-migration of I these groups frequently involves only a single person; Kittanning has I also experienced the out-migration of entire family units. In contrast to this, the most "stable" segment of the population are the older age groups. These persons are less mobile than the younger groups: I they are well established in the community, have relatively secure employment, and are socially "tied" to the community by reason of neigh- 1 borhood, family and other associations. There is a definite imbalance in the Borough's population structure. The population loss suffered by the Borough in recent years is much I more than a numerical decline. Also lost is the youthful sector which should provide the basis for future growth. As now constituted, the Borough's population structure does not have within itself the potential I numbers to produce population increase in the near future. I - 23 - I I I Table 9 compares the age composition of the Kittanning with other areas. The most obvious difference is in the older age groups. With few ex- ceptions, Kittanning has a generally less favorable age distribution 1 than any of the other areas compared. 1 TABLE 9

COMPARATIVE PERCENTAGE DISTRIBUTION OF THE POPULATION 1 BY AGE FOR BOROUGH OF KITTANNING, ARMSTRONG COUNTY, 1

ARMSTRONG UNITED I AGE GROUP KITTANNING FORD CITY COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA STATES P Under 5 9 9 E1 11 El I 5 - 14 17 E9 20 E9 20 15 - 24 13 10 12 13 13 I Total Under 24 39 38 43 43 44

25 - 34 10 11 12 13 13 I 35 - 44 13 17 E4 14 13 I Total 25 - 44 24 28 26 27 26

45 - 54 13 13 12 12 11 I 55 - 64 El 10 9 9 9 65 and Over 13 E1 10 10 9 1 Total 45 and Over 37 33 31 31 29

100 100 EO0 100 100 1

(a)Percentage figures may not add to 100 due to rounding. 1 Source: U. S. Census. of Population, 1960. 1 I 1 - 24 - I I

1 Median Age

Further evidence of the aging in Kittanning is shown in Table 10. The 1 median age is the exact middle age of the population: one-half of the population is younger than the median age, and one-half is older. I TABLE 10

I MEDIAN AGE OF POPULATION I KITTA"G, ARMSTRONG COUNTY AND PENNSYLVkL\TIA, 1940, 1950 AND 1960 -YEAR 'MEDIAN AGE (in years) I Kittann ing Armstrong County Pennsylvania 1940 29.4 24.9 29.1 1950 32.0 28.7 31.3 I 1960 35.2 31.1 32.0

Source: U. So Census of Population, 1940, 1950 and 1960.

Kittanning's median population age has been consistently higher than Arm- strong County ar,d Pennsylvania. In 1940 and 1950, the difference between Kittanning and the State was insignificant; in 1960, there was a substantial difference as a resrzlt of out-migration from the Borough.

Male - Female. Distribution __. The proportionate number of females to males is another important characteristic of the population. It has its most direct bearing on future family 1 formations, and subsequent birth rates. As evidenced in the following table, in almost every age group, females have outnumbered males since I 1940 Two factors account for the Borough's sex ratio. First, women are generally less mobile than are males; that is, the female sector of the population i is less subject to ont-migration than is the male sector. Selective migratior,, therefore, helps to create a sex ratio imbalance. The second factor is related to the fact that the women have a longer life span than I do men. The great imbalance of females in the age groups over 65 years of age is a reflection of this. I I - 25 - I I 1 TABLE 11 MALE-FEMALE DISTRIBUTION BY AGE GROUP 1 BOROUGH OF KITTANNING, ARMSTRONG COUNTY

AND PENNSYLVANIA 1940, 1950, 1960 I

AGE GROUP NUMBER OF FEMALES PER 100 WLES - 1 aArmstrong Count1 Pennsylvania 1940 1950 1960 1960 1960 --- - 7 Under 5 97 98 101 98 97 I 5 - 14 100 96 103 97 96 15 - 24 116 134 115 112 109 25 - 34 109 121 115 134 107 I 35 - 44 90 105 121 108 107 45 - 54 112 105 113 96 11s 55 - 64 111 1118 120 102 95 I 65 and Over 134 129 140 102 122

TOTAL 1 POPULATION 109 112 116 103 105

Source: 'U. S. Census of Population, 1940, 1950, and 1960. I I

The average'household size for Kittanning is derived by dividing the I total resident population by the total number of occupied housing units. The average number of persons per household is important for planning purposes since it directly affects the demand for housing as well as other community facilities and services. il

Kittanning9s average household size has been declining: 3.6 in 1940, 1 2.9 in 1950, and 3.0 in 1960. This trend is consistent with National, State and County trends. Average household size in the United States declined steadily between 1900 and 1960 from 4.7 to 3.3 persons per I household. Projections prepared by the U. S. Census Bureau indicate a further reduction to 3.1 persons by 1975, Table 12 notes that a parallel decline has taken place in Armstrong County and the State. 1 I I - 26 - I 1 i It can be assumed that the long-run decline in the size of households in the Borough will continue in the future. The rate of decline, however, will probably not be as great as it has been in the past. Factors contributing to the decline are the increased ability of older persons to i maintain individual households, smaller families,, and out-migration of i individual family members I TABLE 12 COMPARISON OF HOUSEHOLD SIZES 1 BOROUGH OF KITTANNING, ARMSTRONG COUNTY, I PENNSYLVANIA. AND THE UNITED STATES. 1940. 1950. 1960

PYEAR KITTANNING ARMSTRONG COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA UNITED STATES I 1940 3.6 4.0 3.9 3.8 1950 2.9 3.6 3.5 3.5 I 1960 3,O 3.4 3.3 3.4 Source: U. S. Census of Housing for Pennsylvania, 1940, 1950 and 1960. I

I PROJECTIONS OF FUTURE POPULATION .e.= Projections of Kittanning's future population depend on estimates of natural I increase (births and deaths) and net migration, The analysis has shown that, on the basis of recent trends in natural increase and migrations, the immediate prospects for growth are not optimistic. Population changes do not take place in a vacuum: they are affected by social and economic i conditions in an area. To the extent that the environment can be altered to improve these conditions, the greater are the opportunities to change the directions, or affect the rate, of population change.

Natural Increase. As noted earlier, the opportunity for population growth as a result of natural increase is limited. If current trends were to continue, Kittanning would actually be faced with "natural decrease," an excess of deaths over births. Analyzing the Borough's situation in greater detail, several important relationships were found which will have a bearing on future births and deaths.

- 27 - I

In 1950, women in the child-bearing age groups (15 - 44 years) I represented 24.2 percent of the total Borough population; in 1960, they were only 19.7 percent of the total. This has had an obvious effect on the birth rates. Furthermore, in the "prime years" (20 1 through 29 years), there were 46 percent fewer females in 1960 than in 1950. There were two factors which probably affected these relationships. The first Ts the depression of the 1930's. It is a 1 fact that fewer children were born during the decade of the 1930'~~ and those born during that time would range between 20 and 30 years of age. Second, there was probably an accelerated rate of female out-migration during the' 1950's. As evidence of this, the sex ratio 1 (number of females to 100 males) in the age group 20 - 29 years went from 131.6 in 1950 to 115,2 in 1960. While the out-migration pattern is still selective toward males, a greater balance was achieved in the I last decade I There were slightly more persons ranging in age from 5 through 19 years reported in 1960 than in 1950. These will be the persons forming new families over the next decade. There were only about twenty more females age 5 - 19 years in 1960 than in 1950. No significant im- i provement in the past trend can be forecast on this basis. 1 The other aspect of the situation, the number of deaths and the death rate, does not show signs of immediate improvement. The number and rate of deaths rose considerably in 1962 and 1963, The percentage of population over 45 years of age represented 37 per- I cent ofthe 1960 total, whereas in 1950, it was only 31 percent. On the basis of the 1960 population structure, the percentage of persons over 45 years of age should increase over the next decade. I

Based on the foregoing analysis, it must be concluded that the I present population structure will not show any substantial natural increase in the next several years, (It is estimated that the natural population increase from April 1, 1960 through December 31, 1963 was 122 persons.) It is possible that there could be a "natural I decrease" in population in a given year. The past population loss in the Borough and the potentially more serious unbalanced population structure is not seen to be corrected in the near future as a result I of a natural increase of the population. I Migration. hture migration patterns in Kittanning will depend on three factors: the suburbanization of Armstrong County, the rate of economic growth in the County, and changes in the Borough to improve the living and working environment of the residents. I I I - 28 - I 1

I The trend toward suburbanization it is assumed will continue in the future. There is no evidence that social values have changed to the extent that the move to suburbia has been halted. The efforts I that Kittanning makes to improve its living environment can have an effect on the rate of out-migration by offering the potential out- migrant a desirable alternative to suburban life. The population I loss of the past decade has tended to reduce densities in the Borough. Much more needs to be done to introduce amenity into residential areas, such as improving and expanding recreational services, eliminating substandard housing conditions, and eliminating incompatible uses I and other sources of blight. The economic life of the Borough must also be strengthened. I Improving the County's rate of economic growth is an area in which Kittanning has far less direct control, Nevertheless, the implication I for Kittanning is clear: unless employment opportunities are available in sufficient numbers to supply the future labor force, out-migration will continue. Each successive wave of out-migration reduces the population and labor force in the area, and makes economic improvement 1 more difficult to achieve. The Borough must work toward the improvement of economic conditions with County and area development agencies. I Projected Births and Deaths

Based on the experience of the recent past, it is felt that the birth I rates of the past two or three years are the most realistic for population projections. In view of the fact that no great increase in the number of females in the child-bearing age is expected in the next five to seven I years, a birth rate of 19 births per 1,000 population is assumed. The number of births should, therefore, range between 110 and 120 per year. I It is assumed that, on the basis ofthe sizable older population, the death rate will continue to be high. For projection purposes, a death rate of 16 per 1,000 population is projected. At this rate, the number I of deaths would range between 95 and 100 per year.

i Annual natural increase would amount to only 15 to 25 persons. Over the next six to seven years, total natural increase should amount to about 125 - 150 persons.

As noted earlier, it is not unlikely that in a given year natural increase might be cancelled out because of extremely high death rates. It is not expected, however, that "natural decrease" will be the predominant trend over the next several years.

- 29 - It is impossible to project birth and death rates beyond 1970; future rates will depend 02 the population structure at that time, and it is difficult to assess the changes that will occur as a result of migration. It is probable that natural increase would continue to be the predominant trend

Projected Mimation

There are no anticipated developments which would appreciably alter the dominant out-migration pattern of the past several years. It is expected that out-migration will tend to slow somewhat due to the fact that there are fewer potential out-migrants now than in the recent past. Migration will continue to be selective, removing from the Boroughss population structure persons in the young adult years; there should be fewer out- migrants in the middle adult years, however. In-migration of older persons is a distinct probability, since the urban character of the Borough offers attractions and conveniences for older persons. Net out-migration is estimated at approximately' 800 persons between 1960 and 1970.

Projected Population Levels

The projected population in 1970 is estimated at approximately 6,000 persons, distributed as follows :

Age Group Number Percent

0 - 24 2,500 41.0 25 - 44 1,200 20.0 45 and Over 2,300 --39.0

6,000 LOO 0 0

Projections for the decade of the 1970's depend on efforts at the local and regional level to improve the economic clinate. It is assumed that corrective measures will be undertaken over the next several years in Kittanning and Armstrong County, The effect of these efforts would be to reduce continued high rates of out-migration due to limited economic activities. Greater natural increase would also result from a reversal of the out-migration trend. The suburbanization trend will probably still be operating, however, to draw-off population from the urban areas to the rural districts, Based on these assumptions, it is estimated that Kittanning's resident population in 1980 would range between 5,500 and 6,000 persons.,

- 30 - I I I I I 1 I I

Trade - retail, wholesale and related services - is the foundation of I the economic life of Kittanning. The Borough is unquestionably the regional shopping center for Amstrong County: the Borough generates more than one-third of.aBB retail and service receipts, and almost I two-thirds of all retail trade, These activities provide employment for over 700 workers and have payrolls totaling about $3:5.milliov. I Because trade - particularly retail trade - is the principal economic activity and gives the Borough its unique role in the region, this study presents a detailed analysis of recent changes in this sector. I Other economic actlvities such as manufacturing are also examined to determine their impact in the economic base of Kittanning. I In addition to studies of the different types of economic activities engaged in by Borough residents, this report a3,po'presents analyses of employment and unemployment, the labor fome and incomes. Where- I ever appropriate, trends in Kittanning are related to County and State trends. Also included is a discussion of factors which are I related to planning determinations. I I I - 3l - -1 I

I EMPLOYMENT,UNEMPLOYMENTAND THELABOR FORCE I SOURCES OF EMPLOYMENT

I Employment trends in both Kittanning and Armstrong County are generally downward since 1950. In Kittanning, the number of employed Borough residents declined by 768 workers from 2,926 to 2,158 between 1950 and 1960. I This represented a 26.3 percent decline over the period. The only employment group that gained in total employees was "professional and related services." There was an increase of 84 persons, or 31.2 percent, over the 1950 employment figure. The greatest percentage losses I were noted in entertainment and recreation services (-loo%), business and repair services (-65.2%), mining (-62.5%), finance, insurance and real estate (-45 5%), and personal services (-40.9%). Manufacturing I workers declined by 236, and wholesale and retail workers by 168,

County employment showed mixed gains and losses. Agriculture, mining, manufacturing, business, repair, entertainment and recreation services declined; construction, transportation and communications, trade, finance, personal and professiohal services, and public administration increased.

The overall losses in employment are consistent with the population decline in the Borough and County. The population and employment losses in Kittanning are greater than those in the County. It is probable that the movement of families from the urban to suburban areas of the County are responsible for the differential rates of changes in the Borough and County

- 32 - TABLE 13

EMPLOYED LABOR FORCE : KITTANNING BOROUGH AND ARMSTRONG COUNTY 1

INDUSTRY GROUP KITTANNING BOROUGH ARMSTRONG COUNTY md% Distribution 2%Chan, -1950 -1960 - 1950 - 1960 1950-60 -1950 - 1960 -1950 - 1960 1950-60 Agriculture 7 '6 002 0.3 - 14.3 1,840 1,255 7.2 5.3 - 31.8 Mining 147 55 5.0 2.5 - 62.5 3,890 1,260 15.2 5.3 - 67.6 Construction 152 110 5.2 5.1 - 27.7 1,001 1,326 3.9 5.6 + 32.4 Manufacturing 781 545 26.7 25,2 - 30.3 9,675 9,342 37.8 39.6 - 3.5 I Transportation & w 268 185 9.2 8.6- - 31,O 1,723 1,733 6.7 7.3 + 0.5 w Communication I Retail & Wholesale 739 571 25.3 26.5 - 12.8 3,472 3,922 13-6 16.6- + 12.9 Trade Finance, Insurance 88 48 3.0 202 - 45.5 3 33 441 1.3 1.9 + 32.4 & Real Estate Business & Repair 69 24 2.4 1.1 - 65.2 47 5 3 17 1.9 1.3 - 33.3 Service

Personal Services 2 08 123 7.1 5.7 - 40.9 8 91 924 3.5 3.9 + 3.7 & 41 1.4 - Entertainment -100 0 0 148 80 0.6 0.3 - 45.9 Recreation Professional Services 269 353 9.2 16.4 + 31.2 1,302 2,064 5.1 8.8 + 58.5 Public Administration 121 102 4.1 4.7 - 15.8 444 487 1.7 2.1 + 9.6 Not Reported 36 36 1.2 1.7 0.0 432 435 1.7 1.8 + 0.6

TOTAL 2,926 2,158 100.0 100.0 - 26.3 25,626 23,586 100,O 100.0 - 8.0 * Figures may not add to 100 due to rounding. Source: U.S. Census of Population 1950 and 1960. I

I THE LABOR FORCE AND UNEMPLOYMENT

The size of Kittanning's civilian labor force went from 3,065 persons in I 1950 to 2,327 persons in 1960. This was a loss of 24.1 percent. There was only a slight change in the male-female composition of the labor force: males were 71.5 and 70.2 percent of the labor force in 1950 and 1960. Total employment declined by 26.3 percent, while unemployment rose iI to 7,3 percent of the labor force. The number of unemployed persons rose I by 21.6 percent over the ten-year period. I TABLE 14 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE LABOR FORCE I 7

PERCENT CHANGE CHARACTER IST I C 1950 1960 1950 TO 1960 _o Civilian Labor Force 3,065 2,327 - 24.1 Male 2,193 1,633 - 25.5 Female 872 6 94 - 20.4

Numb'er Employed 2,926 2,158 - 26.3

Number hemploy ed 139 169 + 21.6 Percent Unemployed 4.5 7.3 -

Source: U. S. Census of Population, 1950 and 1960.

Information is not available regarding the age and skill characteristics of Kittanning's unemployed labor force.

Out-migration and retirement from the labor force account for the sizable reduction in the total civilian labor force. The unemployment rate of 7.3 percent in 1960, which is not exorbitantly high when compared with other areas of the State, obscures the fact that there has be a siphoning- off of locally educated young adults to other areas. This result of out- migration - the loss of the community's young adult age groups and future labor force - will have a serious impact on the area's ability to attract new major employment sources. The loss of these age groups also reduces the number of potential new family formations and future population increases,

- 34 - RETAIL TMDE

KittanningPsretail establishments generate more than $20 million in sales annually. This volume of retailing activity represents about one-third of total retail sales in Armstrong County, Although the statistics for the Borough are impressive, it is a fact that the local retail sector is not in a healthy condition. Growth, where it occurs, is taking place slowly; stagnation, or decline, is prevalent in a number of key retail indicators.

TABLE 15

SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS OF RETAIL TRADE

BOROUGH OF KITTANNING, 1948, 1954 AND 1958

CHARACTERISTIC 1948 1954 1958 - _I ESTABLISHMENTS: + Number 190 211 174 Percent of County Establishments 20.6 2223 21.5

EMPLOYMENT : Number 1,068 922 851 Percentage Change - 13.7 - 7.7 Percent of County Employment 41.1 42.3 37.9

PAYROLLS : Total: current year dollars $ 1,780,000 2,177,000 2,324,000 Percentage Change + 22.3 + 6.8 Percent of County payrolls 42,6 44.5 40.2

SALES VOLUME: Sales - current year dollars 21,634,000 23,161,000 Sales - constant 1954 dollars* 21,634,000 21,585,000 Percentage change - 1954 - dollars - 1.9 - 0.2 Percent of County Sales - 1954 - 36.3 36.5 34.6 dollars

SALES PER EMPLOYEE (1954 $9s) $20,645 23,645 25,365

SALES PER ESTABLISHMENT (1954 $*s) $103,860 102,530 133,110

* 1954 = 100

Source: U. So Census of Business 1948, 1954 and 1958,

- 35 - I

I Sales volume in 1954 dollars, employment and the number of retail establishments are all dow- in Kittanning since 1954. Kittanniilg retained its dominant position in terms of the overall County retail trade picture, but I its percentage of County establishments, employment, payrolls and sales declined. The County, on the other hand, showed limited gains in 1958 compared with E954*. The relatively small percentage increases are not I indicative, however, of a~rapidlygrowing retail trade sector.

These retail trends have operated concurrently with other significant I factors in the area:

I P. Population losses have been noted in Kittanning and throughout the County for the past years, Iietail sales losses, or stagnation in various retail sectors, em be explained in part by the e decline in the number of potential customers in the market area.

2. Personal income of County resider,ts has not risen as rapidly as has the State, due to the relatively depressed condition of the CountyDs economy. Slow income growth has reduced sales potential,

3. As disposable income increases, a significant portion of the increase will be devoted to nonretail expenditures, i.e., personal services. This means that retail sales do not increase proportionately with increases ir, income.

4. Retail purchases are made in retail centers octside the County, notably in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, There is a considerable "draw" of patrons from the Kittanning market area to these centers for comparison shopping and a variety of merchandise offerings.

Another significant factor in the local and County retail structure is the develop2ent of retail. business outszde of existirig ceilters. The following table shows the "remainder of County" category as the mEy one that shows a sizable improvement in recent years. For example, while the County was losing 12.6 percent of its retail establishments, between 1954 and 1958, the "remainder of County" establishments remained at approximately the

-- * It should be noted that 1954 and 1958 were recession years, while the intervening three years saw a business upturn.

- 36 - TABLE 16

CHARACTERISTICS OF RETAIL TRADE: KITTANNING

E STABL I SHMENT S EMPLOYEES { PAYROLLS ($OOO*s) ---1948 1954 1958 --- 1948 1954 1958 -1948 -1954 -1958 -1948 -1954 - 1958 KITTANNING 190 211 174 1,068 922 851 $19,733 $21,634 $23,161 $1,780 $2,177 $2,324

Apollo 65 78 65 194 153 . 163 4,439 4,257 4,300 353 340 432

Ford City 87 109 81 295 302 251 5,496 7,041 7,014 436 645 612 I w Freeport 49 55 43 107 160 108 2,480 4,013 3,610 193 329 2 97 4

I Leechburg 82 98 75 305 288 318 5,902 7,734 7,942 440 686 7 91

Remainder 448 37 5 371 629 354 557 16,305 14,582 20,969 97 6 717 1,328 of County

TOTAL COUNTY 921 926 809 2,598 2,179 2,248 $54,355 $59,261 $66,996 $4,178 $4,894 $5,784

In current year dollars.

Source: U. S. Census of Business 1948, 1954 and 1958. I

I same level. It is probable fiat there were existing retailers who wept out of business (consistent with the averall County situ-ation) but there was also a comparable number of new enterprises to replace them. The "remainder I of ,County7' establishments ixreased total employment by over 200 workers, payrolls almost doubled, and sales totaled almost $6.5 million more in 1958 i than in 1954.

I --E!-NALYSFS OF RETAIL TRADk9-- RY TYPE OF BUSINESS In order to distinguish the imprtant changes taking place in the trade SGX-~Q~,each retail group represented in Kittanning is analyzed for the I three most recent Busiiless Census years.

P TABLE E7

RETAIL TRADE BY KIND i)F BUSZNESS GRULTP: I SALE 'U'OLUME AWD PERCENTAGE CHANGE IN CONSTANT 2954 DOL-LARS f BOF.OUGH C)F KITTANNING 1948, 1954 AIYD E958-

KIND OF BUSINESS e_l SALES IN 1954 DOLLARS-- PERCENTAGE CHANGE 14148 -1954 -1958 I1948-54 1954-58 Lumber, Building $2,0~,3,000 $1,444,000 $1,496,000 - 3,4 - 23.0 Material, etc General Merchandise 2,917,060 2,546,000 2,296,000 - 12.7 - 9.8 Food Stores 4,477 ,000 5,053,000 5,739,000 + 12.8 + 13.6 AdtQmQtiVe Dealers 5,952,000 ' 5,043,000 5,043,000 - 15.3 0 Gasoline Service 653,000 B, 192,003 l,195,000 + 97.8 - 7.5 Stations Apparel, Accessories lL,570,000 2,073,000 l,953,000 + 10.9 - 5.8 Furniture, Appliances E, 403 ,000 E, 07l,000 LjEB9,000 - 23.7 + 4.5 Eating and 892,000 951,000 1,020,000 + 6.6 + 7.3 Drinking Plases Drug Stores 599,000 580,000 593,000 - 3,2 + 2.2 Other E, 27E,000 1, 984,300 I,Y28,000 - 14,7 + 4.1

TOTAL $22,048,000 $21,634,000 $21,585,000 - 1.9 - 0.2

Note: 1954 = 100

Somee: U. S. Census of Business 1948, 1'354 and 1958.

- 38 - 1 1 Lramber,~,Hardware, Farm Equipment Dealers

Establishments included in this category sell lumber, basic lines of hardware, paints, glass, roofing materials and other supplies and equip- 1 ment for home construction, to both contractors and the general public. i C_HARACTERISTIC 1948 1954 1958 Sales - current year dollars $1,802,000 $1,944,000 $1,605,000 I Sales - 1954 dollars $2,013,000 $1,944,000 $1,496,000 Percent change (sales in 1954 $Is) - 3.4 - 23.0 Percent of Coilnty Sales (1954 $'s) 34.9 38.7 32.5 Numb es of establishments 16 17 15 1 Percent of County establishments 30.2 26.6 25.9 Sales per establishment (1954 $ 's ) $112,625 $114,350 $107,000 1

Lumber and building materials sales have declined since 1948 as a result of decreased building activity and population losses in the Borough., Sales for I 1954 and 1958 were probably reduced by the deferment of home improvement projects until after the recession during those two years. 1

Another significant trend is the decline of lumber sales and establishments in Kittanning as a. percentage of the County. This is probably due to the I dispersal of population and home building activity in the outlying areaso

This retail grouping ranked fifth in total Borough sales in 1954 and 1958, I arid fourth in 1948. 1 General Merchandise Included in this group are department stores, variety stores, dry goods, I and similar product line establishments,

CHARACTERISTIC; 1948 1954 I Sales - current year dollars $2,611,000 $2,546,000 $2 464,000 Sales - 1954 dollars $2,917,000 $2 546,000 $2,296,000 I Percent change (sales in 1954 $'s) - 12.7 - 9.8 Percent of County sales (in 1954 $Is) 38,6 44.6 55.7 Number of establishments 5 9 7 I Percent of County Establishments 7.6 16,4 21.2 Sales per establishment $522,200 $282 880 $352,000 I 1 - 39 - I 1 I I

The Bor~ugfihas increasd its pereeritage of Coun~ygeneral nerchandise I sales to over 55 percent in E958, although l-t.had only about one-fifth of aPL es%ab%ishrnents0 I

TXs gmq includes estabkfslments primarily sellkg fuod for home preparation arid consumption, SLX~3s groceries, meat and fish markets, vegetable markets, daily products ~"FYC~Eazd bdiceraes.

6Hi9.W.C TER. 1s ?' C - 1948 1554 1958 L-&--I__ L-&--I__ I _----I-q___------=__I---

Sales - e.siupb-ent year daL1a;es $4, uci7, '300 $5,050,000 $6,158,000 Salpn+a - 1954 dollars $4,477,000 $4,058,000 $5,739,000 Pe:rcerit cha.nge (Sales in 1954 $9s> + 12.8 f 13.8 I Percept C!f Coe.rzty Sales (1954 $*SI 28 e 6 30.5 2'7 e 9 liiuriibelp of establishments 43 39 E6 2 @P c ei~to f C ty E stabI i stim ents 115.3 rs.1 9.4 I Sales per establishment $93,185 $129,485 $384,875

Food sales increased throughozt the periad, by l2,8 percent frm 11948-54 I and L7,e percent from 1954-58. Although hod prices kave increased, by asing a eo?stant 1954 dollar i-idex it is o'ctsims that tbe increase cannot he attributed to irflation akom, Otre exphar,af.~gnfor tbe increase was I that a larger share of disposati3.e incane was devoted to food pxchases, Another facasor was iccreased sales of processed foods and rmnedible 1 grseery items 0 'The deel.l.re in the nur~ber~f establishments fs a signi.fiean.t trend. This is partly due to the continiled growth of chain aid self-service establish- 1 ments ., Furtherrnc~re, -the d.ata for "meat narke.~~,'' "rfruit stores, '' etc > in the 1953 Cens.us of Eusiness as cornisred with the 1954 Census is affected by the trea.tment of Leased d.epartmeqts as parts of the establishment I within which they operate rather thar. as separate estabbishnents I I - 40 - I I 1 Food store sales ranked first in retail sales for both Kittanning and Amstrong County in 1958. Food sales represented 26.6 percent of total retail sales in Kittanning, and 32.9 percent of total sales in the County. I Automotive Dealers I Establishments engaged in selling new and used passenger automobiles, mobile homes and automotive products such as tires, batteries and accessory dealers are included in this group. I CHARACTERISTIC 1948 1954 1958 1 Sales - current year dollars $5,327,000 $5,043,000 $5,411,000 Sales - 1954 dollars $5,952,000 $5 ,043,000 $5,043,000 Percent change (sales in 1954 $'s) - 15.3 0 1 Percent of County sales (E954 $'s) 48.9 44.8 40.6 Number of establishments 22 20 17 Percent of County Estab lishment s 40.0 44.4 31,5 Sales per establishment $242,135 $252,150 $318,295 I

Automotive sales held their own between 1954 and 1958 while County sales I rose by over 10 percent, Kittanning has declined as the location for automotive sales. Almost 50 percent of County automotive sales took place in the Borough in 1948; in 1958, only about 40 percent of total I sales were made in the Borough, During this period, the County had a net loss of one automotive dealer, while the Borough lost five dealers and slipped from 40 percent of total County establishments in 1948 to 31.5 percent in 1958. Operations in outlying sectors of the County have I undoubtedly siphoned-off a good portion of the automotive products sales potential, I

The volume of automotive sales placed it second in total sales ranking for both Kittanning and the County in 1958. 1

Gasoline Service Stations I Included in this group are establishments primarily selling gasoline and other automotive petroleum products. 1 1 I 1 - 41 1 ------CHAKACTER.ISTLCS 1948 1954 E958 Sales - currerat year dollars $584, OCO $1, 292,000 $1, 282,000 Sales - 1954 dollars $053,000 $1, 292,000 $1,195,000 Percent change (sales in 1954 $Is) t 97.8 - 7.5 Fercerit of County sales (1954 $'SI 17,O 29.1 21.4 Nr?mber of establishments E2 19 19 Percent of County establishments 8.6 l4,8 16.4

Sales per establishment $48,665 ' $68,000 $67,475

., Sales of gasoline and other petmleum products,aimost .doubled between 1948 and 1954, but declined by 7.5 perceilt'.eetween 1954 and. 195.8,. The very considerable dollar volume expended for these products',fs'indiciative of the importame the ailtomobile has in the life of the County.

Gasoline sakes ranked sixth in Borough.sa1es in 1958, but ranked third ifi total County sales,

Establishments ir, this group are primarily erigaged in selling clothing and related articles for personal wear,

Sales - current year dollars $1,674,000 $2,073,000 $2,096,000 Sales - I954 dollars $l,870,900 $2,? 073,000 $1,953,000 Percent change (sales in 1954 $'s) t 10.9 - 5.8 Percent of County Sales (1954 $Is) 55.0 61.1 62.7 Numb er of estab Pi shm-ent s 24 27 26 Perc ent of County Establishments 43,6 44,3 55,3 Sales per establishment $69 7 5 0 $76,775 $80,615

Ki.ttanning completely dominates the apparel and accessories sector of retail sales in the County, More t'han three-fiftks (67,2 percent j of total apparel sales took place i.n the Boroughe Furthemore, Kittanning has continued to increase its share of sales and establishments since 1948. These changes are important since they indicate a specialization of retail functions in I the Ki-ttanriing downtomi area. The Borough*s CBD is becoming rnore important as the central location for specialty items. In 1948, apparel sales ranked fifth ir. total Borough sales, and fourth in E954 and 1958. By comparison, apparel sales for the Comty ranked only eighth in 1943, seventh in 1954 I a.nd eighth in 1958. 1 I - 42 -

I i I 1

Included in this group are establishments primarily selling merchandise used in furnishing the home, such as furniture, floor coverings, draperies, I household appliances, TV sets, etc. I CHARACTERISTICS 1948 1954 1958

Sales - current year dollars $1,256,000 $1,071,000 $1,201,000 Sales - 1954 dollars $1,403,000 $1, 071,000 $1,119,000 1 Percent changes (sales in 1954 $'s) - 23.7 + 4.5 Percent of County Sales (1954 $'s) 53.0 34.7 43.8 Number of establishments l3 16 14 1 Percent of County establishments 40.4 30.2 32.6 Sales per establishment $96,615 $66,935 $85,785 1 Furniture and home furnishings sales picked up between 1954 and 1958, following a considerable loss (-23.7 percent) between 1948 and 1954, Some of the 4.5 percent increase can be attributed to the inclusion of I musical instruments, and music and record shops in this sales grouping in 1958, whereas they were classed in "other retail stores" group in 1954. It is concluded, however, that this retail group showed considerable strength I over the 1954-1958 period, since many of the product lines offered were in the "hard" goods category and purchases relatively easy to defer until after the recession. I

Furniture sales, however, ranked only eighth of total Borough sales. This low ranking is probably due to two factors: many furniture and home furn- I ishings sales are made in department stores which are classed in the "general merchandise" category; and, since purchases of these major items are infrequent, they are often made in larger metropolitan centers where there I is a greater selection and variety offered.

0 I Included are establishments primarily selling prepared food and drinks for consumption on their ownapremises. I

;CHAUCTERISTIC 1948 1954 I Sales - current year dollars $798,000 $951,000 $1,095,000 Sales - 1954 dollars $892,000 $951,000 $1,020,000 Percent change (sales in 1954 $*s) + 6,6 + 7.3 I Percent of County sales (1954 $'s) 25.4 29.0 30.3 Numb er of estab 1 ishmen t s 23 24 31 Percent of County Establishments 16,l 16.1 20.1 I Sales per establishment $34,695 $39,625 $35,322 1 - 43 - I Eating and drinkir,g establishmentst sakes have shorn a steady increase since 1948, Although Kittanning has improved its position both in terms of percentage of County sales and County establishments, sales ranked ninth in the Borough and seventh in the County for 1958,

Drug and

Drug stores are those which sell drugs, medicines and other health and first aid products, and fill prescriptions. Proprietary stores sell the same merchandise as drug stores, except that prescriptions are not filled.

____11____1CHARACTER ISTIC E948 1954 1958

Sales - current year dollars $536,000 $500,000 $636,000 Sales - 1954 dollars $599,000 $580,000 $593,000 Percent change (sales in 1954 $'s) - 3.2 -I2.2 Percent of County sales (1954 $'s) 37 .I 38.6 34.0 Number of establishments 8 6 6 Percent of County establishments 30.8 30,o 31.6 Sales per establishment $67,000 $96,665 $106,000

There was a slight increase in sales of 2.2 percent from 1954 to 1958, following a slight decline over the earlier period. In general, the Bor- ough's share of the retail drug trade has been reduced over the years. Drug sales ranked tenth in both the Borough and County for each of the Census years ,,

Other Retail Stores I Included in this group are miscellaneous retail establishments primarily sellirlg such things as: sporting goods, jewelry, liquor, stationery, cameras, gifts, luggage, etc, Also included in this group (for analysis purposes are nonstore retailers, which include mail-order firms, vending 1' machine operators and direct selling (house-to-house) organizations.

1 CHARACTERISTIC 1948 E954 1958

Sales - current year dollars $1,138,000 $B,084,000 $1,2lO, 000 I Sales - 1954 dollars $l,27P,OOO $1,084,000 $1,128,000 Percent change (sales in 1954 $'s) - b4,7 + 4.1 Percent of County sales (1954 $'s) 28.0 20.9 25.9 Number 0f establishments 24 34 23 I Percent of County establishments 3o04 23.1 20.2 Sales per establishment $47,415 $31,880 $52,610 I I - 44 - 1 1 Although two kind-of-business groups are included in this category, they were combined in this analysis for comparability with 1948 statistics. On this basis, Kittanning's share of "other retail" trade has not fared too well. There was an improvement of 41 percent in 1958 sales over 1954, I following a 14.7 percent decrease from 1948-54. 1 Separate statistics are available for 1954 and 1958, however, which indicate some notable trends. For the "miscellaneous retail grouping" (other retail stores ) which include specialty shops, sales in Kittanning rose by 6.4 percent from 1954 to 1958, compared with the County which 1 declined by 19 percent. As a result, the Borough went from 20.3 percent of total County sales in 1954 to 26.7 percent in 1958. For the nonstore retailers group, the reverse situation is noted. Kittanning had an 11.3 1 percent decline in nonstore sales from 1954 to 1958, while the County increased by 8.6 percent. Both trends indicate the growing importance of Kittanning as the central location for specialty retail items. 1

SELECTED SERVICES I

As indicated earlier, selected service trade is closely related with the retail trade activity in Kittanning's central business district., Included 1 in the selected services grouping are personal services, auto repair services and miscellaneous services such as business repair and recreation services 1

TABLE 18 I SELECTED SERVICE RECEIPTS, BY TYPE OF ESTABLISHMENT* I 1 TYPE OF ESTABLISHMENT KITTA" ING ARMSTRONG COUNTY 1948 1954 1958 1948 1954 1958 - p_n_ I I- - I Personal Services' $435 $ 405 $ 516 $1,065 $1,237 $1,787 Auto Repair and Service 45 35 402 244 N. A. 1,092 I All Other Services 65 577 ___7 47 141 N. A, 1,984 - e__. TOTAL $545 $1,017 $1,665 $1,450 $2,955 $4,863 1 * Not included in the statistics for selected services are educational, medical and other professional services. N. A. - Not Available I

Source: U. So Census of Business, Selected Service Trade, 1948, 1954 and 1958 I - 45 - I I

I Selected service receipts of Kittaming establishments represented 34.4 percent of totai County receipts in 1954 and 34,2 percent in 1958. Kittanging, with 47.2 percent of service employees ir 1958, paid out I 46,l percent of payrolls, Not included are the 8'7 proprietors who are engaged in providiqg services and whose income from such operations is not listed, The table also indicates that except for Kittanning, em- i ployment per establishment is relatively small with mcst operations supporting only the proprietor and an assj-stant.

I Service receipts in KittanniRg rose by 86.6 percent -from 1948 to 1954, and by 63.7 percent between 1954 and 1958. For the Comty receipts rose by l03,8 and 64,6 percent for the 1948-54 and 1954-58 periods, I respectively

I The busizzess grouping "all ather services" is now the largest services group in both Kittanning and the Ccmny. Auto repair services have also grown at a rapid rate in recent years. The increase in service activities is related to the growth of personal income. As income has grown, a 1 larger share of dispasable income has been de-goted to services, It is expected that service activity in Kittanning will continue to grow, probably at a rate greater than the anticipated iwsease in personal I income I WHOLESALE TRADE

Kittanning is also the cer&er of whoiesaling activities for Amstrong I County, Of the approximately $26 million of wholesale trade volume carried on in the County in 1958, Kittanning firms had sales exceeding $17 million or 65,s perce;?t of the total County volume. Borough firms I employ 52 percent of total workers in wholesalizg and pay out almost 54 percent of payrolls, 1 The dominant position of Mittaming's wholesale trade is seen in Table 19. Of all other Armstrong County municipalities only one, Ford City, does a I large enough wholesaling volume to warrant separate listing by the Census.

Future wholesaling prospects for Kittaming and the County are not pro- I mising. The 1958 dollar volume of wholesale trade rose by 7,4 percent in Kittanning, and 3,7 percent in the Coiinty. Usizg a constant dollar base for 1954, however, to compensate for inflationary price trends, I we find that wholesale trade volume did not change between 1954 and 1958 in Kittanning, azd declined by 3,7 percent for the County. Further- more, employment and payrolls have been declirring. In only one area, a the number of establishments, has there beeE an increase, I I - 46 - TABLE 19

WHOLESALE TRADE CHARACTERISTICS

KITTANNING AND SELECTED AREAS, 1948, 1954 AND 1958

-AREA ESTABLISHMENTS SALES ($000'~) PAYROLL ($000'~) EMPLOYEES ---1948 1954 1958 -1948 -1954 -1958 -1948 -----1954 1958 1948 1954 1958 KITTANNING 26 24 28 21,956 15,945 17,118 892 853 733 283 214 156

Ford City 7 6 5 1,618 N.A. 1,033 185 N.A. 69 72 N.A. 17 I Remainder 5 of County 22 24 28 4,029 N.A. 7,962 194 N.A. 569 81 N.A. 127 I Armstrong County 55 54 61 27,603 25,186 26,113 1,271 1,387 436 407 300

N.A. - Not Available

Source: U. S. Census of Business, Wholesale Trade 1948, 1954 and 1958. 1

1 It is expected that wholesaling activity in Kittanning and Armstrong County will continue to be relatively small in terms of volume and employment I because of the following long-term factors:

1, More efficient operation, mechanization and automated 1 procedures reduce the need for large wholesaling work forces e

I 2, Direct transactions between manufacturer and retailer have reduced the role of many types of wholesalers. i 3, There is a growing consolidation of wholesaling activities in metropolitan areas. In 1958, for example, the City of Pittsburgh had wholesale sales of almost $3.5 billion. I Improvements in transportation facilities, among other factors, make it possible to serve a larger market area i from a central distribution point.

i MANU FAC TUR ING The number of Borough residents employed in manufacturing declined by 236 workers between 1950 and 1960. Total manufacturing employment declined I from 781 to 545. The overall change was a 30.3 percent decrease in employment, In 1950, manufacturing employment represented 26.7 percent of the employed labor force; in 1960, it was 25.2 percent of the employed I labor force.

i On a County-wide basis, manufacturing employment declined by 3.5 percent, from 9,675 in 1950 to 9,342 in 1960. Almost 40 percent of County workers I are employed in manufacturing industries. There are a number of manufacturing firms located within the Borough. Based on the 1961 and 1962 Industrial Census conducted by the Pennsyl- 1 vania Department of Internal Affairs, Kittanning had 11 manufacturing plants employing 246 workers in 1961, and 14 manufacturing plants employing 259 workers in 1962". The three plants added to the Borough's I manufacturing complex included an ice cream plant, a chemical firm

* The Pennsylvania Industrial Survey incorrectly lists the Union Carbide I Corporation Plant as located in Kittanning. This analysis excludes the plant and its employees. Furthermore, data on the value of production, value added by manufacture or resale of products cannot be presented I since the survey included total figures for Kittanning which include the Union Carbide Plant. I .I - 48 - 1 I and a sheet metal shop. Kittanning's industrial plants are predominantly male employing; only 27 and 36 workers were female in 1961 and 1962, respectively, 1

The Borough is not dominated by either durable or nondurable goods producing industries., In 1961, there were six nondurable goods plants I employing 100 persons and five durable goods firms employing 146 workers. Nondurable goods producing plants increased in number to eight and employment to 114 in 1962; there was an increase of one durable goods 1 plant in E962 over the preceding year, but employment was almost the same, 145 workers. I Kittanning is not a major manufacturing center in Armstrong. In 1961, 18 percent of all County firms were located in the Borough; in 1962, 13.9 percent were situated in Kittanning. In terms of total County I manufacturing employment, Kittanning firms accounted for only 4.7 and 4,6 percent in 1961 and 1962, respectively. I

OTHER INDUSTRY GROUPS 1 About forty percent of all employment in 1960 was in such industries as agriculture, mining, construction, transportation, communication, public utilities, finance, insurance, real estate, professional services, public I administration and unreported industry groups. The professional and related services sector represented the largest employment group, totaling 353 persons or 16,4 percent of the total Borough employment. Included I in the group are doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc.

About nine percent of employment was included in the communications and I transportation group, Construction and public administration each presented about five percent of total employment. All other groups had less than three percent of total employment I 1

Measurement of income gives an indication of direct personal benefit resulting from participation in the economic life of the community. I Unfortunately, detailed and comparable income statistics are not available for Kittanning for all years since 1950. Some inferences can be made, however, about general income changes from existing I sources I I - 49 - I I

I Personal Iricome

This includes current income received from all sources, Wages and salaries I account for about 68 percent of total personal income for the County. From 1950 to 1960, total County personal income increased by 26.5 percent, Although the rate of inefease is different in Kittanning and I Armstrong County, it is estimated that total personal income of Borough residents was in excess of $12 million in 1960.

I Another source of income statistics9 Sales Management Magazine, lists the "effective buying income" in Kittanning for the years 1961 and 1962. The concept "effective buying income" is generally comparable with the idea I of disposable income, or income less taxes. On this basis Sales Management estimates "effective buying income" at, $l2,493,000 ir 1961 and $12,518,000 1 in 1962. Median Income

I The measure "median income" indicates the exact middle income: one-half is more than the median and one-half isaless than the median, The median income of Kittanning in 1949 was $2,977/ compared with $2,968 for the State*k. In 19599 the median income of families and unrelated individuals i in Kittanning was $4,395, compared with the State median of $4,678 for persons residing in urban places of 2,500 - 10,000 population. On this basis, the income situation in KittanFing compared with the State had deteriorated between 1949 and 1959. $I 1949, Kittanning's median income b I ! was slightly more than the State's; in 1959, it was 5.6 percent less. Family Income

Family income distribution in Kittqnning changed considerably between 1949 and 1959. In 1949, eight out of ten Borough families earned less than $5,000 per year; in 1959, fewer than half were earning less than

$5,000 0

* State median income for families and unrelated individuals residing in urban places.

- 50 - I I TABLE 20 FAMILY INCOME DISTRIBUTION I BOROUGH OF KITTANNING.1949 AND 1959

'I I FAMILY INCOME PERCENT DISTRIBUTION(^ -1949 -1959 I Under $1,000 16.9 5.5 $1,000 - 1,999 10.8 7.8 $2,000 - 2,999 20,5 7.3 $3,000 - 3,999 22.2 13.8 I $4,000 - 4,999 9.8 14.6 $5,000 - 5,999 4.5 13.2 $6,000 - 6,999 3.7 12.7 I $7,000 - 9,999 3.0 16.5 $10,000 and Over 3.9 8.5 Not Reported 4.5 I 100.0 100.0 I (a) Figures may not'add to 100 due to rounding.

Source: U. S, Census of Population 1950 and 1960, I I PLANNING IMPLlCATlONS OF THE ECONOMIC BASE ANALYSIS I Because planning proposals will affect, and be affected by, the Borough's economic base some discussion' of the implications of the trends described previously is required. Policy decisions will also be needed to determine I the emphasis of future plans. The principal findings, prospects and recommended policies are presented in outline form below. I FINDINGS .. I 1. Economic trends in both Kittanning and Armstrong County are downward; but B'orough downward trends are more pronounced than the County's. I I I - 51 - I I

I 2. All economic indicators reinforce the view that retail trade forms the major part of the Borough's economic base. Related to retail functions are the selected services group, which is I growing much faster than is retailing. Wholesaling is still largely concentrated in the Borough. Recent trends indicate a decentralization of some trade functions, largely as a result I of suburbanization.

3. The Borough is not the location of major manufacturing industries; I employment in Borough industrial firms accounts for only about five percent of total County manufacturing employment. There has also been a decline in County-wide manufacturing employment I in recent years.

I 4, Income levels, though improving, are not advancing as rapidly as the State's.

I 5, Unemployment in Kittanning and the County is relatively high, but out-migration of individuals and families has tended to reduce the size of the labor force, and therefore the number I of persons seeking work locally. I PROSPECTS

1. There are no prospects that a new economic activity will displace I trade as the principal support of the local economic base in the 'I foreseeable future. 2. The volume of future retail, wholesale and service functions in Kittanning will depend on: (a) the number of persons re- I siding in the market areas; (b) expansion of the market area; (e) improvements in market area buying power. Therefore, County-wide economic improvement is needed to support future I local economic functions.

3. In order to improve the short-run and long-run economic potential I of the Borough, internal improvements to the Central Business District are urgently needed. Kittanning's business area is not in a "good" competitive position because of: the age and I condition of structures, obsolescent facilities, poor traffic circulation, inadequate parking, and the overall appearance I of the area, I - 52 - -I I I

1, Since the Borough's economy is ultimately linked with that of Armstrong County, fclll support must be given to area-wide i planning and industrial promotion.

\ I 2. The importance of Kittanning's business area to the County's economy must also be recognized. County plans.should be formulated to enhance the Borough's trade functions and compet- I itive position.

3. A framework for undertaking improvements in the C.B.D. is I urgently needed. Among the elements required are the following: (a) coordination of local business associations and Eorough officials and agencies in overall planning, programming and I financing. The Planning Commission could be designated as the coordinating agency on an interim or permanent basis; (b) a major effort is needed by private individuals to im- I prove commercial facilities. Some efforts have already been made to modernize storefronts, but much more remains to be done; (c) a program of urban renewal should be initiated to eliminate substandard conditions and to provide the means for the con- II struction of new facilities and introduce needed amenities into the C.B.D. I

These and other programs and policies must be developed if Kittanning is to improve its economic base. I I I 1 I I I I - 53 - I PHYSICAL STUDIES

Housing Cornmun i ty Facilities Traffic Parking Housin Neighborhoods

Since Kittanning is predominantly a residential community, the characteristics of the housing supply and also the condition of housing are extremely important contributors to the continued prosperity of the community. The purpose of this study, therefore, is twofold. First, it will provide a detailed analysis of housing characteristics for the entire Borough; secondly, it will serve to indicate some of the deficiencies, both physical and environmental, which adversely affect the quality of the BoroughOs reszdential neighborhoods.

In conjunction with the latter section, a sample survey was conducted tb evaluate the characteristics of families affected by poor housing. The information was compiled on the basis of a twenty-five percent sampling, and includes such data as family size, income, extent of overcrowding, housing tenure, length of residence and adequacy of basic interior facilities.

The findings of this study will serve as a basishfor the development of a comprehensive program to insure the continued maintenance of sound, desirabl‘e residential neighborhoods and to improve residential areas suffering from structural deterioration and adverse environmental conditions. In an urban community such as Kittanning where housing has been developed side by side with relatively high densities, and where the safeguards attendant with isolated development and open space are removed, a substandard house or neighborhood has a significant impact on adjoining houses or neighborhoods. Where blighted conditions exist, positive public and private action is required to prevent the spread of substandard conditions and to restore substandard areas to sound condition.

- 54 - HOUSING CHARACTERiSTICS

The following discussion of housing characteristics in the Borough reflects the findings of a house-by-house exterior survey by the consultant and an evaluation of the data reported in the 1960 U. S. Census of Housing.

Since much of the following discussion is in terms of housing units, the U. S. Census definition of a housing unit is presented below for clarity.

"A house, an apartment or other group of rooms, or a single room is regarded as a housing unit when it is occupied or intended for occupancy as separate living quarters, that is, when the occupants do not live and eat with any other persons in the structure and there is either (1) direct access from the outside or through a common hall, or (2) a kitchen or cooking equipment for the exclusive use of the occupants of the unit. The occupants of a housing unit may be a family or other group of persons, or a person living alone."

NUMBER OF HOUSING UNITS

The 1960 Census of Housing reported a total of 2,407 housing units in Kittanning. Significantly, this reflects a net loss of 63 units since 1950, when a total of 2,470 units were reported.

Further analysis of changes over the past decade in housing unit occupancy and tenure indicates that the loss was experienced principally as a result of a substantial decrease in the rental housing unit inventory. That Kittanning witnessed a population loss of 938 persons or the equivalent of approximately 310 families between 1950 and 1960, further supports the decrease noted in the housing inventory since the expected decrease in occupied units was not absorbed in the number of vacant units.

Extended decreases in the Borough's housing supply, coupled with a lack of a broad diversification of housing unit types to satisfy the needs of all segments of the population, will have a decided adverse affect on the continued desirability of Kittanning as a place of residence. This in turn could negatively influence economic activity in the Borough

- 55 - 1 I TABLE 21 NUMBER OF HOUSING UNITS AND OCCUPANCY I BOROUGH OF KITTANNING. 1950 AND 1960 1 OCCUPANCY -1950 -1960 CHANGE 1950 TO 1960 Number -Percent 1 Owner-Occupied 1,032 1,109 f 77 f 7.5 Renter-Occupied 1,373 1,185 -188 -13 e 7 Vacant 65 113 -f 48 +73 e 8 I TOTAL HOUSING UNITS 2,470 2,407 - 63 - 2.6 - - Source: U. So Census of Housing, 1950 and 1960. 1 I HOUSING TYPES

The single-family structure is by far the most predominant housing type in Kittanning. Of the 2,407 housing units reported in 1960, approximately I 82 percent were located in single-family structures. The remaining 18 percent of the housing units, as shown in Table 22, were distributed as follows: about 5 percent in two-family structures, 6 percent in three 1 and four-family structures, and approximately 7 percent were in five or more-family structures. I

TABLE 22 1 HOUSING TYPES 1

TYPE- OF STRUCTURE NUMBER OF UNITS PERCENT 1 Single-Family (including trailers ) 1,970 81.9 Two-Family 119 4.9 Three and Four-Family l55 6.4 1 Five or More-Family 163 -6.8 TOTAL 2,407 L00.0 I Source: U. S. Census of Housing, 1960. I I - 56 - 1 HOUSING OCCUPANCY AND TENURE

Of the total 2,407 housing units in Kittanning in 1960, 1,109 or 46.1 percent were owner-occupied; 1,185 or 49.2 percent were renter-occupied, and 113 or 4.7 percent were vacant. A more detailed breakdown of the vacant units shows that only 57, or half of the vacant units, were available for either sales or rental occupancy; 7 for sale only, and 50 for rent. The remaining 56 units reported as vacant were comprised of units which were rented or sold and awaiting occupancy, units held off the market for other reasons and vacant dilapidated units not fit for occupancy.

Between 1950 and 1960, several significant changes occurred in occupancy and tenure as shown in Table 23. First, there was a 7.5 percent increase in the number of owner-occupied units. Secondly, in contrast, there was a substantial reduction of about 14 percent in the number of renter- occupied units. Thirdly, there was a three-fourths increase in the number of vacant units.

TABLE 23

TENURE AND OCCUPANCY OF HOUSING

BOROUGH OF KITTANNING, 1960

TENURE AND OCCUPANCY NUMBER OF UNITS PERCENT

Owner-Occupied 1,109 46.1 Renter-Occupied 1,185 49.2 Available Vacant 57 2.4 For sale only 7 For rent 50 Other Vacant 56 2.3

TOTAL 2,407 100.0

Source: U.S. Census of Housing, 1960

Both in 1950 and 1960, the Borough contained a slightly higher proportion of renter-occupied units than owner-occupied or sales-type housing units: a ratio of approximately 1.3 to 1 in 1950 and 1.1to 1 in 1960. This is generally contrary to the housing tenure characteristics found in comparable urban communities in the surrounding region where owner-occupied

- 57 - I I units account for a higher proportion of the housing inventory with ratios ranging from l,5 to l, to highs of 2 and 3 to 1. The overall effect of such an imbalance in the housing tenure in Kittanning could produce the following: 1

8, Increase the migration rate and thus reduce the stability of 1 the population since the turnover in rental housing is usually higher thar, in sales housing. 1 2, Produce a disproportionate age distribution in the resident population since rental housing, particularly the variety with small living units, is generally occupied by the two extremes I of the adult age scale; young married couples without chikdser: or with one or two pre-school ehildren; and elderly persom. 1

3. Adversely effect the quality of housing since there is generally a correlation between housing tenure and housing condition. I Studies have shown that as residential occupancy changes from owner to renter, the interest of the omer of the rented unit often cha.nges from one of pride of ownership and maintenance, to one of economic return with minimum maintenance. Horrsing 1 deterioration and blight often advance under such conditions. I POPULATION DISTRIBUTION BY HOUSING UNIT

The distribution of Kittanning's population by occupied housing unit is I shown in Table 24. Approximately 17.8 percent of the housing units in the Borough are occupied by one-person households, 31,6 percent by two- persons, 33.6 percent by three and four persons, and 17.0 percent by I five or more persons. It is significant that 49 percent, OF nearly half, of the housing units in the Borough are occupied by one and two-person households. This would indicate a demand for small housing I units of the three and four-room type. 1 I I I

* I - 58 - TABLE 24

POPULATION DISTRIBUTION BY OCCUPIED HOUSING UNIT

BOROUGH OF KITTANNING, 1960

NUMBER OF PERSONS OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS Number Percent

One 409 17.8 Two 725 31.6 Three 426 18.6 Four 343 15.0 Five 207 9.0 Six or More -184 8.0 TOTAL OCCUPIED UNITS 2,294 100.0

Average Household Size: 3.0 persons

Source: U. S. Census of Housing, 1960.

SIZE OF HOUSING UNITS

The overall median size of residential housing units in the Borough is 5.3 rooms per unit. Owner-occupied units, however, average 6.0 rooms, while rental units average 4.6.rooms. Approximately 34 percent of the available housing units contain four rooms or less. Five and six-room units account for about 20 and 27 percent, respectively. Seven or more-room units comprise approximately 18 percent of the total supply.

The relatively low proportion of smaller living units compared with the high proportion of one and two-person households indicates that it is probable that many residents are occupying housing units which are larger than may be desirable or economical to maintain.

By the same token, the relatively low proportion of larger housing units, 6.rooms or more, in Kittanning restricts the residency potential ofthe middle age groups, the childbearing and more productive age group, and thus contributes to a condition whereby growing families are forced to relocate outside of the Borough.

- 59 - 1 I TABLE' 25 SIZE OF HOUSING UNITS I BOROUGH OF KITTANNING, 1960 1 NUMBER OF ROOMS HOUSING UNITS Number Percent I One 64 2,7 Two 65 2.6 Three 246 10.2 Four 457 19.0 1 Five 493 20.4 six 648 26.9 Seven 218 9.1 I Eight or More 218 9.1 TOTAL HOUSING UNITS 2,407 xoo.0 I Median: All units 5.3 Owner-occupied 6.0 Renter-occupied 4.6 1 Source: U. S. Census of Housing, 1960. I I AGE OF HOUSING

Most of Kittanning's residential neighborhoods contain a mixture of homes of varying ages. The Borough reached its peak of residential 1 construction prior to 1920 when approximately 75 percent of the existing homing supply was constructed. Between 1920 and the depression of 1929, 190 housing units were developed, Since 1929, the I Borough has averaged approximately 110 new housing units per decade, either through new construction or conversions. I

As shown in Table 26, 78.2 percent of the Borough's housing units are located in structures 44 years old or older. Another 12.5 are in struc- 1 tures ranging from about 20 to 40 years of age. Noteworthy is the fact that within the next six years, 86 percent of the Borough's housing will be at least 40 years old. Although most of the housing in Kittanning is well constructed of masonry and/or wood, this is a critical age for 1 the average home in terms of its further potential usefulness or the investment required to extend its usefulness. In several neighborhoods, there are homes which through a combination of age, original construction, 1 and lack of continued maintenance, are in deteriorated and dilapidated condition and are beyond economical restoration, I -60- ' 1 TABLE 26 AGE OF HOUSING BOROUGH OF KITTANNING, 1960

YEAR BUILT HOUSING UNITS Number Percent

1955 to March 1960 32 1.3 1950 to 1954 69 2.9 1940 to 1949 124 5.1 1930 to 1939 110 4.6 1920 to 1929 190 7.9 1919 and Earlier* 1,882 78.2 TOTAL HOUSING UNITS 2,407 100.0 * Adjusted figure

HOUSING VALUES

The median value of the owner-occupied housing units is $9,200 in I Kittanning, The highest proportion of homes in the Borough, about 62 percent, have values ranging *om $5,000 to $14,900. Approximately I 22 percent of the housing units are valued at $15,000 or more. TABLE 27 1 VALUE OF OWNER-OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS* I BOROUGH OF KITTANNING, 1960 VALUE HOUSING UNITS I Number Percent Less than $5,000 169 16.5 $5,000 to $9,900 403 39.3 $10,000 to $14,900 229 22.4 I $15,000 to $19,900 126 12-3 $20,000 to $24,900 48 4.7 I $25,000 or More 49 4.8 TOTAL OWNER-OCCUPIED UNITS 1,024 100.0 Median Value: $9,200 I * Value data from owner-occupied units is restricted to units having only one housing unit in the property and no business. Units in a multi-unit structures and trailers are also exeluded, Source: U. S. Census of Housing, 1960. I - 61 - I 1 I HO USfNG CONDl TlONS

Kittanning is characterized by many fine neig,.,orhoods and homes which I help create a pleasant living enviroment. In common with many older communities, however, the Borough is faced with the problems of an aging housing supply. Approximately 80 percent of the existing resi- 1 dential structures were constructed prior to 1920, which makes the typical age in excess of 44 years. Although age itself is not an indicator of housing condition or quality, it does indicate that I special consideration should be given to older areas.

In general, the maintenance of the residential properties in Kittanning 1 is good, Some structures, however, show visible signs of exterior deterioration and dilapidation. At present most of these structures are generally scattered, but some concentrations are developing. Experience I has demonstrated that if poor housing is left unchecked, it may and often does spread to better areas ofthe community. Where this has occurred, communities have been confronted with economic and social I liabilities which could have been avoided through a positive program of public and private action. 1 In light of this experience, it is important that Kittanning take steps to renew and rehabilitate those neighborhaods which have some poor conditions and to conserve those neighborhoods which are basically sound. 1 I GENERAL CONSIDERATION

The primary concern in residential neighborhoods is to provide housing which is decent, safe and sanitary; free from blight and blighting in- I fluences. Blight is a term used to define a combination of conditions which render areas undesirable or unsuitable for residential occupancy. BTight has two characteristics: one relates to the condition of struc- I tures; the individual structure in deteriorated or dilapidated condition is a symptom of blight. A concentration of residential structures in poor condition constitutes a blighted or substandard area. 1

The second, and sometimes least recognized blighting condition, relates to residential environment; heavy traffic, noise and odors from industry, I poorly maintained streets, inadequate open space and recreation areas, and mixed commercial, industrial and residential uses are some common conditions which create an undesirable environment. A combination of 1 such adverse environmental conditions may have a depreciating value on residential values and may often lead to neglected housing maintenance. I I - 62 - 1 1

1 The overall condition of residential structures and their environment in Kittanning is discussed below. 1 CR ITER1A FOR EVALUATING S TRU CTURAL C OND ITIONS

I In order to establish a firm, uniform basis for evaluating and classifying the condition. of structures in Kittanning, three categories were used as a criteria Sound housing is defined as that which has no defects, or only slight defects which are normally corrected during the course I of regular maintenance: ioee,' lack of paint, slight damage to porches or steps, small cracks in walls, plaster, or chimneys, II and broken gutters or drainspsuts, Deteriorata housing needs more repair than would be provided I in the course of regular maintenance. It has one or more defects of an intermediate nature that must be corrected if the dwelling unit is to continue to provide safe and adequate shelter: ioeojshakey or unsafe foundations, porches or steps; la holes, open cracks or m.issing materials on floors, walls or roofs; rotted window sills or frames; deep wear on stairs, floors or door sills; and broken or loose stair treads or I missing balusters. Such defects are signs of neglect which lead to serious structural damage if not corrected. I Dilapidated housing does not provide safe or adequate shelter. It has one or more critical defects; or has a combination of intermediate defects in sufficient number to require extensive I repair or rebuilding; or is of inadequate original construction. Critical defects are those which indicate continued neglect and serious damage to the structure including conditions such as 1 holes, open cracks or missing material over large areas of floors, walls or roofs; and structural sag in the floors, walls or roofs. Iraadequate original construction includes structures built of makeshift materials and inadequately converted cellars, I sheds or garages not originally intended for living quarters. I STRUCTURAL SURVEY a The 1960 U. So Census of Housing shows the overall conditions of housing in the Borough. The information contained in the Census was derived by a exterior and interior inspections. The results of the Census survey I - 63 - 1 are presented in Table 28. It is ,not possible from the Census material, however, to pinpoint areas where critical housing conditions exist. Therefore, an exterior survey of all residential structures in the Borough was conducted by the consultant in the latter part of 1962 and again during November of 1964 to determine the incidence of structural deterioration. The criteria defined above were used in undertaking this survey. While an exterior survey is not necessarily conclusive as to the structural condition of a building, it serves to generally identify blighted areas. The survey revealed a total of 399 units which were rated as substandard based on an exterior evaluation alone. The findings ofthis survey are sumarized on a block- by-block basis on the Structural Conditions Map.

TABLE 28

CONDITION OF HOUSING

BOROUGH OF KITTANNING, 1960

CONDITION HOUSING UNITS Number Percent

SOUND 1,649 68,s with all plumbing facilities 1,554 64.6 no hot water - - no toilet, bath or running water 95 3.9

DETERIORATING 48 6 20.2 with all plumbing facilities 414 17.2 no hot water 6 0.3 no toilet, bath or running water 66 2.7

DILAPIDATED 27 2 11,3

TOTAL HOUSING UNITS 2,407 100.0

Source: U. So Census of Housing, 1960.

STRUCTURAL CONDITIONS

The 1960 U, S. Census of Housing reported that of the 2,407 housing units in the Borough, 1,649 or 68.5 percent were in sound condition, 486 or 20.2 percent were in a deteriorating condition, and 272 or 11.3 percent were dilapidated (not fit for occupancy). Considering the latter two

- 64 - categories, as shown in Table 28, it should be noted that approximately one-third of the Borough's housing supply is in need of major repairs or is dilapidated

Kittanning does not have any extensive areas of blighted housing. Many of the structures in poor condition are scattered throughout various sections of the community. There are, however, an appreciable number of small concentrations which require remedial action.

The survey of exterior structural conditions, as shown on the Structural Conditions Map, indicates that the most prevalent groupings of blighted housing are found in the following general locations.

- - East of Johnston Avende in the vicinity of Orchard Avenue _-In the area bounded by Reynolds Avenue, Oak Avenue, Clear- field Pike and the Pennsylvania Railroad

,- - Along the southern extremities of S. McKean Street I It should be noted the above classification is based solely on structural condition and does not include an evaluation of the adequacy of basic interior facilities. Interior improvements such as electrical, plumbing I and heating facilities also have a direct bearing on the livability and quality of housing units. Where these are lacking or are grossly in- * adequate, regardless of the overall structural condition, a housing I unit may be considered substandard. Approximately 167 housing units, exclusive of dilapidated units, lack certain basic facilities, including running water, hot water, and private baths or toilets. Of these de- I ficient units, 95 were rated as being physically sound and 72 units were deteriorating. I ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

I For the most part, the structural quality of housing is closely related to the neighborhood environmental conditions. In neighborhoods with good planning and adequate facilities, housing is more likely to be I maintained in good condition, while the opposite is usually the case in neighborhoods with a number of important environmental deficiencies. Some of the major environmental elements which determine the quality of I a residential neighborhood are as follows: I

- 65 - I I 1. Conditions of land use - moderate land coverage by structures; no intermixture of commercial and industrial uses in residential areas; moderate population densities, adequate yard areas and street widths; adequate off-street parking. I

2. Freedom from nuisance conditions such as noise, smoke and odors. 1

3. Freedom from hazards such as excessive traffic, ground subsidence, I floods and unprotected hillside areas,

4. Adequate streets and sidewalks, and adequate utilities. I

5. Adequate community facilities, including schools, parks, play- I grounds, shopping, libraries, and the like

Several significant environmental deficiencies which are apparent in some I of the residential neighborhoods in the Borough are discussed below: I Mixed Land Use. In most sections of Kittanning there are mixtures of commercial, industrial and residential uses in varying-- intensities. While industrial and commercial uses can generally be compatible I neighbors, residential structures are often adversely affected by the noise, traffic and other nuisances which nonresidential structures generate. Within the vicinity of Market Street, there is a considerable degree of mixed land use which has discouraged the upkeep of I many affected residences. Mixed land use is also found intermittently in most residential neighborhoods. 1

Conversion. There is evidence that a substantial number of homes in the Borough have been converted to provide multi-family occupancy I or rooms for renting. While conversion offers a solution to the problem of too much space in many homes, it should not occur without proper safeguards. Some structures are not adaptable to such conversions and serious housing deficiences may evolve. Furthermore, I extensive or indiscriminate conversions may adversely affect the stability and character of a residential neighborhood. I

Traffic Nuisance. Several streets are major collector and through- traffic arteries. The resulting noise, fumes and quantity of traffic I on streets such as Water Street, Market Street, Jefferson Street, McKean Street, Grant Street, Orr-Woodward Avenues, and Johnston- Oak Avenues have had an adverse effect on many adjoining residential properties, I 1 - 66 - 1 EAST FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP

LEGEND

a 0-9 PERCENT REWIRING MAJOR REPAIR a IO-19 PERCENT REWIRING MAJOR REPAIR x)-38 PERCENT REWIRING MAJOR REfflR = 40-49PERCENT REWIRING MAJOR REPAIR = 50-100 PERCENT REOUlRlNG MAJOR REPAIR NOTE Bawd on exterlw atmtuml wmy mly ---- PLANNING DISTRICT EWNDARIES I

I Community Facilities. In all communities, and more particularly in urban ones, there is an essential need for parks and playgrounds so that adults and children have space for active and passive recreation. I Several residential areas lack neighborhood recreation facilities. I NEYGHBORHOOD ANALYSlS I The preceding sections of this study dealt with housing characteristics in the Borough on a community-wide basis. The pmpose of this section I of the study is to present a more detailed evaluation of housing and environmental conditions on an individual neighborhood basis, or as I termed in this study, "planning district" basis The planning district is a physical concept: it is the definining of an area within which individuals and families share common services, facilities I and conditions required in daily life in the vicinity of the home. The better a district is planned and supplied with necessary facilities, the stronger the forces for local economic and social stability. Ideally, a I planning district should be physically self-contained with respect to most of the daily necessities of life. In turn, each district depends on the overall community or region for its basic employment, trans- I portation, major shopping facilities, cultural facilities and utilities -

Several principal elements are desirable in the make-up of a planning I district. These include:

1. Land and buildings devoted exclusively -to residential and I residential-related uses, with harnony of design and development which will help establish and maintain a healthy, I safe and satisfying environment

2. Adequate educational, social and recreational facilities, I inclulding an elementary school withir, convenient and safe walking distances to every home in the neighborhood, an appropriately located park-playground facility, and other supporting public and semipublic fadilities generally used 1 by one or more members of the normal family almost every day.

I 3, Neighborhood retail and service establishments concentrated at strategic points and designed so as to buffer actual or I

~I - 67 - ~I I

potential nuisance conditions from residential development I These facilities are intended to provide convenience goods and services to meet daily household needs. I

4. A circulation system for pedestrians and vehicles, as well as related elements such as parking spaces, traffic controls I and circulation lighting. The internal street system should be designed to discourage heavy through-traffic. I Theoretically, the boundaries of a district should be delineated so that the area contained within each district will include development which, by its location, land use and internal relationships, logically forms a I part of the proposed neighborhood. In addition, the boundaries should be selected in such a manner that physical barriers do not separate parts of a district and prevent its proper functioning. I

In a developed area such as Kittanning, neighborhood units are seldom well defined, therefore, strict adherence to the above criteria is almost I impossible and compromise is necessary. Accordingly, in selecting the planning districts in the Borough, physical obstacles such as major streets, the railroad, and natural features were a major consideration. I The Borough has been divided into six planning districts, as shown on the Structural Conditions and Community Facilities Maps. I The individual planning districts are discussed below. The discussion covers the boundaries, topography, land use, condition of housing, circulation and community facilities by district., I I PLANNING DISTRICT 1 Boundaries 1 This district includes the northern most portion of Kittanning and is bounded on the west and north by the Allegheny River, on the east by the Kittanning-Rayburn Township municipal boundary line, and on the I south by a continuation of the municipal boundary line and Victory Street. I Topography

The district is basically divided into two distinct physiographic I divisions: a lowland or flood plain section and an upland or river I I - 68 - I I

I valley wall section Johrston .4\7er?ue, whid-~extends ir, a north-south direction, essentiality ~QFK the divide betwem the two sections: the flood plain sectisn lying tc; the west, arid the valley wall extending I to the east,

The topography in the lowland section is relatively flat, with only a I gradual westerly slope from Johnston Aver,ze, elevatior! approximately 850 feet above mean sea level, to the AEleghery River bank, elevation I approximately SO0 feet,

The upland section, :in caxiixast, rises abruptly frm Johnstoc Avenue to I an elevation of approxinately P, 310 feet at cz.nextreme easterly point, Contained within the entire section, 'however, are a variable series of slope mnges and a spstty distribcticc 2f finger-like plateaus ., This seetim, with the exception if sane residential- development along John- I ston Avenue, is entirely ucdavelaped. The overall tract contains approximately 190 acres, of wh.ich slightly mcre tha:: hslf has slopes in excess I of 16 percent, I Land Use The district is largely residential and althi3b~ghpredominantly single- family, it does contain a scatterarioc 3f multi-fafiily residences, Nor,- residential de.vel.opment includes a brick refractory west of 3ohr.ston I Aveme, and several indlvidmll neighborhoad-type commercial establishments distributed aBo1:g 13rr Aven~e, Approximately 35 pesceilt ef the Borougn's 229 acres of vacant 'band are located this planning district, and I therefore, this district ccntains the gneateet growth potential without having to resort to redevelopment, It shcsld be noted, however, that I mxh of the vacant land is marginal.. u Housing in the district varies considerably. For the most part, the survey revealed that the quality a% housing is good and there is evidence of continued maintenance. In several sectims, ~OW~VQIC,considerable I deterioration was nated, This cordition is apparent along No Water Street e:xteizsion ncrth of Ewizg Street,7 alang both sides of Johnston A.venue between Llexon Wa.y ar_d Smfth Street,$ and ajlcng SerwelJ Avenue. I Much of the deterioration can be attributed tcj the age of the structures and to the type of conStruction. Almost all of the deteriorating structures are of frame construction, which with the passage of time and I climatic conditicna, kas ,not held-up well-, E I - 69 == I 1

Circulation I

Vehicular and pedestrian access in the district is generally good, Most residential sections are connected by both hard-surfaced streets and I sidewalks. Those few sections which are not adequately served should be scheduled for improvement in the future, Those streets requiring improvement include Cemetery Road, Serwell Avenue, N. Water Street, and I Orchard Avenue. Sidewalks are required along Johnston Avenue, particularly north of Lemon Way where residential development currently exists, I While almost all east-west streets in this planning district are classified as local streets, most north-south streets in the district as well as in the Borough as a whole, because of the nature of the overall circulation I system, are major collector streets. In this planning district, Johnston Avenue and Orr Avenue are classified as primary collector streets. Both carry substantial volumes of local and through-traffic and in some in- I stances this condition has had a detrimental affect on abutting residential development. I C ommunity Fa@ili t ies

Community facilities in the district include Fire Station No. 6 located I along Orr Avenue, Lemmon Field (Little League ball field) at the northern end of Orr Avenue, and the Kittanning Area Senior High School and Athletic Field at Orr Avenue and Victory Street. The latter facility doubles as a I school and neighborhood recreation facility. Although the availability of recreational facilities are generally good in the district, further development of Lemmon Field with a more diversified arrangement of facilities would contribute significantly to the neighborhood en- I vironment I Elementary school age children in the district attend the Fourth Ward School on Wilson Avenue approximately one block south of the district, 1

PLANNING DISTRICT 2 I Boundaries

Planning District 2 is situated immediately south of District 1. It is I bounded on the north by Victory Street, on the east by Johnston Avenue (the Kittanning-Rayburn Township municipal boundary line follows the easterly right-of-way line of Johnston Avenue), on the south by an I alley immediately north and parallel to North Avenue, and on the west by the Pennsylvania Railroad right-of-way, I I 70 - I Topography

The entire district is situated in the lowland or flood plain section of the Borough, Accordingly, it is relatively level. The elevation along Johnston Avenue is approximately 850 to' 860 feet above mean sea level, while the elevation along the railroad is about 810 feet, The terrain along the easterly side of Johnston Avenue (Rayburn Township) rises sharply and is very irregular.

Land Use

Except for several small individual lots, this district is completely built-up, Although it is predominantly residential in character, it does contain a substantial distribution of commercial uses interspersed with residential units. While most commercial development is found along Woodward and Orr Avenues, it is widely distributed and lacks any evident or harmonious pattern. Since all of the commercial development is not of the neighborhood retail or service type, there is some environmental con- Rict between commercial uses, i.e., building supply yards, warehousing, furniture and appliance stores and beer distributing establishments, and neighboring residential structures.

Essentially, every block contains a mixture of housing types, including single-family, two-family, and multi-family (generally three and four- family) units. The single-family structure, however, is the predominant housing type.

Condition of Housing

The overall condition of housing is good. The distribution, of deteriorating and dilapidated housing in the district is sporadic. While there are no severe concentrations of substandard housing, essentially every block does contain some housing in this category. Much of the deteriorating housing is situated along Johnston and Wilson Avenues.

As is the case throughout the Borough, those housing units which show signs of serious deterioration or are dilapidated generally suffer from age and lack of continued maintenance.

Circulation

Physical barriers in the form of the railroad at grade and the steep hillside result in the district being corridor-shaped (800 feet wide by one-half mile long). Both the street and block arrangement are

- 71 - oriented in a predominant north-south direction. The comments applied to Planning District 1 regarding the nature of east-west and north-south traffic movement apply equally as well in this district, as well as in . most other districts. Both Orr Avenue (changes to Woodward Avenue south of Highland Street) and Johnston Avenue continue south through the district and extend further into Plann,ing District 3 where they terminate. As primary collector streets, they carry heavy traffic volumes which have an adverse influence on the residential environment.

As noted earlier, the railroad is at grade along its entire length in Kittanning. For public safety reasons, there are only a certain number of strategically placed street crossings. Onegsuch crossing is at Montieth Street in the district, and another is at Chpstnut Street-North Avenue immediately south of this district in Planning District 3. As would be expected, these street crossings are major east-west collector streets.

All streets in the district are improved and are in good condition. All sections are connected by sidewalks and therefore convenient and safe pedestrian movement is facilitated.

Community Facilities

Community facilities in the district are limited to a fire house, Fire Station No. 4, and an elementary school, the Fourth Ward School. The fire station is located on Orr Avenue and the school on Wilson Avenue. Although the district does border the Senior High School Athletic Field and Playground on the north, it lacks neighborhood park and playground facilities. This deficiency is particularly apparent in the southern portion of the district which is beyond the reasonable service radius of any existing facility.

School officials have indicated that as part of a long-range plan involving the construction of a new senior high school and grade re- assignments in other schools, the Fourth Ward School will be discontinued.

PLANNING DISTRICT 3

Boundaries

This Planning District is bounded on the west by the Pennsylvania Rail- road and on the east by Johnston-Oak Avenue and the adjoining steep terrain., The boundary on the north follows the rear of the property lines along the northerly side of North Avenue, and the southern boundary essentially follows Dewey Street and Clearfield Pike (L.R. 189).

- 72 - Topography

The topographic characteristics of Planning District 3 closely resemble the conditions noted in District 2. Planning District 3 is also corridor shaped and is enclosed on the west by the railroad and on the east by a valley wall. The valley wall cuts in at the southeast corner of the district causing a more westerly slope to the terrain in the vicinity of Reynolds Avenue and Robinson, Campbell and Sampson Streets.

Land Use

The district contains a mixture of residential, commercial and industrial land use types. With respect to nonresidential development, there is no definite pattern, but rather an arbitrary distribution. Commercial activities include both general retail and service establishments and automotive and heavy commercial uses. For the most part, all general retail and service uses are located in mixed use or residential-commercial structures. Bordering the easterly side of Oak Avenue (Rayburn Township) in the vicinity of High Street and Reynolds Avenue are the former head- quarters of the Continental Clay Products Company, a brick refractory. The facilities are no longer active and the buildings have reached a dilapidated state and contribute to an overall blighted condition in the area.

Residential development is the predominant land use in the district. Proportionately, there is almost an even distribution of single-family and multi-family structures.

The district is completely developed except for several small individual lots.

Condition of Housing

Planning District 3 contains the highest proportion of housing in deteriorating and dilapidated condition in the Borough. Critical groupings are evident between Union Avenue and E. High Street; in the vicinity of Reynolds Avenue and Robinson Street; and in the vicinity of Sampson, Clay and Dewey Streets.

Age, type of construction and lack of continued maintenance are the chief causes of substandard housing conditions.

- 73 - I I Circulation

The district is traversed by a number of collector streets, which result in heavier than usual traffic volumes being drawn through resi- 1 dential sections, In a north-south direction, these include Johnston and Oak Avenues, and Woodward Avenue. East-west collector streets include North Avenue, Union Avenue and Reynolds Avenue. All three of 1 these streets have access across the railroad right-of-way, The remaining streets in the district are local in character and primarily serve a land access function. All major streets are hard surfaced and are generally in a good state of repair. Sidewalks are provided along I all major streets to facilitate pedestrian circulation. 1 Community Facilities There are no community facilities located in this Planning District. 3 The most noticeable deficiency is the absence of neighborhood park and playground facilities. This is particularly apparent in light of the relatively high population density in the district. I

District elementary school children attend the Central School on Vine

Street, which is reasonably accessible from all district points e 1 1 PLANNING DISTRICT 4 Boundaries 1 Planning District 4 extends along the Allegheny River and is bordered by Planning Districts 1, 2 and 3 to the east. The district's boundaries are as follows: on the north, Ewing Street; on the east, the Pennsylvania 1 Railroad; on the south, Arch Street; and on the west, the Allegheny River. 1 Land Use

The district is predominantly residential in character, although it does contain a number of commercial and industrial uses. The residential de- I velopment is characterized by a variety of housing types, as is found throughout all of the residential sections of the Borough. A major difference, however, is that in the northern portion of the district, 1 essentially north of Chestnut Street, it is almost exclusively single- family. This is the only section of the Borough which falls into this category. In addition, in terms of age of housing, it is one of the I newer sections. South of Chestnut Street, residential development is predominantly multi-family. 1 1 - 74 - 1 Commercial development is found principally along Arch Street and N. Grant Street. The commercial development along Arch Street is basically an overflow from the Borough's central business district which is located immediately to the south between Arch and Jacob Streets. In most cases, because of the orientation of the commercial uses, there is no evidence of land use conflict with residential development. Small commercial groupings are found at the intersections of Vine and N. Grant Streets, and Union Avenue and N. Grant Street. Scattered individual commercial uses are found on Chestnut Street, Union Avenue, N. McKean Street, N. Jefferson Street and Arch Street.

Industrial development is limited to three widely distributed locations. All are comprised of a single establishment at each location. The largest area devoted to industrial use is immediately north of Montieth Street. This site houses the Bauer Company, manufacturers of cement blocks and burial vaults. Because of its location in the narrow apex of the district, the operation of this industry is fairly well buffered from adjoining residential development. The use, however, does generate some truck traffic which does filter through residential areas.

With the exception of several small scattered vacant lots, all of the land in the district, which is suitable for development, is built-up.

Condition of Housing

Overall, Planning District 4 represents the most stable residential section in Kittanning. The incidence of deteriorating and dilapidated housing is very low.

One of the main problems in the district relating to housing environment, however, is the fact that portions of the district are subject to periodic flooding by the Allegheny River. This condition last occurred in March, 1964, and resulted in considerable property damage. Erosion along the river bank poses another problem, particularly to the rear of the properties on the westerly side of N. Water Street in the vicinity of High and Chestnut Streets.

Circulation

Heavy traffic infiltration in the northern portion of the district is negligible, except along N. McKean Street, which is a major north-south collector street. In the southern portion of the district, however, essentially south of High Street, all east-west and north-south streets are called upon to serve the dual function of traffic collection and

- 75 - I 1 land accesso This is attributed to the relationship of this section to the business district and other major traffic generators in the area, as well as the natural flow and accumulation of traffic towards the arterial highway system which serves the Borough. Although this traffic condition 1 does detract from the residential environment, it fortunately has not had any noticeable effect on housing conditions., 1

All major streets in the district are hard surfaced and in reasonably good condition. Sidewalks are provided along all major streets to 1 facilitate pedestrian circulation.

Community Facilities 3

Residential-related community facilities in the district include the Kittanning Branch of Indiana State College, St. Mary's Parochial School, 3 Central Elementary and Junior High School, Kittanning Free Library, No Jefferson Street Playground and River Front Park. I The district is adequately served by neighborhood-type community facilities. 1

PLANNING DISTRICT 5 I Boundaries 1 Planning District 5 is bounded by the Allegheny River on the west; Arch Street, Dewey Street and Clearfield Pike on the north; the municipal boundary line on the east (the Kittanning-Rayburn Township municipal line); and Jacob Street and the Kittanning-Manor Township municipal 1 line on the south. 1 Land Use

Planning District 5 comprises the Borough's central business district. The central business district serves two distinct functions: it is the 1 principal center of business activity in the Borough and the County as a whole; and it serves as the governmental center for the Borough and Armstrong County. d

Commercial uses include a wide variety of retail and service establishments. 1 Most buildings are multi-story. Along Market Street, the principal business activities are at street level, while most of the second and third floors, ! i - 76 - i which once contained business uses or residence, have mostly been vacated. Business uses along the north-south streets include structures which are used exclusively for commercial purposes, and mixed residential-commercial structures which are generally typified by commercial uses at the street level with commercial and/or residential uses on the upper levels.

Governmental facilities include the Borough Hall and Police Department situated on an alley on the north side of Market Street, and the County Courthouse and Jail at the eastern end of Market Street.

In addition to the above uses, there are a number of semipublic uses such as churches and clubs, and residential structures. A public housing project is currently under construction at the northeast corner of Market Street and N. Grant Street.

Condition of Structures

Essentially, building conditions in this district are good. Over the years, there has been a considerable amount of individual face-liftings and building renovations, in addition t.0 normal maintenance. A continuation of this practice is vital to the future prosperity of the district since a majority of the buildings were constructed prior to the turn of the century and, through age and original construction, need continuous attention. Future improvements, however, should be coordinated and developed around a unifying theme encompassing the entire business section.

The most evident grouping of buildings requiring major repairs lies within the blocks bounded by Market Street, S. Grant Street, Jacob Street and S. McKean Street.

Since the overall environment of the district is nonresidential for reasons of land use and traffic circulation, the prevailing conditions are not conducive to the environment desired for most low density residential housing types.

Circulation

All streets in Planning District 5 carry heavier than normal traffic volumes, serve a land access function, and contain metered curb.parking facilities. During daily peak hour periods, most streets in the district are subject to traffic congestion.

- 77 - All streets are hard surfaced and in good condition. Sidewalks are provided along all major streets to facilitate pedestrian circulation.

Community Facilities

Community facilities in the district include the Borough Building and River Front Park.

PLANNING DISTRICT 6

Boundaries

Planning District 6 is situated in the narrow southernmost portion of the Borough, It is bounded by the Allegheny River to the west; Jacob Street to the north; and the Kittanning-Manor Township municipal boundary line to the east and south.

Land Use

The district is predominantly nonresidential in character and contains a high proportion of automative-related and heavier commercial type uses, such as warehousing, building supply yards, and wholesale distributors. Almost every block, however, contains residential structures situated between commercial and/or industrial uses This is particularly apparent east of S, Jefferson Street and south of Mulberry Street., The district is entirely developed except for several small and widely dispersed lots.,

Condition of Structures

Structural conditions in the district are generally good. The most severe groupings of deteriorating and dilapidated structures, many of which are residential units, are found along and east of S. McKean Street., An urban renewal project is currently being studied for this area e

Existing development in the district is not conducive to a sound and harmonious residential environment.

Circulation

All streets in the district are major traffic collectors because of the predominant nonresidential nature of land development and also because of the fact that most streets are used to disseminate traffic to and

- 78 - from the business district and Water Street. Water Street is part of the Route 422-66 arterial highway system, and presently carries average daily traffic volumes in excess of 16,000 vehicles.

Major streets are hard surfaced and in good condition. Sidewalks are provided to facilitate pedestrian circulation.

Communitv Facilities

Community facilities in the district include the Borough Garage and Fire Station No. 1, the Armstrong County Memorial Hospital and River Front Park.

This district does not contain any neighborhood recreational facilities to serve the existing resident population.

FAMILY SURVEY

In order to arrive at some general conclusions as to the characteristics of families and individuals residing in substandard housing, a family survey was conducted during the month of February, 1965. While every effort was made to establish a procedure which would provide an accurate and objective measure of family characteristics, it should be emphasized that the data as presented is based on a sample, and therefore, it should not be misinterpreted as being conclusive, but rather representative.

The findings of the survey are tabulated for the Borough as a whole and by Planning Districts in Tables 29 through 34. As noted earlier, the exterior survey of structural conditions revealed a total of 399 substandard housing units in the Borough. The family survey involved inter- views with.100 of the families or individuals who occupy these units. The survey, therefore, represents a 25 percent sampling.

Following is a discussion of some of the major findings.

HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS Type of Structure

The proportion of substandard housing units is almost.evenly distributed between single-family structures and multi-family structures.

- 79 - 1 1 Of the units surveyed, SO were located in single-family structures, 49 were in multi-family structures (two or more housing units), and one was in a mjxed residential-commercial building. 1 1 Most substandard structures are of frame construction: 92 frame and 8 masonry. 1 O@cupancy I More rental units are in substandard condition than those occupied by an owner, Of the one hundred units surveyed, 37 percent were owner- occupied, a:ad 63 percent were rental units. I lvlonthly Contract Rent of Rental Units I Of the 63 rental units surveyed, approximately 75 percent had monthly contract rents of $39 or less, exclusive of utilities. None rented for more than $60 per month. 1 Basic Facilities- 1 Basic internal facilities include plumbing - hot and cold running water; heating - central heating facilities or heating outlets in all habitable rooms; sanitary - private toilet and bathing facilities; and electrical - 1 properly installed wiring and electrical outlet. Of the units surveyed, 47 percent were deficient in one or more of the above basic facilities. Heating and plumbing deficiencies were among the most prevalent. I Size of Units 1 Approximately half of: the mits surveyed contained four rooms or less. Of the total surveyed, 63 percent had one or two bedrooms, 28 percent had three bedrooms, and 9 percent had four or more bedrooms. I 1 1 I I - 80 - 1 TABLE 29

CHARACTERISTICS OF SUBSTANDARD HOUSING UNITS*

BOROUGH OF KITTANNING, 1965

Total Number of Substandard Housing Units**: 399 Number of Units Surveyed: 100 Percent of Substandard Units Surveyed: 25% Number of Overcrowded Units: 33

TYPE OF STRUCTURE TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION OCCUPANCY MONTHLY CONTRACT RENT BASIC FACILITIES (excl. utilities) Single-Family : 50 Frame : 92 Owner: 37 Adequate : 53 Multi-Family: 49 Masonry: -8 Tenant: -63 $0 - 29: 27 Inadequate : -47 Mixed Use: -1 $30 - 39: 20 $40 - 49: 12 100 I 100 100 m i.100 $50 - 59: 3 P $60 or more: -1 I ,63

INADEQUATE BASIC FACILITIES LENGTH OF RESIDENCE NUMBER OF ROOMS IN UNIT NUMBER OF PERSONS IN FAMILY (some units are deficient in more than one) Under 1 year: 12 1 - 2: 3 1 - 2: 36 1 - 3 years: 24 3: 10 3 - 4: 31 Plumbing : 19 4 - 7 years: 19 4: 30 5 - 6: 18 Heating: 43 8 or more years: -45 5: 19 7 or more: -15 Sanitary: 8 6: 25 Electrical: 2 100 7 or more: 2 100

100

* Based on Twenty-Five Percent Sample Survey. ** Based on Consultant's exterior structural survey. Note: Numbers may also be read as percentages where columns added to 100.

~ Source: Bellante and Clauss, Inc., February, 1965. TABLE 30

CHARACTERISTICS OF SUBSTANDARD HOUSING UNITS BY PLANNING DISTRICT*

I___;

TOTAL -PLANNING - SUBSTANDARD UNITS MONTHLY CONTRACT RENT DISTRICT UNITS** SURVEYEE OCCUPANCY Owner T.enant

1 65 19 8 11 4 6 1 - 2 90 20 6 14 7 4 2 1 3 166 39 16 23 8 8 6 1 4 27 8 4 4 1 - 2 - 5 17 5 1 4 3 - I 1 I - 6 -34 -9 -.2 . -7 -4 -2 -1 - 03 h) I TOTAL 399 100 37 63 27 20 12 3 (25%) ...... PLANNING TYPE OF DISTRICT LENGTH OF RESIDENCE TYPE OF STRUCTURE Under 8 or Single-Family Multi-Family Mixed Use 1-3 yrs. 4-7_yrs. more yrs.

1 2 7 4 6 13 .5 1 2 1 6 5 8 8 - 12 - 3 6 10 4 19 18 21 - i 4 1 - 2 5 4 4 - 5 - - 1 4 5 - 6 -2 -1 -3 -3 -7 -2 -- TOTAL 12 24 19 45 50 49 1 92 8

* Based on Twenty-Five Percent Sample Survey, ** Based on Consultant's exterior structural survey. TABLE 30 (Cont'd)

PLANNING NUMBER OF D ISTR ICT NUMBER OF ROOMS BY UNIT NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOUSING UNIT OVERCROWDED UNITS 45 1-2 5-6 7 or more - - -> 3-4 - 637 1 7 3 5 4 9 5 5 4 1 8 4 4 4 9 12 7 10 5 14 17 6 2 8 2 - 2 3 3 2 1 2 3 311 - 3 2 - - 1 --23- 1 -3 -1 -3 -2 -3 -3 TOTAL 10 30 19 25 13 36 31 18 15 33

I 00 cu PLANNING INADEQUATE BASIC FACILITIES INADEQUATE I DISTRICT BASIC FACILITIES BY UNIT (Some Units are Deficient in More Than One) COWERS ION Adequate Inadequate Plumbing: Heatinp Sanitarv Electrical -- _I 5 14 3 10 10 - 22 17 4 4 5 - -7 -2 TOTAL 53 47 19 43 8 2 3

Note: Numbers may also be read as percentages where columns added to 100.

Source: Bellante and Clauss, Inc., February, 1965. 1 I

Length of Res id.ence 1

Almost klf of the families interviewed were long-term residents of the Borough: 45 percent resided in their respective housing unit for 8 or 1 more years, including many who have lived in the unit between 15 and 25 years. Of the remainder, E? percent lived in their housing unit less than 8 year, 24 percent from 1 to 3 years, and 19 percent for 4 to 7 years. I

Famiky Size 1

Approximately one-third of the families were comprised of one and two- person households. About half of these were elderly persons. I

Families comprised of three to five persons accounted for 42 percent, and families with six or more persons, 22 percent, I

Age of the Head of the Household- 1 Approximately two-thirds of the heads of families were over 45 years of age, while one-third was under 45 years old. Seventeen percent was over I retirement age. 1 Monthly Income-

Approximately 30 percent of the families reported a gross monthly income from all sources of less than $150, while 60 percent reported incomes of 1 less than $250 per month. Only 7 percent earned more than $450 per month. Many incomes are grossky disproportionate to family size and result in substandard living conditions e I I Half of the families surveyed received their income f’rom some form of employment by one or more %kly members. Thirty percent received most of their income from social security or retirement pensions; and 20 percent 1 received some form of public assistance. 1 Overcrowded Condft ions

Of the families and units surveyed, 33 percent were overcrowded. T.kt is to say that one-third of the families were living in units smaller than 1 minimum health and safety standards prescribed. I - 84 - I I ‘I TABLE 31 1 CHARACTERISTICS OF FAMILIES OR INDIVIDUALS OCCUPYING SUBSTANDARD HOUSING UNITS*

i BOROUGH OF KITTANNING, 1965

I Total Number of Substandard Units**: 399 Number of Families or Individuals Surveyed: 100 I FAMILY SIZE AGE OF HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD

1 person: 15 20 - 35 years: 19 i 2 persons: 21 36 - 45 years: 18 3 persons: 16 46 - 55 years: 24 4 persons: 15 56 - 65 years: 22 1 5 persons: 11 66 years or more: -17 6 persons: 7 7 persons: 10 100 I 8 or more persons: -5 € 100 I MONTHLY INCOME MAJOR SOURCE OF INCOME $50 - 99: 10 Employment: 50 $100 - 149: 19 Social Security: 17 $150 - 199: 14 Pension : 13 I $200 - 249: 16 Public Assistance: -20 $250 - 299: 10 $300 - 249: 10 100 I $350 - 399: 3 $400 - 449: 11 $450 - 499: - I $500 or more: -7 I 100

* Based on Twenty-Five Percent Sample Survey. I ** Based on Consultant’s exterior structural survey. I Source: Bellante and Clauss, Inc., February, 1965. I I - 85 - TABLE 32

CHARACTERISTICS OF FAMILIES OR INDIVIDUALS

OCCUPYING SUBSTANDARD UNITS BY PLANNING DISTRICT*

BOROUGH OF KITTANNING, 1965

TOTAL PLANNING SUBSTANDARD FAMILIES DISTRICT UNITS** SURVEYED WJMBER OF FAMILIES BY SIZE (Persons) AGE IN YEARS OF HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD ------1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8'0r more __20-35 --- 36-45 46-55 56-65 65 or more 1 65 19 2512231 3 2 7 3 5 2 2 90 20 3531133 1 5 3 4 4 4 3 166 39 7789512 - 8 5 10 10 6 4 27 8 212-1-1 1 1 1 4 - 2 5 17 5 122---- - P - - 1 3 - - 6 -34 -9 -1-32-3 2 -2 -3 -2 - I ------co m TOTAL 399 100 15 21 16 15 11 7 10 5 19 18 24 22 17 I (25%)

PLANNING DISTRICT MONTHLY INCOME MAJOR SOURCE OF INCOME BY FAMILY $500 Social Public $0-99 $1op-199 $200-299. $300-399 $_400-499 Employment_ Security Pension Assistance

1 1 5 6 3 2 2 12 3 1 3 2 3 10 4 1 2 - 4 5 3 8 3 4 10 13 5 5 2 23 6 5 5 4 2 1 1 2 2 - 4 1 2 -1 5 - 3 - 1 - 1 2 2 1 - 6 - -4 -2 -1 -- -2 -5 -- -1 -3 TOTAL 10 33 26 13 11 7 50 17 13 20

* Based on Twenty-Five Percent Sample Survey. Jr)k Based on Consultant's exterior structural survey. Source: Bellante and Clauss, Inc., February, 1965. TABLE 33

COMPARISON OF FAMILY SIZE AND MONTHLY INCOME OF

FAMILIES OCCUPYING SUBSTANDARD HOUSING UNITS*

BOROUGH OF KITTANNING, 1965

MONTHLY INCOME NUMBER OF FAMILIES BY SIZE TOTAL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 or Person Persons Persons Persons Persons Persons Persons More Persons

$50-99 1 1 10 $100-149 6 3 19 $15 0-199 6 1 14 I $2 00-249 4 3 17 to $250-299 1 1 9 4 $3 00-349 1 3 10 I $350-3 99 1 1 3 $400-44 9 - 2 11 $450-499 - - - $500 or more -1 -1 -2 -1 -7 TOTAL 15 21 16 15 11 7 10 5 100

* Based on Twenty-Five Percent Sample Survey. Note: Numbers may also be read as percentages where columns added to 100.

~~~ Source: Bellante and Clauss, Inc., February, 1965. I 1 TP-BLE 34 COMPARISON OF FAMILY SIZE AND WJMBER OF BEDROOMS IN UNIT 1 KND OVERCROWDING OF FAMILIES 9CCUPYING SUBSTANDARD HOUSING UNITS* 1 BOROUGH OF KITTANNING, 1965

TOTAL I FAMILY SIZE NUVBER OF BEDROOMS BY UNIT UNITS OVERCROWDED UNITS ----I 2 3 4 5 or more I 1 person 310 2 - - 15 2 persons 314 3 - 1 21 2 3 persons 5451 1 16 2 1 4 persons 110 2 2 - 15 7 5 persons -533 11 4 ‘I 6 persons -16- I 5 I 7 persons 1261 - 10 8 8 or more -----41- -- -5 -5 persons 1 TOTAL 13 50 28 7 2 100 33 I * Based OF Twenty-Five Percent Sample Survey. Note: Numbers may also be read as percentages where columns added to 100. 1 Source: Bellante and Clauss, Inc., February, 1965. . I I 1 1 1 I I - 88 - I Community Facilities

There are numerous public services and functions which must be provided by municipal governing bodies to meet the daily health, safety and cultural needs of the community. The need for these services and the degree to which they can be provided depends on the density of development, the characteristics of the population to be served and the financial resources available.

This study contains an analysis of the physical characteristics of Kittanning' public facilities. It is concerned with the adequacy of existing public buildings, recreational facilities, schools, and utilities, in terms .of their ability to meet present and anticipated future needs. The adequacy and availability of these community facilities are extremely important to all Borough residents since they reflect the quality, convenience and general character of the Borough as a place in which to live and work.

PUBLIC BUILDINGS ANALYSIS

Municipal buildings in Kittanning consist of a Borough Hall, a Library, a Borough Garage and several fire houses. The adequacy of these buildings for their intended purpose is analyzed in the following material.

- 89 - 1 1 BOROUGH HALL I The Borough Hall is located on the northerly side of Market Street in the block lying between N. McKean and N. Jefferson Streets. The building in which the Borough offices are located is owned by the Borough, however, the Borough utilizes only part of the rear portion of the structure for -I municipal purposes. The front portion of the building is rented to the Armstrong County Trust Company. The American Legion and the Junior Order of Mechanics occupy the third floor. In effect, the Borough i occupies the rear sections ofthe first and second floors of the building. This section is divided from the front portions of the I first and second floors and separate ingress and egress is provided. I The facilities housed in the building are as follows: First Floor (Front Portion): The Armstrong County Trust Company

I .First Floor (Rear Portion) : Borough Police Station and Jail (4 holding cells) I Second Floor (Front Portion): The Armstrong County Trust Company Second Floor (Rear Portion): Borough Secretary's Office and I Council meeting room Third Floor: Two meeting rooms used by the American Legion and the Junior I Order of Mechanics (the latter is rented space)

I The building was built in 1900 and has three stories and a basement. The exterior walls of the building are constructed of brick and masonry. In- terior walls are of frame construction with wood lath and plaster covering. I Floors and interior stairs are made of wood and the roof is constructed of wood and asphalt composition. The building is nonfireproof. I Adequacy of Building

Although a number of major repairs have been made to the building in I recent years, including a new composition roof, it is very doubtful that the existing Borough Hall facilities will be adequate to meet the long- range needs ofthe Borough. The structure which is over 60 years old I has a number of critical deficiencies of a physical as well as an operational nature. These include: I I I - 90 - I 1 I, The bulildiazg is in fair to poor physical condition and requires repairs beyond those usually associated uith r,ormal maintemnce, I 2, The structure is of nonfireproof construction.

3, The interior layout of offices is inefficiezlt and greatly restricts efficiency of operation. 1

4, Privacy arid adequzte space to accommodate th.e various municipal departments and officials is lackirlg, 1

Ir! addition to the above stmctural deficiencies, the site 0.9 which the I buildiag is situated is small and entirely covered by the structure. Access to the buiidirg is poor and urattractive, The~eare EO off- street parking facilities, I I

The Kittanning Free Library is located on the northea.st comer of the intersection of Arch Street and N. Jefferson Street adjiicent to the 1 central business district The structure is a rem.ode%ed residence which is in excess of 100 years oid. Zt has been wed fer library purposes since 1333. The seeond floor of this two-story structure is currently wed a.s a residexe. Despite the age of 5he buildi.ilgj 1 it is structurally sound and well maictained, 1 The facilities housed in the str-;ictu.re include: I Baserrrent : Heating plant azd storage rooms. Due to dampness and periodic susceptibility to fl.ocpding, the storage moms are not used for library purposes I

First Fhor: Book stacks, circulation desk, small- wark areag reading areas and employee rest room, 1 The above facilities are provided for in one overall room having an area of approximately 1,500 square feet. I Second Floor: A rental apartment with separate egress and ingress 1 1 1 I I I The Library site measures approximately 67 feet along N. Jefferson Street, and 97 feet along Arch Street. Of the total 6,500-square foot area of the I site, approximately 4,000 square feet is occupied by the structure and a front and side yard. The Library proper is oriented toward Arch Street. The remainder of the site consists of an unoccupied side yard fronting on Arch Street. This unused portion of the site could accommodate building I expansion if necessary.

I In terms of location, the Library is well located, easily accessible from all points in the community and forms a valuable adjunct to governmental I and business activities in the central business district. The Library's catalogued book collection totals approximately 20,160 volumes, While total volumes available in and of themselves are not an I absolute measure of adequacy without reference to the type and condition of the collection, it does provide a basis for a very general evaluation. The National Library Association, recommends between 1% and 2 books per I capita for a community the size of Kittanning. (This assumes an appropriate distribution to satisfy the broad reading and reference needs of all age groups served.) Based on this numerical standard, the Library I is more than adequate. I Adequacy of Building The Library building is structurally sound and with continued maintenance has many remaining years of useful service. The principal deficiency in I the building is inadequate space within the confines of the allotted Library area. This pertains to all of the functional aspects of the facility. At the present time, not all volumes can be properly shelved I nor is there room to accommodate volume growth and more book shelves. Reading and reference areas currently provide seats for 32 children and 8 adults. These facilities are limited, overcrowded, lack separation from other library functions and do not have a quiet and re- I laxed atmosphere. The librarian's work area is grossly inadequate. Public rest room facilities are not provided. I

BOROUGH GARAGE

I Kittanning's Borough Garage is attached to the rear of Company No. 1 Fire Station on S. Jefferson Street. Vehicular access to the garage is via an alley which extends between Jacob and Mulberry Streets. The I garage is a recent addition to the fire house and is constructed of concrete block with a wood and asphalt composition roof. The approx- imate floor area of the garage is 2,000 square feet. This portion of I the building is sound and in good physical condition. 1 I - 92 - 1 I At the present time, the following major Borough equipment is stored in the garage: I --a street sweeper -e one ''U" plate dump truck I --a 16 cubic yard garbage - - one front end loader packer --portable pumps and - - two "W" plate dump trucks emergency light plant 1 - - one 3/4 ton truck -- eight point machines I

Because of space limitations within the structure, additional equipment, including a 3-5 ton "pup roller" and an air compressor, is stored outside 1 the garage,

Adequacy of Building I

Although the Borough Garage portion of the overall building is relatively new and in good condition, the present facilities are deficient, The I deficiencies are as noted below: 1 1. The existing floor area of the garage does not provide sufficient space to accommodate all of the Borough's public works equipment. As a result, those pieces of equipment which are housed in the structure are overcrowded and are 1 not readily accessible. Several pieces of equipment which should be housed indoors are stored outside and are deteriorating due to exposure. I

2. When equipment is stored in the garage, there is no room for use as a work area to facilitate maintenance and repairs. I

3, The total building is nonfireproof. In the event of a fire, I particularly with the overcrowded condition which exists, heavy damage losses could result. I 4. The present site is almost entirely covered by the building and there is no potential for needed expansion, I 5. There is no space available for off-street parking or loading. I 1 - 93 - I 1 1 6, Ingress and egress to the garage via the 15-foot alley is I restrictive and subject to blockage.

I FIRE HOUSES The Kittanning Fire Department operates from three fire stations in the I Borough. One fire house, Hose Co. No. 1, is located on S. Jefferson Street in the southern section of the Borough. The other two fire houses, Hose Co. No. 4 and No. 6, are situated along Orr Avenue in the northern section of the Borough. The Fire Department is operated by a I volunteer organization, however, the fire houses are owned by the Borough.

I A brief description and evaluation of each fire house is presented below:

I Hose Co. No. 1 This fire house is located along the easterly side of S. Jefferson Street between Jacob and Mulberry Streets. The structure, which I was originally a church, was constructed in 1890. The outer walls of the building are constructed of brick and masonry and the interior I construction is of wood. The structure is not fireproof. The building is two stories. The first floor contains the garage which houses the following apparatus: two 750 g.p.m. pumpers; an I 85-foot aerial ladder truck; a jeep; and a 14-foot emergency boat I powered by outboard motor. . The second floor contains an auditorium and stage. E Adequacy of Structure. Although the building is quite old and was not originally designed for its present use, it has been fairly well maintained and does not appear to have any major structural deficiencies. The building, however, does require pointing and painting and does lack some of the amenities and facilities associated with newer and more modern facilities. Nevertheless, with I continued maintenance and normal repairs and replacement, the building has many useful years ahead. Garage storage space for 1 fire apparatus is adequate. I I I - 94 - I I

e.westerly side of Orr Avenue I s; The structure was built in and is constructed of brick and rior. The fire apparatw stored in the e;%tmck and a squad car. I ng via two overhead doors I re is in good conditior, and requires only'normal. continued naintedance ar?d sepalrs, The space pra- vided is adequate to hause the present equipment, I

Hose CO, NQ, 6 I

Hose Co, No, 6 is I6cat.e Avenue near the intersection of ColwelE Street,, Built i *'structure is constmeted of brick I and masonry and is two stcries ir4.hefght. A two-story addition to the rear of the building was completed during the spring of 2964 to fire apparatus housed in truck, a 500 gopoinopumper I and leave the building by ich fronts on QrrAvenue, I

use+fs in good ccjnditisn and duct operational busiztess is I I

regardless of the cause mtes af its occurrence 1 is the most critical peri 'the alarm must be SmiZded ed fire eompany must be on its way to ins to0 much msmentum. The earliest I cstive rescue operations and the the fire under control, takes a fire company to e location and dfstance I d Location of every potential fire located to take care of development arid potential. I e best Bocatiop far a fire a the most widely recognized I I - 95 I I authority on fire protection and fire fighting in the United States, has developed and applied certain service radius standards for fire house I locations, based on the above considerations. These are outlined in Table 35, as follows: I TABLE 35

I FIRE HOUSE LOCATION STANDARDS

I AREA SERVED MAXIMUM DISTANCE

High Value Areas .75 Miles (downtown commercial and ~1 industrial areas )

Low Value Areas 1.5 to 2.0 Miles I (closely built residential)

Sparsely Developed or Rural Areas 3.0 Miles I (scattered building )

Source: National Board of Fire Underwriters, 1962.

The above distance standards, of course, assume direct and unobstructed vehicle access Only the first two classifications, "high value areas" and "low value areas" are applicable to Kittanning.

Evaluation of Existing Fire Station Locations and Coverage

The three fire stations in Kittanning are distributed in such a fashion that all sections of the Borough are within a three-quarter mile fire- service radius of at least one fire house.

Since the Pennsylvania Railroad bisects the Borough from north to south, and because the railroad right-of-way is at grade along its entire length, the fire stations have been located on each side of the railroad tracks to meet prescribed fire safety and coverage standards.

While it does not appear to represent a problem, the spacial relationship between the three fire houses is not evenly distributed, i.e., southern, central and northern sections of the Borough. Hose Company No. 1 is

- 96 - I I sftuatad ir! what would be considered ttie southem section of the commilnity ar.d Hose Companies No. 4 and 0 are in tf?e nort5ex-n sectims. I Hose Company No, 4 and 6 are Less than l,7CO feet or one-third of a mile apart and, as sixh, there is considerable overlappirig within the three- I qua.rter mile fire service radius of each fire house. If in the fdture a new location is sought for Hose Compa,ny No. 4,9 s losatfor, in the central seetion of the Eorobgh would be advisable, preferably in the area bounded by Union Avenue and North Avenue. This would afford rnore even distribution I of service and also provide more concentrated protectiarr within the central business district and high value area, I c mcEJ s I ON I Based on the evalriation of the phjsical adequa(:,y of mmicipal buildir,gs ir! Kittan2ing, several facilities, ?nelu,ding the Bormgh Hall, Borough Garage and Boroiigh Li.brary, have deficiencies of varying degrees ., Re- I placement or enlargement of these facilities Es necessary in order to provide these governmental services at an optimum level and further, to meet the long-range needs of the residents of Kittanning, I I RE CREA Ti0 N ANAL YSiS I Recreatior. has became a .vital. element in UT daily living, The future is expected to bring increased Leisure time to most families a.nd emse- quently an incrsase in demand for recreation €acflfties. Every community, I therefore, shoi?ld provide adeq;u.ate facilities to meet the reereation needs and demands of' its citizens. A good recreation system, including both active and passive facilities, contributes to health, relaxxtion and community spirit of adults and children alike; it provides attractive I areas and facilities which encourage families to live ira a particular neighborhood 031: community and take prid.e in it; adit generalll,y benefits the local tax: base by hcreasing the va.lue of residential properties on 1 the periphery af well-planned arid well-maintained facilities. I EXISTING FAC1,LITiES

The Borough's public recreational. facilities can be generally divided into 1 two classifications: those owned by the bcrough and those related to the public school system, A summary of existing recreational facilities as classified above is presented iq Table 36. Combined, t'nese facilities I comprise approximately 14.6 acres. I 1 TABLE 36

PUBLIC RECREATIONAL FACILITIES

BOROUGH OF KITTANNING, 1964

RECREATIONAL FACILITY L 0 CAT I ON ACRES FACILITIES CLASSIFICATION

Municipal Northwest corner 1.4 Play apparatus, Neighborhood of intersection c ourt gam e s , park-playground of N. Jefferson ball field, and High Street tennis and basketball courts, recreation building, band shell and outdoor ice skating rink

North end of 3.8 Ball field and Community-wide Orr Avenue bleachers p 1ay f i e 1d

Along Water 5.3 Benches, shade C ommun ity -w i de Street and Alle- trees and boat park gheny River be- launching ramp tween Walnut and High Streets - Total 10.5

School High School Rec- 3.6 Ball field and Community-wide reation Field - bleachers, field playfield Orr Avenue and house, basket- Victory Street ball court, tennis courts and play apparatus

Fourth Ward Ele- 0.5 Open play area, Neighborhood mentary Play- gravel surface playground ground - Montieth Street and Johns- ton Avenue - Total 4.1

TOTAL PUBLIC RECREATION AREA 14.6

- 98 - ADEQUACY OF RECREATIONL FACILITIES

The physical adequacy of the Borough's recreational facilities is related to the following criteria:

1, The amount of land devoted to recreational use by type I of facility I 2. The location of various facilities in relation to the residential areas they serve,

3, The degree to which the various facilitfes have been developed. I

Each of these criteria as they apply to the BoroughPs overall public recreational system is discussed below,

Total Recreational Land 1 A well-balanced recreatiozal system should have enough variety to provide for both the active and passive recreational needs of all age groups. Obviously, a community's recreational needs must be evaluated on an 1 individual basis, The sizer location and type of facility will vary according to the iraterest and desires of the population to be served, I

Many outstanding recreational authorities, foremost among which is the NatioRaE Recreation Association, prescribe standards for those recreation I areas and facilities that are generally believed to be needed in every community to provide a well-rounded recreation program., Basically, these recreational facilities are divided into three types: community- wide parks, community-wide playfields and neighborhood park-playgrounds. I The area recommended by the National Recreation Association for each of the above facilities in a community the size and make-up of Kittanning is as follows: I

Community-wide Parks 2.50 acres/1,OO@ Population 1 Community-wide Pbayfields 1,20 acres/I., 000 Population

Neighborhood Park-Playgrounds 2 ., 40 acres/l, 000 Population I

- 99 - I 1 These standards applied to the Borough provide a useful guide for determining the overall need for recreational space. Based on the above, a 1 minimum of about 6.1 acres of recreational area per 1,000 population is recommended. On an overall basis, therefore, Kittanning should be providing approximately 41.5 acres of diversified recreational facilities 1 within its system. Since the Borough has only 14.6 acres of land devoted to recreational use, there is a serious recreation land area deficiency based on the recommended National Recreation Association standards. In effect, the Borough has only slightly above one-third of the 1 recreational land area considered desirable. I TABLE 37 E RECREATIONAL LAND AREA DEFICIENCIES BY TYPE OF FACILITY I BOROUGH OF KITTANNING, 1964 TYPE OF FACILITY RECREATIONAL ACREAGE PER 1,000 POPULATION I Desirable* Existing Deficiency Borough-wide Parks 17.0 5.3 11.7 I Borough-wide Playfields 8.2 7.4 0.8 Neighborhood Parks-Playgrounds 16.3 -1.9 14.4 I 41.5 14.6 26.9

* Recommended National Recreation Association Standards I based on Kittanning's 1960 population of 6,793 persons. 1 As shown in Table 37, in terms of the distribution of recreational land area by type of facility, there are substantial deficiencies in borough- I wide parks and neighborhood park and playground facilities.

I Location of Facilities For the most part all of the Borol gh's recreati nal facilities are well I located for the areas they are in ended to serve. There are, however, several neighborhoods that completely lack recreational facilities or are beyond the reasonable service radius of existing facilities. This I condition is most evidentbin the following portions of the Borough: I I - 100 - I I

I-The area bounded by Montieth Street, Johnston Avenue, North Avenue, Chestnut Street and Water Street 1 -- The area bounded by High Street, Johnston Avenue, Market Street and Grant Street 1

--The area bounded by Market Street, the Pennsylvania Railroad right-of-way, Walnut Street and Water Street I

All three of the above defined areas should be provided with neighborhood I park and playground facilities,

It is significant to note also in conjunction with the recreational 1 defkiencies cited above that the Central Elementary School and Junior High School, located on the southeast corner of Vine and McKeazl Streets, are completely without any on-s.ite outdoor recreational facilities. I

Extent of Development 1 The neighborhood park and playground area on N. Jefferson Street is being expanded and will be developed with a broad diversification of facilities to satisfy all age groups. 1

The absence of permanent apparatus at the Fourth Ward Elementary Sch.sol 1 play area limits its usefulness as a potential combined school-neighborhood recreational facility, I The full recreation potential ofthe Orr Avenue ball field and the community park along Water Street is not presently being realized, Both facilities should be developed with a broader complement of I recreational facilities to meet both passive and active needs. 1 The high school recreation field is in very good condition, and is well maintained and adequately developed for its intended purpose. i -CCNCLUSLON 1 !Jnfortunately, years ago when many communities were in their formative stages and when vacant land was abundant, the importance of a diversified recreation system did not have the same value that is associated with it I I - 101 - I today. In many older urban areas, therefore, adequate recreational facilities are lacking. This is especially true with regard to neighborhood and school recreation areas. Such is the case with Kittanning. The Borough's recreational system, by contemporary standards, is critically deficient. Additional recreation facilities designed to provide a variety of activities for the everyday needs of local residents, both children and adults, are needed.

SCHOOL ANALYSIS

The provision of educational opportunity for school age children is one of the most important services which a community must assume. It is also one of the most costly. Therefore, great care is required in the formation and implementation of a school system and program.

The Master Plan is primarily concerned with one phase of the public school system: the adequacy of the school buildings in terms of their sites, location, overall physical condition and ability to meet present and anticipated student enrollment levels.

Several problems arise in relation to this analysis. In the first instance, it will be noted that there are two school systems serving the residents of Kittanning. Also participating in these school systems are six municipalities which are not participating in the planning program. Accordingly, detaiLed studies of land use development, population distribution and growth, and similar considerations necessary for a complete school analysis cannot be provided for these communities. Without this information, a complete and accurate determination of future requirement is impossible.

Another problem is the State mandate, Act 561, involving the reorganization of school districts throughout the Commonwealth. Depending on what action is ultimately taken, this could completely alter the present school system. Although the County School Board has recommended a reorganization program, the entire situation is still in a fluid condition pending possible appeals and final State ratification. Any change in the current composition, or merging of districts, would require a re-evaluation of facilities and future needs.

In light of these factors, this analysis will be limited to an inventory of current facilities.

- 102 - I 1 I SCHOOL SYSTEM The construction and maintenance of school buildings and other supporting 1 facilities, as well as the employmerzt of trained personnel required for a complete educational program, is an extremely expensive undertaking, Because of this fact, in recent years municipalities have joined together to create school systems, which include more than one community, I as a means of providing more adequate facilities. I In effect, there are two school systems operating in Kittanning. These are as foll.ows: 1 Kittanning, along with West Kittanning and Applewold Boroughs and Valley Township, form the Kittanning Union School District for elementary school purposes, I grades K-6. The system currently operates with three schools: the Central and Fourth Ward Schoo1.s in Kittanning, and the West Kittanning School in the Borough of West Kittanning. I

-stem, -stem, - Participating corn- I munities in addition to Kittanning include the Boroughs of Nest Kittaming and Applewold, and the Townships of East Franklin, North Buffalo, Rayburn and Valley. The system currently operates with a junior high school buildirig, grades 7-9, arid a senior high i school building which houses grades 10-12. Both schools axe located is Kittanning. 1

SCHOOL STE.UCTURES AND FACILITIES 1 A survey and analysis of the school buildings was made in the winter of 1964, with the cooperation of the Supervising Principal of Schools, The physical characteristics of the respective sehools in the system are 1 shown in Table 38, and are diseussed below, I C entral School'*

The Central School building is used for both elementary and secondary school purposes, Part of the ground floor and all of the second floor I of the building are used for elementary purposes, grades K-6, The junior high school, in addition to using the Buff building on the same site, shares the ground floor and occupies the entire third floor ofthe 1 Central building.

* Subsequent to the preparation of this study, this building was severely I damaged by fire (July, 19651, No determination 5as been made as yet regarding restoration or reconstruction. 1 - 103 - I _/.- TABLE 38

SCHOOL STRUCTURES AND FACILITIES

KITTANNING SCHOOL SYSTEMS, 1964

TYPE OF C OND ITION BU ILD ING CONSTRUCTED CONSTRUCTION OF RATED* ENROLLMENT (Location ) GRADES (Renovation) (Rating ) BUILDING CAPACITY 1963-1964 . FACILITIES Bu i1 ding -Site Central-Ele- K-6 1921 Masonry Fair-good 400 487 15 class- 0.4 mentary Section (1955) (Semi- rooms, acres (Kittanning) fireproof) library

Fourth Ward 1-6 1904 Masonry Fair 300 256 12 class- 1.0 (Kittanning) (1956-57 ) (Semi- rooms acres fireproof) I P West Kittanning K-5 . 1930 Masonry Fair-good 150 162 6 class- 0.2 0 A (West Kittan- (1959) (Semi- rooms acres I ning ) fireproof)

C entral-Buf f 7-9 1911 Masonry Fair-good, 825 925 23 class- 0.2 Junior High (1955-56 ) (Buff 7 rooms, 6 acres School fireproof; special (Kittanning ) Central - c lassr ooms , semifire- gym, auditor- proof) ium, cafeteria, library

Kittanning 10-12 1955 Masonry Good 800 886 16 class- 9.0 Area High (Fireproof) rooms, 18 acres School special class- (Kittanning ) rooms, library, gym, cafeteria

* Pennsylvania Department of Public Instruction 1 1 The Central building was originally constructed in 1921. The exterior of the building is constructed of brick and masonry, while the interior partitions are of frame and plaster construction and the floors are wood. 1 The structure is not fire-resistive. The building was completely over- hauled in 1955 and 1956, including the installation of a new heating system. ,In general, the building has been well maintained and does not appear to require any major repairs. As with any building, however, I which is over 40 years of age, there will be a continuing need to replace obsolete and inadequate equipment. 1

The rated capacity of the elementary section of the building is 400 pupils., With a 1963-64 school year$enrollment of 487, the building is I curreRtly operating slightly above its rated capacity. The rated capacity of the junior high school (Central and Buff.Buildings) is 825. Average daily attendance during 1963-64 was 925. The junior high school, therefore, is also operating over capacity. I

The most critical deficiencies regarding this building concern its non- I fire-resistive construction and the school site. The building site is small, approximately 0.4 acres, and is without outdoor recreational space and off-street parking and loading facilities. The limited size I of the site also restricts any further expansion of facilities without resorting to acquisition of adjacent developed properties. I Buff Building

The Buff Building is situated behind the Central Building on N. McKean 1 Street. It was originally built in 1911, is three stories in height, and is constructed entirely of masonry, The building is fire-resistive.. An overhead corridor connects the Buff Building with the Central Buildii-ig. I

Although this building was remodeled in 1956, it still requires extensive minor repairs, as well as replacement of all window frames. The site on I which this building is located is 0.2 acres. The site deficiencies noted previously with regard to the Central Building apply also to the Buff Building a I

McCain House I This structure is a converted residential building located across from the Central School on Vine Street which houses the main administrative offices of the school district. School authorities report that the I building is costly to maintain and that, because of its physical separation from other ,school activities and its restrictive interior layout, it is administratively inefficient. I I - 105 - I 1' 1 Fourth Ward School

I The Fourth Ward School fronts on Wilson Avenue in Kittanning. The building was built in 1904 and is of masonry construction. The structure is non- I fire-resistive.

The school contains 12 classrooms; houses grades 1-6; and has a rated I capacity of 300 pupils. During the 1963-64 school year, average daily attendance totaled 256.

I The school site is one acre. Approximately one-half of the site is used for outdoor recreational purposes. Poor site preparation and lack of play apparatus, however, limits the usefulness of the recreational I facility

Various improvements have been made to the structure over the years to 1 help modernize the building. The structure, however, still has a number of deficiencies: the exterior walls require repointing; the window frames require replacement; and the heating system gives uneven heat i throughout the building.

I West Kittanning School The West Kittanning Elementary School Building was constructed in 1930. The building is made of brick and masonry, however, because of interior 1 wood construction, it is nonfire-resistive. The structure is two stories I and contains six classrooms, grades K-5. The rated capacity of the building is 150. Average daily attendance during the 1963-64 school year was 162. The building, therefore, is a operating slightly over capacity.

The school site is 0.2 acres and outdoor recreational facilities are I critically deficient

1 The building is well maintained and does not appear to require any major repairs I € I I - 106 - Kittanning High School

This building is the newest school plant in the Kittanning system., The building was constructed in 1955, is two stories, is of fire-resistive masonry construction, and is in very good condition.

The building contains 16 regular classrooms, 18 special.classrooms, a gymnasium, cafetorium, library, as well as other rooms and offices incidental to the operation of the school. The enrollment during the 1963-64 school year was 886. The rated capacity of the school is 800, therefore, the school is operating slightly over capacity.

The site on which the school is located is approximately 4.6 acres, The recreation field across from the school is approximately 4 acres.

ENROLLMENT TRENDS

The average daily enrollment in the Kittanning elementary and secondary school systems from the school year 1953-54 to 1963-64 is shown in I Table 39. 1 Enrollment in the overall system, grades K-12, during this eleven-year period increased from 2,126 pupils in 1953 to 2,716 pupils in 1963. This represents a total gain of 28 percent, or an average annual increase of about 55 pupils per year. Broken down by grade grouping enrollments 1 in grades K-6, although there were fluctuations from year to year, actually decreased somewhat from 961 pupils in 1953 to 905 in 1963. The availability of elementary classes, grades 1-8, at St. Mary's I Parochial School, has contributed in part to the stabilization of elementary enrollment levels in the public school system, I Enrollments in grades 7 through 12 have risen significantly and at a fairly constant rate. In 1953, there were 1,165 pupils enrolled in the secondary schools, while in 1963, enrollments had reached 1,811. 1 This represents an absolute increase of 646 students or 55 percent. I PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS

An evaluation of school needs would not be complete without some careful 1 consideration of the impact of school facilities outside of the public school system. While there is only one such school in the Kittanning area, it does play an important role in the education of a segment of I the areals school population. 1 - 107 - 1 TABLE 39

DISTRIBUTION OF PUBLIC SCHOOL PUPILS BY GRADE KITTANNING SCHOOL SYSTEMS*, 1953 - 1964 (Average Daily Membership)

SCHOOL YEAR KINDERGARTEN ELEMENTARY TOTAL SECONDARY TOTAL -TOTAL -1-6 -K-6 -7-9 10-12 -7-12 -K-12 1953 - 54 140 821 961 554 611 1,165 2,126 1954 - 55 140 803 943 510 6 91 1,201 2,144 1955 - 56 137 786 923 792 6 67 1,459 2,382 1956 - 57 150 742 8 92 842 659 1,501 2,393 1957 - 58 136 8 08 944 8 02 665 1,467 2,411 1958 - 59 139 823 962 764 715 1,479 2,441 I 1959 - 60 151 774 925 875 7 17 1,592 2,517 P 0 1960 61 155 750 905 947 687 1,634 co - 2,539 I 1961 - 62 172 7 22 8 94 988 678 1,666 2,560 1962 - 63 122 768 890 9 17 780 1,697 2,587 1963 - 64 153 752 905 925 8 86 1,811 2,716

* Includes: Kittanning Union School District, grades K-6 (participating communities are Kittanning, West Kittanning and Applewold Boroughs and Valley TownshiD). -- .I Kittanning Area Secondary Zchool System, Grades-7-12 (participating communities are Kittanning, West Kittanning and Applewold Boroughs and East Franklin, North Buffalo, Rayburn and Valley Townships ) Note: Figures beginning in the school year 1955 - 56 include special education pupils.

Source: Supervising Principal of Schools. I 1 The St. Mary's Parochial School is located on N. Jefferson Street in the Central section of Kittanning. The present school facility was constructed approximately 5 years ago, is of masonry construction, and 1 contains 8 classrooms. The grades in the school include 1 through 8. The school maintains an enrollment level of approximately 40 to 50 pupils per class, The enrollment during the 1963-64 school year was 335. Over I the past eight yearss however, enrollments have fluctuated between 309 and 369 pupils, Most of the school's enrollment is comprised of children from Kittanning. From the eighth grade most students enter the public school system. Officials of the St. Mary's School indicate that there I are no school expansion plans at the present time. I ESTIMATED FUTURE ENROLLMENT 1 Fbture enrollment levels in the Kittanning School Systems will depend on a number of variables as previously noted in the introduction of this study., As further information becomes available with regard to the physical and economic development of the participating communities in I the overall school system and once a final determination has been made relative to school redistricting, new and more detailed projections should be made. Even after this has been done, periodic review will I be required to determine the continued validity of the data. 1 The projected school enrollments by grade grouping as shown in Table 40 are based on a straight line method. In other words, it has been assumed that the occurrences of the past ten years with some modification, will continue into the future. I

Elementary enrollments are expected to continue to decline at a fairly 1 constant rate, reaching a level of 800 pupils by 1985. In contrast, secondary enrollment is expected to increase from its present level of 1,811 pupils to 2,140 pupils by 1975 and 2,440 by 1985. This is I at a somewhat lower rate than that experienced previously. It has been assumed that the current enrollment distribution between the junior and senior high school grades will remain approximately the same 1

Since both the junior high school and the senior high school are 1 presently operating over their respective rated capacities, continued increases in enrollment will augment the situation even further. Based on the above figures, new or expanded secondary facilities will be required in the not to distant future. 1 I I - 109 - I COMMUhITY FACILITIES

EAST FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP

WEST KITTANNING

=LE IN FEET

m 0 300 600 900

PREMED- LEUANTE CLPUSS nv IWD PWNERS . ORCXlTECTS. ENOlNEERS NWEUM.I964 1 I TABLE 40

I PROJECTED SCHOOL ENROLLMENTS BY GRADE* I KITTANNING SCHOOL SYSTEMS, 1964-1985 -YEAR ELEMENTARY SECONDARY -TOTAL I -K-6 -7-9 10-12 7-12 -K-12 1964 (Actual) 905 925 886 1,811 2,716 I 1970 87 5 1,075 915 1,990 2,865 1975 850 1,155 985 2,140 2,990 1980 825 1,235 1,055 2,290 3,115 I 1985 800 1,315 1,125 2,440 3,240 I * Straight Line Projection - Assumes no alterations in School Districts. a I PUBLlC UTlLlTYES ANALYSES The provision of adequate public utilities and facilities is essential in every urbanized community. Such facilities may be either public or 1 privately owned and operated, but in any event, they should include at least the following services: a water supply system, sewage collection and disposal, refuse disposal and dependable systems for the supply of I gas, electric and telephone service. This analysis is concerned with each of these utilities that exist in Kittanning and has been carried out to determine their present and future adequacy to serve the Borough. I .. I SEWAGE COLLECTION AND TREATMENT FACILITIES Kittanning is presently served by a sewage collection system which extends throughout the entire Borough and a relatively new sewage a disposal plant where all effluents are treated prior to their discharge to the Allegheny River. While these combined facilities provide more than adequate sewage collection and treatment, the Borough a is confronted with several critical problems relative to the older portion of the system. These deficiencies involve only the collector a part of the sewage system and are discussed in more detail below. I

I - 110 - I I Sewage Treatment Plant

Prior to 1960, all sewage effluents from the Borough were drained 1 directly to the Allegheny River without any treatment. At that time, the newly created Borough Municipal Authority completed and put into operation one of the finest and most modern sewage treatment plants 1 on the river. The plant and pumping station, both of which are located just east of South Water Street, were constructed at a total cost of $520,000. Of this amount, the Federal Government contributed $156,000 and the Borough financed the balance of $364,000. A major portion of 1 the Borough's share, $335,000, was financed by means of mortgage revenue bonds which are presently being retired with monies received from sewage rental fees paid by all householders and business firms in the Borough. 1

Both the treatment plant and the pumping station located at the foot of 1 Walnut Street were designed to serve a population of 10,000 persons with an average flow of 1.5 million gallons per day; a minimum flow of 800,000 gallons and a maximum flow of 2.5 million gallons. In addition to providing complete primary treatment, the plant also includes a 1 sludge digester system and drying beds that are used to convert the treated sludge to humus and fertilizer. , I

On the basis of this design and the Borough's current and projected population levels, the treatment plant will be able to serve the Borough 1 for many years to come without having to make any major additions to it. In the future, however, State Water Pollution Control Regulations may require a more complete primary and secondary treatment which will require additional settling tanks and filters. The plant was designed to I accommodate these facilities and the Municipal Authority should be able to make the additions when required, at a minimum cost. I Sewage Collection System

At the time the sewage treatment plant was built, it was not necessary to 1 make any major additions or extensions to the original sewer system. This was due largely to the fact that the Borough's sewer mains all meet in the vicinity of South Water Street and Walnut Street where it was necessary 1 to construct the new pumping station to collect and discharge raw sewage to the treatment plant. The present sewer system therefore consists essentially of the original sewers that were built and installed over 1 the years that the Borough has been developing. Most of these sewers are basically "combination" sewers which carry both sanitary effluent and storm water drainage from rooftops and streets. The volume and force of this excess water is so great in periods of heavy rain and 1 run-off that serious problems are created in various sections of the Borough. In spite of trap drains and other devices, raw water and I 1 - 111 - 1 sewage back up into basements, has damaged floors and foundations, and broken sewer mains, This general problem is further complicated due to many sewers being undersized and, in some cases, having larger diameter sewers discharge into smaller ones.

The only solution to this very serious problem will be the ultimate separation of the two types of drainage by diverting storm water into an individual storm sewer system. Several years ago, the Borough employed their Sewage Consulting Engineer to design such a plan, and application was made to the Federal Government for a grant to provide one-half the cost of the project. Although this grant was assured, I Borough residents have twice voted down a referendum to authorize an increase in the Borough's debt limit to provide the local share. This project is still a necessity and every effort should be made to I provide the means to carry it out. I WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM

The water system which presently serves Kittanning and most of the 1 surrounding area of the Borough is owned and operated by the Armstrong Water Company, a privately owned utility organized under the rules and I regulations of the Public Utilities Commission of Pennsylvania.

All of the water mains, street laterals and fire hydrants located in I and serving the Borough are owned and maintained by the Company and they assume all responsibility for repairs and extensions to the system. Their treatment plant and reservoirs are located in Kittanning and Ray- burn Township where water is taken from the Allegheny River for treat: I ment and distribution by gravity flow. At the present time, all commercial users have metered water service, however, most domestic customers pay only a monthly charge and are not metered. For municipal and fire- I fighting purposes, the Boroilgh currently pays a rental fee of $25.00 per fire hydrant, which requires an annual outlay of about $5,000 per year for service. This includes unlimited water supply for fire- fighting purposes, but for any other use, the Borough must pay on a I metered basis.

I Water pressure and supply throughout the Borough is adequate except in the extreme northern sector of the Borough above Lemon Way. Borough officials indicate that a small pressure pump in this area would I solve the problem. I I I - 112 - 1 I REFUSE DISPOSAL

At the present time, the Borough Street and Sanitation Department collects I and disposes of all domestic garbage and refuse. Collection service is provided twice weekly during the period from June through October, and once a week during the balance of the year. A regular crew is assigned 1 to this task and the Borough uses their own garbage packers and trucks for hauling. Under a licensing arrangement with the Borough, several local private haulers serve all the mercantile and restaurant establishments in the Borough. 1

All refuse collected in the Borough is hauled to the Borough's sanitary 1 land fill site located in East Franklin Township just off of Route 268. This is a 54-acre former stripping pit which serves very well as a land fill. The Borough uses a D-6 High Lift to cover and compact all refuse 1 at the end of each day's operation.

The current refuse collection and disposal system is more than adequate I and should remain so for many years in the future. At the present time, the only major need is a new and larger garbage packer to replace the existing 16-ton packer that is in use. 1 1 GAS, ELECTRIC AND TELEPHONE SERVICE

All three of these utility services are provided in the Borough and surrounding areas by privately owned utility companies, organized under 1 the Public Utilities Commission. Present service is more than adequate and is constantly being improved as new advances and technical improvements are made in their respective industries. Future service I requirements can be readily met when and where the demand occurs for expansion. I 1 1 1 I 1 - 113 - I I I I I I I I I

One of the most pressing problems confronting many communities of all I sizes across the nation today is their constant struggle to keep pace with the ever-mounting traffic demands placed on their.loca1 street and highway systems. While the magnitude and complexity of overall traffic demands in the larger city may be greater than those in the a small community, the impact on either type of community varies more in degree, rather than in its scope. The net result of traffic congestion, lack of adequate off-street parking, road hazards, time I delays and other traffic impediments are no less injurious and economically wasteful in the small community than they are in the larger city. In this era of the motor-driven vehicle, the continued growth and prosperity of all communities is dependent on their ability I to provide an effective traffic and circulation system. This means the provision of an adequate system that will assure the safe, convenient and swift movement of people and goods, in terms of both 1 local traffic and through or nonlocal traffic.

I In the small community, the task of keeping pace with growing traffic demands and providing an adequate traffic system is often much more difficult than in larger areas. The small community can rarely afford a continuing traffic study division or department which is able to I cope with major traffic problems and needs. Strained municipal budgets already require substantial sums annually, just to keep pace with normal street maintenance and ordinary traffic regulation. I In general, this leaves little leeway for major construction projects or improvements without outside financial assistance. Projects of this nature usually involve state and/or federal-aided highways I and the community must compete for funds and prog.ramming which have I I - 114 - I I to be allocated on an area-wide or regional basis, rather than on an individual community needs basis. In the interim, the small community I must continue its efforts to solve local traffic problems of all types I on its own. The purpose of the study is to determine the adequacy of the Borough's major street system to handle current and future traffic demands; to i determine significant traffic circulation problems; identify major congestion points, hazardous intersections, and other characteristics ofthe street system. The study has also been designed to review planned proposals for State ar,d Federal Highway Projects in or I adjacent to the Borough and to determine the principal characteristics of existing public transportation facilities. I

REGIONAL TRAFFrC SYSTEM I \

Kittanning is located in the west-central sector of Armstrong County I at the junction of several important State and Federal highways. The more important of these are: U. S. Route 422, and Pennsylvania Routes 669 28, 85, and 268, U. So Rmte 422, a designated federal-aided I primary route, extends from the west to the Borough via Butler and New Castle, Pennsylvania, and Youngstown and Cleveland, Ohio. To the east, this route connects the Borough with Indiana Borough, I Altoona and points further east. West ofthe Borough, Route 422 has been improved to a 4-lane linited access expressway, to and I around Butler, while east of Kittanning it is only a 2-lane highway. The principal. north-sonth route traversing the Borough is State Route 28, which extends from Pittsburgh vfa a long stretch ofthe I Allegheny River Valley. This Route is currently under extensive construction and in various stages of design. When completed, it will comprise a 4-lane limited access expressway that will link I Pittsburgh via Freeport, Kittaming and Brookville with the Key- stone Shortway (Interstate Route 80 >. The present location and characteristics of this route, including the present river crossing to downtown Kittanning, constitutes one of the major traffic problems I affecting Kittanning as well as general traffic in and through Arm- strong County. I In a direct south to north direction, the third principal route traversing the Borough is State Route 66, which connects the Borough to I the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Greensburg and the southern sector of the I

I - 115 - 1 I

County at Apollo and Vandergrift. North and east of the Borough, Routes 28 and 66 are merged as far as New Bethlehem where Route 66 continues due I north and connects to U. S. 322 at Clarion, Pennsylvania. These Routes are of particular regional significance to the Borough and currently carry the bulk of the major traffic volumes, local and through, which affect the Borough. I

Route 85 extends east from Kittanning and connects with Route 119 several 1 miles north of Indiana Borough. It affords the principal traffic route from the eastern sector of Armstrong County to Kittanning. Route 268, which runs north and west from the Borough at West Kittanning, serves I as the principal connecting route to the northern section of Armstrong and Butler Counties. 1 The intersection of Water Street, Market Street and the Kittanning Bridge (J. So 422), immediately adjacent to the downtown sector of th.e Borough, is the focal point of this entire radial highway system and represents the 1 most significant traffic circulation problem affecting the Borough. Peak hour traffic demands far exceed the ability of this intersection system to handle all of the traffic. For a number of years, this has been the I pri.ncipa1 source of the severe circulation problem involving the flow of thmugh-traffic, as well as disrupting normal downtown and peripheral traffic flow in the business district. Several years ago, the general problem was partially alleviated with the intersection improvement and I reconstruction of Route 66 and 422 south of the Borough at "Kittanning Eill-," which included a spur for Route 66 and 28, east around the Borough. Through-traffic originating south of the Borough on Route 66 and Route 128 from Freeport, desiring to travel east or north of the Borough 011 this side of the river, no longer has to traverse Water Street and Market Street. TRe basic problem of providing a similar circumferential or belt route for east-west oriented traffic on U. S. 422 and Route 28 still exists, however, and the proportionate traffic volumes, both local and through needing such a corridor, still constitute the major traffic demand.

Traffic on Route 28 (now L. R. 189), which formerly traversed Market Street to the Couzlty Court House and thence up the Clearfield Pike h.ill, is now diverted south from the bridge to U. S. 422 and the Route 66 spur. Al- though this has relieved through-traffic on Market Street desiring to continue east, this general route still serves as a major corridor to downtown from the eastern part of the County. Also feeding this road is Lo R, 03068, which connects the Templeton area and the northcentral part of the County with the Borough. In the Borough, Johnston Avenue-Oak Avenue comprises this route which is subjected to substantial daily volumes of traffic flow to and from these areas.

- 116 - CLASSIFICATION OF MAJOR STREETS AND HIGHWAYS

In order to provide a logical basis for analyzing the major street system of the Borough, the various roadways must be classified according to the type and volume of traffic they carry as well as their overall function in the traffic and circulation system of the Borough. This also provides the framework upon which future traffic plans and proposals can be developed, In most urban communities, the various streets and highways fall into four rather distinct categories, each of which is based on their major function and overall design. These categories are as follows: Expressways, Major Arterial Streets, Collector Streets and Local Streets

With the exception of Expressways which are almost universally designed as limited access highways to carry heavy volumes of through-traffic, the remaining three categories, while they perform different functions, also have similar characteristics. Chief among these are that they usually intersect at grade with each other at frequent intervals and usually perform a land service function for abutting properties. For the purposes of this study, based on field observations and traffic patterns, the major street system of Kittanning has been identified and classified in accordance with the following criteria and are as shown in Table 41 and on the Major Street Characteristics Map.

Expressways. An Expressway is devoted entirely to the expeditious movement of large volumes of through-traffic between regional areas, and perform little or no direct land service function. It is characterized by some degree of access control in the form of access- free rights-of-way, except at interchanges, median strips and grade separations at crossroads.

Major Arterial Streets, A Major Arterial Street is designed to provide for the principal movements of traffic within and through an area not served by Expressways, They interconnect the principal traffic generators within an urban area as well as the important rural routes. Major Arterials mainly serve to move traffic, but they normally also perform a secondary land service function in the form of free access to abutting properties, curb parking and on-street loading. Since land access, parking and loading are subordinate to the primary function of Major Arterials, they may be restricted or prohibited altogether, to improve traffic carrying capacity and traffic safety.

- 117 - I 1 TABLE 41

MAJOR STREET AND HIGHWAY CLASSIFICATION I BOROUGH OF KITTANNING, PENNSYLVANIA 1 MAJOR ARTERIAL STREETS 1 Market Street (L. R. 189) Clearfield Pike (L. R, 189) South Water Street (U. S. Route 422 - Pa. Route 66) 1 PRIMARY COLLECTOR STREETS

Johnston Avenue (L. R. 03068) - Oak Avenue 1 Troy Hill Road (L, R. 03067) Orr Avenue - Woodward Avenue Grant Street 1 McKean Avenue Jacob Street Union Avenue 1 SECONDARY COLLECTOR STREETS Jefferson Street Arch Street I North Water Street Mulberry Street Chestnut Street - North Avenue Walnut Street Union Avenue Montieth Street High Street Lemon Way 1 Vine Street - Reynolds Avenue

LOCAL STREETS 1 Balance of Street Network in Borough 1 Source: Survey and Classification, Bellante and Clauss, Inc. 1

Collector Streets, The Collector Street provides for traffic movement between Major Arterials, local streets and rural roads. In 3 Kittanning, Collector Streets have been further classified as Primary Collectors and Secondary Collectors. 1 performs very much like a Major Arterial, in that it is part of a radial street system., Traffic volumes on this system, however, are generally less, the length of trip shorter and I I - 118 - I the traffic more local in its origin and destination. Land access is or should be a secondary function, and the design and operation of this type of street should emphasize traffic circulation. Land access and on-street parking and loading are subordinate to the primary function and may be restricted in the interest of improving traffic carrying capacity and traffic safety.

The Secondary Collector serves internal traffic movement in an urban area. Traffic volumes are variable and may often be high,-. such as in a high density residential, business or inkustrial area. They ordinarily do not handle long, through-trips and are not, of necessity, continuous over any great length or distance. The Secondary Collector is intended to supply abutting property with the same degree of land service as a Local Street, while at the same time serving local traffic

movement a

PLocal Street. The principal function of a Local Street is to provide access, both vehicular and pedestrian, to properties abutting the right-of-way. Although Local Streets make up a large percentage of the total street milage, they carry only a small proportion of daily vehicle miles of travel. Moving traffic volumes should be light so as not to impair the land access function. Through-traffic, buses and heavy trucks should be excluded on such streets, except where the street serves a commercial or industrial district.

EXlSTlNG STREET CHARACTERlSTlCS

DESIGN CHARACTERISTICS AND CRITERIA

The ability of the major street system to adequately carry current and future traffic loads is governed primarily by the design, construction and traffic controls of each roadway. These include such factors as right-of-way widths, width of pavement, grades, alignment, intersection features and traffic controls. As a part of the traffic survey for Kittanning, all of these features have been analyzed and are discussed below and summarized in Table 42.

Right-of-way Widths

The right-of-way width of a street or highway is one of the more important features of a street that governs its practical and potential ability to carry present and future traffic volumes. It is measured from property

- 119 - TABLE 42

EXISTING STREET CHARACTERISTICS

BOROUGH OF KITTANNING, PENNSYLVANIA

R.O.W.* PAVEMENT SURFACE TYPE** TRAFFIC CURB I STREETS -WIDTH WIDTH AND CONDITION -GRADE ALIGNMENT FWW PARKING - 1 MAJOR ARTERIAL STREETS Market Street (L.R. 189) 60'-80' 36'-54' Bit. Conc.-Good Level to Medium Straight Two-way Both sides (Diagonal) Clearfield Pike (L.R. 189) 33' 22' Bit. Conc.-Fair Steep Curved Two-way No parking South Water Street 90' 36' Concrete-Good Level Straight Two-way Both sides - I (U.S. 422, Pa. 66) Market to Walnut PRIMARY COLLECTOR STREETS Johnston Ave.-Oak Ave. 20'-27'-30' 15'-18'-24' Bit. Conc.-Good Level Straight Two-way East side (L.R. 03068) to curved Troy Hill Road 30' 15' Bit. Conc .-Good Steep Curved Two-way No parking Orr Ave.-Woodward Ave. 40'-50' 24'-34' Concrete-Fair Level Straight Two-way West side - Union Bit. Cow.-Good to' Chestnut; both sides on balance Grant Street 30'-40' 22'-30' Concrete-Good Level Straight Two-way West side Bit. Conc.-Good One-way north from Vine to Union McKean Ave. 66' 32'-33' Bit. Cow.-Good Level Straight Two-way Both sides One-way south, Arc) to Jacob Jacob Street 60' 32' Bit. Conc.-Good Level Straight Two-way North side, McKean to Grant Union Ave. 35' 22' Bit. Conc .-Good Leiel Straight Two-way North side

~ ~~~ ~~ ~~ SECONDARY COLLECTOR STREETS Jefferson Street 66' 32'-40' Bit. Cox.-Good Level Straight Two-way Both sides One-way north, Jacob to Arch North Water Street 50' 30' Brick-Good Level Straight Two-way Both sides Chestnut Street 60' 32' Bit. Conc.-Good Level Straight Two-way Both sides North Avenue 50' 26' Brick-Good Level Straight Two-way Both sides Union Avenue 30'-35' 17' Bit. Conc.-Good Level Straight Two-way No parking High Street 66' 3 2.' Bit. Cow.-Good Level Straight Two-way 80th sides Vine Street 66' 30' Bit. Conc.-Good Level Straight Two-way Both sides Reynolds Avenue 40' -42 ' 24'-26' Bit. Conc.-Good Medium Straight Two-way South side Arch Street 66' 32' Bit. Conc .-Good Level Straight Two-way Both sides Mulberry Street 66' 32' Bit. Conc.-Good Level Straight Two-way Both sides Walnut Street 66' 32' Brick-Good Level Straight Two-way Both sides Montieth Street 36' 20'-26' Bit. Conc.-Good Level Straight Two-way North side Lemon Way 22' 22' Bit. Conc.-Good Medium Straight Two-way No parking

* R.O.W. - Right-of-way Width ** Bit. Conc. - Bitkminous Concrete or Asphalt Wearing Surface

Source: Field SurGeys by Bellante and Clauss, Inc., February, 1965. line to property line of abutting properties on each side of the street and consists of the entire portion or strip of land that has been dedicated to publie use for the purpose of street construction. Ordinarily, such features as sidewalks, turning lanes, planting strips, fire hydrants, and other public utilities above and below ground are constructed within the right-of-way. Its width, therefore, will determine ultimate street paving widths and the type and size of the other installations discussed above

Minimum right-of-way and pavement widths that are currently recommended and accepted by traffic authorities for various types of streets and highways are as outlined in Table 43.

TABLE 43

RECOMMENDED MINIMUM STREET WIDTHS

BY TYPE OF STREET*

STREET CLASSIFICATION MINIMUM WIDTHS IN FEET DESIGN Right-of-way Pavement

Local and Secondary 50 36 Two 10-foot traffic lanes Collector Two 8-foot parking- service lanes

Primary Collector and 60 44 Two 12-foot traffic lanes Arte ria 1 Two 10-foot parking- service lanes

Primary Highway 100 72 Four 12-foot traffic lanes (Limite d Right-of-way ) Two 10-foot parking- service lanes One &foot median strip

Primary Highway 120 88 Four 12-foot traffic lanes (Full Control of Access) Two 10-foot parking- service lanes One 20-foot median strip

* Standards are for two-directional traffic flow.

Source: U. S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Public Roads, and National Committee on Urban Transportation.

- 121 - The right-of-way widths of the major street system in Kittanning range from 22 feet on Lemon Way to a high of 90 feet on South Water Street. On the Major Arterial Street System that has been designated in the Borough, which essentially includes Market Street, South Water Street and Clear- field Pike (Lo R. 189), all of the present right-of-way widths, except L. R. 189, are at or above the recommended standards for this type of roadway. The most serious deficiency exists on that section of L. R. 189 which starts at the Court House and traverses up the hill. This sector has an average right-of-way width of only 33 feet.

On the Primary Collector System, McKean and Jacob Streets are the only two thoroughfares which have 60 feet or more of right-of-way width. The balance of the Primary Collector Streets range from 20 feet to 40 feet and are considerably below the recommended standard for the function they perform

With respect to the Secondary Collector Street System, the majority of these streets have 50 feet or more of right-of-way width. The Borough is fortunate in this respect, particularly with regard to the more heavily traveled downtown streets such as North Water Street, Jefferson Street and the major cross streets running from Walnut Street north to High Street.

Other streets running in this same east-west direction which serve as important connector streets, however, are somewhat below the recommended 50-foot wide standard. These include Montieth Street, Reynolds Avenue, and Union Avenue. Obviously, these streets were laid out and dedicated during periods when modern street standards were given little consideration or in periods when these streets were not anticipated to perform the function they are now serving.

The absence of adequate right-of-way widths on some of the more important traffic carriers comprising the major street system seriously restricts their future potential for additional carrying capacity. The acquisition of additional right-of-way for increased pavement widths in built-up areas is not only costly, it can and often does disrupt otherwise sound residential and other areas by forcing the removal of buildings and structures. It is essential, therefore, that such proposals be held to a minimum and a traffic circulation pattern be designed to avoid the necessity of such action by restricting curb parking and re-routing traffic

- 122 - Pavement Widths I Pavement width refers to that portion of the right-of-way of a street which has been improved for vehicular travel and service. Ordinarily, it is the paved width measured from curb to curb of the actual roadway which is used to carry traffic. The number and width of traffic lanes I are the most critical factors which determine the amount and type of traffic a roadway can carry. These design features can also be affected by parking, signalization and other factors which impede the free flow I of traffic. For example, a 40-foot paved street could accommodate four 10-foot traffic lanes (two lane,s in each direction). If parking is permitted on both sides, the effective pavement width is essentially re- 1 duced to two traffic lanes (one in each direction) thus reducing vehicle carrying capacity. The speed of traffic would also be slower f due to movement of vehicles in and out of the parking lanes. A pavement width of 20 to 24 feet is generally considered the absolute minimum width for two traffic lanes (10 to 12 feet per lane). If a 1 street is also to provide for curb parking, an additional 8 feet should be provided for each parking lane. On streets or highways where the speed of traffic is fast, a minimum of 10 feet per parking lane is 1 preferable

Pavement widths on the Borough's major streets range from a minimum of i 15 feet on Troy Hill Road to a maximum of 54 feet in width along most of Market Street. In general, there are only a few streets in the Borough where the actual paving width is below an average of 20 to 24 feet recommended for two-directional traffic. The most notable of these are Troy Hill Road, sections of Clearfield Pike (L. R. 189), the northern section of Johnston Avenue (Lo R. 03068), and part of Union Avenue. The effective paving width on these and a number of other major streets, however, have been reduced below their capacity over various sections by permitting parking on one or both sides of the roadway. Market Street, for example, is 54 feet wide from Water Street east to Grant Street and the railroad crossing. Ordinarily, this street could provide for four 11-foot traffic lanes (two in each direction) and 10 feet for parking on one side. Or, alternately, there could be four 9-fOOt traffic lanes and one 9-fOOt parking lane on each side. The current practice of permitting diagonal parking on each side, however, has removed at least a minimum of 16 feet of effective paving width from each side (a total of 32 feet).

Other streets on the major traffic circulation system where effective paving widths have been reduced considerably by parking on one or both sides are listed below and are more specifically identified on the Major Street Characteristics Map:

- 123 - I 1 Orr and Woodward Avenue - large section High Street - Water to McKean Grant Street - Market to Union Vine Street - Water to Grant Jacob Street - Water to McKean Reynolds Avenue - Grant to Oak I Union Avenue - Grant to Oak Arch Street - Water to Grant North Water Street - Market to High Mulberry Street - Water to McKean Chestnut Street - McKean to Grant Walnut Street - Water to Grant 1 North Avenue - Grant toJohnston Montieth Street - Grant to Johnston

Thus it can be seen that, while in general most major streets appear to be I adequate for two-directional traffic flow, curb parking is the principal factor which is reducing the overall effectiveness of many streets to carry moving traffic. The underlying cause for this, of course, is 1 the fact that most streets in the Borough perform a land service function as well as serve moving traffic. In effect, abutting properties on almost all streets have created a parking demand, which 1 for lack of off-street space has resulted in extensive curb parking. This is not necessarily critical if the pavement width of the street is sufficiently wide to accommodate both traffic lanes and parking lanes, and further, if the traffic volumes are light and the speed of travel 1 slow, The latter is not generally the case on major streets, however. In an effort to overcome some of these dificiencies, the Borough over the years has had to resort to various means to alleviate some of the I more drastic situations. These have included the imposition of parking restrictions by excluding parking altogether on the streets or at least on one side, designating one-way streets, and the installation of various 1 traffic regulations to guide and control traffic movements.

This has been effective in some cases, but in others, these improvements 1 have only temporized the condition rather than eliminate them. On Oak Avenue and Johnston Avenue, for example, parking is permitted on the west side only which is extensively built up all along its length with 1 dwellings. On its 24-foot wide and 18-foot wide sections, it is still required to carry two lanes of through as well as local traffic. Even with vehicles parked half on the sidewalk or planting strip area, the I effective paving width is still reduced considerably. Accordingly, traffic must move slow because of the restrictive lateral distances and cars pulling or backing in and out, plus the fact that there are several instances of poor sight distance and bad intersections. Orr I and Woodward Avenues, which also serve as primary collector streets, are severely congested due to parking on each side. Traffic, therefore, must thread its way along these streets. I

In contrast to the problems on a number of these streets which have not been eliminated by parking prohibitions, the situation on Jefferson and I McKean Streets are excellent examples of utilizing effective pavement capacity. While both streets permit longitudinal parking on both sides I I - 124 - 1 for their entire length, they have been both designated as one-way streets. This has not only expedited traffic circulation, but it has also simplified turning movements on local cross streets and movements through the major intersections.

Street Construction and Condition

The majority of all streets in the Borough are of basic concrete or brick construction, or a combination of these and other stabilized sub-bases with bituminous concrete wearing surfaces. For the most part, these streets have been well maintained, are free of damaging holes and ruts, and show no evidence of structural failure. Those few streets which are in need of extensive repair or resurfacing, now or in the near future, are Clearfield Pike (L. R. 189) and Orr Avenue. These and other streets should be considered for widening and curb improvements when they are resurfaced e

Street Grades

Excessive street grades can become a limiting factor on the ability of a street to serve its essential function of carrying traffic and providing access. In addition to this, steep-graded streets are difficult to maintain, can create surface drainage problems and are invariably dangerous during inclement weather periods, as well as costly to service with ash or salt during the winter season. In most cases, the maximum recommended grade for Major Arterials and Expressways is 3 to 4 percent, particularly where there is an influence from intersections or interchanges. Grades of 5 to 6 percent are usually not prohibitive if their length is short. The maximum grade on Collector Streets should preferably be held to about 8 percent, while on Local Streets, desirable grades should not exceed 10 to 12 percent. In initiating or admin- istering regulations which govern local street construction, existing physical and topographic features must be taken into consideration, while at the same time recognizing the needs and protection of the property owner and public. Where conditions warrant, standards should not be so rigid as to be unreasonable or demand more in the way of standards or construction than is basically required to install a safe, serviceable public right-of-way. This may be an important consideration in the future if the Borough corporation limits are extended to the east to take in existing and new development which will require the layout and construction of new streets.

At the present time, practically all of the Borough public streets have been improved for all-weather use and, except for one or two cases, excessive grades are not a problem over much of the existing major street system. The two most notable examples where this problem exists is on

- 125 - 1 1 the Clearfield Pike (L. R. 189) and Troy Hill Road. This basic problem is further compounded by hazardous intersections where both roads approach the main section of town. Due to the existing topographic condition, it 1 is extremely doubtful whether the basic gradient problem can be eliminated. Widening, however, together with some road re-aligning would be very helpful. This should include a new intersection at Troy Hill Road and Oak Avenue, 1 and at Clearfield Pike and Market Street. The elimination of the steep grade and poor intersection of the Clearfield Pike at the. Court House can only be remedied by a relocation of this section of the route. ! Street Alignment 1 Proper street and roadway alignment that provides adequate horizontal sight and stopping distances is essential to safe and efficient vehicle operation. This provision is imperative where vehicles travel at moderate to fast speeds. With the exception of the conditions on Troy Hill Road 1 and the Clearfield Pike discussed above, street alignments in the Borough are basically good. This is due primarily to the basic gridiron pattern of streets which exist over most of the community. In the northern I section of the Borough, several streets, such as North McKean Street, Woodward and Orr Avenues, and parts of Johnston Avenue, have abrupt changes in horizontal alignment, but these are not considered to be serious I

Table 44 has been prepared to outline the major factors and design con- 1 siderations which should be applied in good street and highway construction. 1 TABLE 44 RECOMMENDED MINIMUM DESIGN STANDARDS I BY TYPE OF STREET I DESIGN ELEMENT TYPE OF STREET Expressway Major Arterial Collector Local I Design Speed 50 40 30 25 (m,p.h.) Stopping Sight 350 27 5 200 160 Distance (feet) i

Superelevation a 08 06 .06 .06 Degree of Curve 7 -6 11.3 21.0 - Grade (percent ) 3 4 8 10-12 I

Source: National Committee on Urban Transportation & Public Administration Service, Procedure Manual 7A, Geometric and Structural Design I Standards.

- 126 - I I I Street Intersections , I Improperly designed intersections are major deterrents to the free flow of traffic and are the most frequent location of traffic accidents. Factors which govern adequacy of design include the angle of inter- I secting streets, intersection grades, sight distance and turning radii.

In general, streets should intersect at right angles, and intersections I of more than two streets at one point should definitely be avoided. Where streets entering opposite sides of another street cannot be designed to intersect directly to form a four-corner intersection, a I minimum offset of 150 feet between the center lines of the intersecting side streets should be provided. I On Local or Collector Streets where traffic is controlled by stop signs, it is necessary that a driver of a stopped vehicle, for safety reasons, see enough of the major street to be able to negotiate the intersection I without conflicting with an oncoming vehicle. The required unobstructed I sight distance along major streets are presented below in Table 45. I TABLE 45 RECOMMENDED SIGHT DISTANCE AT INTERSECTIONS

I DISTANCE IN FEET ALONG MAJOR STREET FROM INTERSECTION TYPE OF VEHICLE TO ALLOW SIDE STREET VEHICLE TO CROSS SAFELY Design Speed-30 MPH Design Speed-40 MPH Design Speed-50 MPH I 2-lanes 4-lanes 2-lanes 4-lanes 2-lanes 4-lanes

Passenger Car 300 350 400 45 0 500 . 600 I Single Unit 400 47 5 550 625 675 775 Truck or Bus Truck Combinations 525 600 7 00 775 850 97 5

I ~~~~-~~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~ Source: National Committee on Urban Transportation and Public Administration Service, Procedure Manual 7A, Geometric and Structural Design 1 Standards. I I I I - 127 - I 1 Recommended minimum radii for turning movements at intersections on Collector and Major Arterial Streets are as follows: a corner radii of 15 to 25 feet for passenger vehicles, and from 30 to 50 feet on streets I usually traveled by trucks and buses. I There are a considerable number of intersections on the Borough's major street system which are hazardous as a result of deficiencies in one or a combination of the above criteria. There are identified on the Major I Street Characteristics Map and are listed below by type of street.

Major Arterials I

- - South Water Street (U. S. 422) and Pa. Route 66 - - South Water Street (U. S. 422) and Jacob Street 1 - - South Water Street (U. S. 422), Kittanning Bridge and Market Street - - Market Street and Jefferson Street 1 - - Market Street and McKean Street - - Market Street (L. R. 189) and the Clearfield Pike at the Court House - - Clearfield Pike (L. R. 189) and Oak Avenue (L. R. 03068) I

Collector Streets I - - Jefferson Street and Arch Street - - Jefferson Street and Jacob Street 1 - - McKean Street and Arch Street --McKean Street and Jacob Street - - Troy Hill Road and Oak Avenue (L. R. 03068) I Traffic Controls 1 In order to expedite safe and swift traffic movement and also provide safe pedestrian crossing on the major street system, the Borough over the years has installed various traffic controls in and along most of the more heavily streets and busy intersections. These include lane markings, traffic I lights, stop signs, parking restrictions and one-way streets. These are shown on the Major Street Characteristics Map and are discussed below. I

Signalized Intersections. The major intersections in the Boroughi' which are signalized are: P' 1 - - South Water Street (U. S. 422) and the Kittanning Bridge at Market Street - - South Water Street (U. S. 422) at Mulberry Street I - - Market Street at Jefferson Street --Market Street at McKean Street I - 128 - I Signalized controls at these intersections are absolutely necessary to facilitate vehicular flow and turning movements and to permit pedestrian crossings, particularly in the central business district. This problem is so severe, due to the high traffic volumes especially during peak hours, that the Borough at its own cost and with the assistance of the Pennsylvania Department of Highways has installed some highly specialized equipment to bring about some measure of control and provide for as orderly traffic flow as possible under prevailing conditions. For the most part, these controls have been effective and warrant some discussion of their general operation.

The signalized equipment installed at all four intersections under discussion are technically described as semiautomatic actuated traffic lights. The three lights at the bridge, Jefferson Street and McKean Street are all interconnected and synchronized to work in unison, and can work automatically or by radar-detection signal. The light at Water Street and Mulberry Street works independently, but is set up as follows.

Due to the heavy volumes of traffic going north and south on this section of Water Street, the light is always green, or favoring Water Street. When a vehicle approaches the intersection along Mulberry Street to tun north or south, a radar detector will actuate the following light cycle to permit the movement. There will be 15 seconds of green time on Mulberry Street at which time it will return to green along Water Street. If succeeding vehicles approach the intersection from Mulberry Street, the light will go into a continuous cycle of 15 seconds of green favoring Mulberry Street, and then 45 seconds of green favoring Water Street, over a 60-second cycle. When no vehicles are approaching the intersection from Mulberry Street, the light returns to green along Water Street.

The timing at the bridge and along Market Street for these three synchronized lights is somewhat more complicated, but works in the I following pattern for several different conditions:

Market Street at McKean and Jefferson Streets. These two I lights are set to favor Market Street and will remain green in-this direction except as follows. If a vehicle acproaches from the north or south on either ofthe one-way streets, a radar detection device will actuate a cycle, or, since these I are principal pedestrian crossings, another cycle can be set in motion if a pedestrian trips the hand device at any corner. Thus, the light can be actuated for one cycle by an approaching I I I # 1 - 129 - 1 1 vehicle on the side street or by a pedestrian, or can go to a full cycle for both conditions, which is what occurs during normal traffic conditions. When these conditions prevail, the 1 following phases are set in motion over an average of an 80- second cycle. 1 Phase A: 30 seconds - green along Market Street in both directions 3 seconds - amber for west-bound traffic; I east-bound remains green 6 seconds - green for clearance of east-bound lane on Market Street 1 3 seconds - amber 2 seconds - all red 1 Phase B: 6 sec,onds - pedestrian walk (diagonal) 12 seconds - pedestrian clearance I

Phase C: 15 seconds - green for McKean Street -3 seconds - all amber 1 80 seconds - total cycle I During heavy and light periods of traffic along Market Street, this cycle can be automatically changed from 70 seconds to 90 seconds by another radar device which works along Market Street. 1 This device serves to average the traffic demand between each intersection and the bridge and when the demand in both directions along Market Street becomes heavier, the green time can be 1 lengthened to favor this traffic, but still provide for some green time on the cross streets at Jefferson and McKean for vehicles to negotiate these intersections. I

Bridge Approach and Water Street. At this intersection, the general timing for a fill cycle of traffic movements, including I pedestrian crossing is also- 80 seconds to keep it in- step with- the lights at Jefferson and McKean Streets. Several features at this intersection are directly responsible for making it 1 work very well and also relieve direct traffic pressure on Market Street. The first of these is that traffic cannot proceed through the intersection and east on Market Street. 1 It must go left (north) on Water Street, or right (south) on Water Street. The second is that a left turn off of the bridge will not enter the light cycle unless a vehicle enters I I - 130 - 1 the left turn lane off the bridge, and third, the pedestrian crossing cycle will not be introduced in the light cycle unless a pedestrian wishing to cross trips the crossing signal at one of the corners.

In any event, the following principal phases in the general cycle would be reduced accordingly if one or both ofthe above conditions were not introduced into the overall cycle.

Phase A Minor: 8 seconds - traffic on Market Street moving west can turn left or right on Water Street. Traffic moving north on Water Street can turn right or east onto Market Street. Traffic on the bridge can turn left or north on Water Street, and traffic moving south on Water Street can turn right or west onto the right lane of the bridge.

Clearance: 3 seconds - amber

Phase A: 14 seconds - traffic on Market Street can proceed west onto the bridge or right and north on Water Street. Traffic in the right lane of the bridge can proceed right or south on Water Street.

Phase A: clearance - 3 seconds - amber 3 seconds - all red

Phase B: Pedestrian crossing - 6 seconds Pedestrian clearance - 12 seconds

Phase C Minor: 12 seconds - traffic moving north on Water Street can proceed straight ahead, right or east on Market Street, or left onto the bridge. Right turn off of the bridge can proceed south on Water Street.

Clearance - 3 seconds All red - 3 seconds

- 131 - 1 1 Phase C: 10 seconds - traffic moving south on Water Street can proceed straight ahead, turn right onto the bridge or turn left and proceed east on 1 Market Street. Traffic moving north on Water Street may proceed straight ahead or turn right and east on Market Street. 1 Clearance - 3 seconds - amber 1 On the whole, this overall signalization in combination with the one-way street system on Jefferson and McKean Streets, and the prohibition of a direct traffic movement off the bridge east onto Market Street has been 1 serving well to provide for an orderly traffic flow. Although their presence, of necessity, slows down traffic and reduces the basic carrying capacity of the affected streets in one sense, in effect 1 the system has speeded up traffic movement by providing for a more orderly flow and the elimination of uncontrolled congestion at these major intersections. Under the present circumstances and with the peak hour traffic volumes that must be accommodated, very little im- I provement could be made, short or redesigning and construction of an entire new bridge approach with grade separations at Market Street and Water Street. This is neither practical nor feasible from an 1 engineering standpoint, nor would it solve the overall problem of providing for greater freedom of through-traffic movement in and through the Kittanning-West Kittanning urbanized area. This can I only be accomplished with a Route 422 by-pass south of the Borough, a new bridge crossing and suitable interchanges on both sides of the Allegheny River a 1

With respect to other hazardous or congested intersections in the Borough, several of these have already been mentioned. I

The most severe conditions exist at the narrow, sharp turn on East 1 Market Street at the Court House where the Clearfield Pike begins, the intersection of this road part way up the hill with Oak Avenue (L. R. 03068) and the intersection of Troy Hill Road and Oak Avenue. All three of these intersections are extremely hazardous and difficult to negotiate due to 1 their narrow angles of intersection, abrupt change in grade, narrow pavement width, and lack of adequate sight distance. The Troy Hill Road (L. R. 03067) intersection with Oak Street presents a special problem 1 due to the steep grade of the hill and the inability to make a left turn movement because of the acute angle of intersection. 1 Borough-bound traffic coming down the hill, including local traffic and a fairly consistant number of loaded and unloaded coal trucks, cannot turn left or south and proceed to the Clearfield Pike to enter downtown or other I I - 132 I I I destinations south and west. This has forced a pattern of vehicles to weave through Union Avenue, McKean, High and Water Streets to reach the I bridge or continue south on U. S. 422. This movement of heavy trucks over essentially residential streets is particularly detrimental in terms of safety, as well as the damage it does to streets not designed I or built to carry heavy vehicles, and should be discouraged.

The fourth major intersection which is also hazardous and congested is I located just south of the Borough at the foot of "Kittanning Hill." Although the present intersection is an improvement over what previously existed, there is still a basic conflict in traffic movements I due to its general layout and design. Only four traffic movements are favored at the expense of all others and these in turn create a I hazard in themselves. The four favored traffic movements are: -- South-bound lane of Water Street and Route 66 going south on Route 66 I --North-bound lane of Route 66 turning east or up the hill on U. S. 422 - - West-bound lane of U. S. 422 coming down the hill and I turning north into the Borough on Water Street - - North lane of Route 66 proceeding north into the Borough I on Water Street The basic problem inherent in this intersection design is that traffic proceeding south on 422 wishing to turn left or east up the hill must I cross the north-bound lane of Route 66, the south lane of 422 off of the hill and then weave into the east lane of Route 422 up the hill. The reverse situation is presented for traffic coming down the hill I and desiring to turn off or proceed south on Route 66. a The ultimate solution under existing conditions would be suitable grade separations to facilitate all turning movements. This situation should be explored in detail in conjunction with a new interchange which should I be incorporated at the time a new bridge crossing is designed.

Additional intersections in the Borough which should be studied further I to determine the need and feasibility of installing signalized traffic controls include:

I -- Intersection of McKean Street and Arch Street -- Intersection of Jefferson Street and Arch Street -- Intersection of McKean and Jacob Street I -- Intersection of Jefferson and Jacob Street -- Intersection of Jacob Street and South Water Street I I - 133 - 1 1 The Borough may also wish to explore the need and possiblity of installing an automatic gate and warning system at the Market Street-Grant Street intersection and grade crossing with the Pennsylvania Railroad. 1 While the number of daily trains passing through the Borough and using these tracks is not heavy, the need for such a gate and warning system may be necessary due to new development occurring on the east side of 1 the tracks., The completion and occupancy of the new public housing project fronting on Market Street, for example, will greatly increase the amount of pedestrian and vehicle crossings at this intersection. 1

One-way Streets. At the present time, the Borough has several designated one-way streets which have been posted in an effort 1 to improve traffic flow. Several of these are part of the Major Street System while others involve only local streets. Those one-way streets currently in effect are as follows: I

Primary Collector Streets I Grant Street - one-way north from Reynolds Avenue to Union Avenue McKean Street - one-way south from Arch Street to 1 Jacob Street Jefferson Street - one-way north from Jacob Street to Arch Street 1

Local Streets 1 Diamond Way - one-way west from McKean Street to South Water Street Patterson Way - one-way east from North Water Street 1 to McKean Street North Water Street - one-way north from High Street to Hazel Street 1 Hazel Street - one-way east from North Water Street to McKean Street Rebecca Street - one-way west from MeKean Street to North Water Street 1 Maple Street - one-way east from North Water Street to McKean Street 1 The two most important and effective of these one-way streets are Jefferson and McKean Streets which were designed to provide a general 1 clockwise circulation system in the central business district. The one-way designations of Diamond Way and Patterson Way, which are essentially narrow alleys, complement the clockwise system on Jefferson and McKean and also prevent congestion of commercial I and other vehicles using the service entrances to business at the rear of the main streets. 1 - 134 - I I I The balance of the one-way streets are essentially narrow, local residential streets which do not provide sufficient width for two- I directional traffic and on-street parking.

Stop Signs. Stop signs have been posted on most all major streets I which are not signalized, as well as on most local streets where they intersect with streets on the major system. This is also true with respect to many of the streets outside of the main I business district and in residential areas. In general, where such streets are of a lower classification or subjected to less traffic, they are posted to favor the higher classified cross I street to permit through-traffic.

Curb Parking. As noted earlier in this study, curb or on-street I parking is generally prevalent over most of the major street system as well as on most local streets. While there are some instances where curb parking has been restricted to one side only and in I some cases both sides, as well as near some intersections, it is apparent that this overall practice must be re-evaluated locally in the interest of providing easier and safer traffic flows. The I situation is particularly acute along Market Street and along several of the adjacent streets in the general business district. It is therefore recommended that in conjuction with the develop- a ment of an off-street parking program that some consideration be given to the elimination of parking on one or both sides of some a of these streets. On some of the more outlying streets, particularly on the Primary Collector System, if the present pattern of traffic continues I and volumes increase, a number of these will require that additional parking restrictions be put into effect. I TRAFFIC VOLUMES AND STREET CAPACITIES a Previous sections of this study have dealt primarily with identifying and delineating the major street system of the Borough. This included discussions on the pattern of regional and local traffic, existing I physical characteristics, and other factors which either aid or impede the free flow of traffic in and through the Borough. The purpose of this section of the report is to present an analysis and evaluation of the actual volumes of traffic using parts of the major street system II and the current and future impact of this traffic. A subsequent section will deal with proposed local and regional highway projects which are ~1 expected to influence or affect traffic movements in the Borough. I I - 135 - 1 1 Current Traffic Volumes

At the present time, reliable traffic volume data for the Borough is rather I limited and involves only those streets on the Borough's major street system which are designated as Legislative Routes (State Routes) or State and/or Federal Routes a Those streets having fairly recent traffic I volume data, compiled by the Pennsylvania Department of Highways, are as shown in Table 46. For the purpose of this discussion, the available data has been updated to 1965 and projected to the year 1985 in a I manner which is accepted as good engineering practice for traffic estimates and projections. 1 As shown in Table 46, current traffic volumes on the most heavily traveled sections of the Borough's major street system range from an average of about 500 to 1,800 vehicles per day using Oak Avenue-Johnston Avenue, to 1 a high of nearly 19,000 vehicles per day moving back and forth over the Kittanning Bridge. This data includes both local and through-traffic, and the figures are expressed as the average number of vehicle trips 1 per day over the period of the current year.

A more definitive assessment of the impact of these traffic volumes can I be made by estimating the peak -hour traffic volumes which may occur in the morning or evening of an average day. In general, these are the times when the majority of vehicles are employed in moving people and goods in 1 the daily course of travel to and from places of employment, shopping and for other commercial purposes. Peak hour demand rates are also important from the standpoint of estimating the ability of a roadway section to carry certain traffic volumes and this is generally ex- 1 pressed as the hourly rate of capacity. As shown in Column 3 of the Table, some of the more heavily traveled streets on the major street system such as Market Street, South Water Street and the Bridge may I attain peak hour traffic flows of from 1,860 to nearly 2,900 vehicles. This is equivalent to trying to move from 30 to 50 vehicles per minute past a given point or over a given section of street or highway. I

Vehicle Carrying Capacity and Deficiencies 1 The principal feature of a street which governs its capacity to carry traffic is its overall paving width and the number of moving traffic lanes it affords. Based' on the results of extensive surveys and I studies carried out by the National Highway Research Board, fairly accurate estimates of hourly traffic capacity on most types of streets can be made, with a variety of factors being taken into consideration. 1 The more important of these, in addition to paving width, is the incidence of on-street parking, turning movements, the amount of green signal time at signalized intersections, and the class of street or highway, i.e., its location in an urban, intermediate or rural area. I I - 136 - 1 TABLE 46

TRAFFIC VOLUMES, CARRYING CAPACITY AND ROADWAY DEFICIENCIES

BOROUGH OF KITTANNING, PENNSYLVANIA

1965** 1985 1985 VEHICLE 1965" PEAK HOUR PAVEMENT 'RACTICAI; HOURLY CAPACITY SURPLUS 1985**** PEAK HOUR SURPLUS MAJOR STREET SYSTEM A.A.D.T. VOLUME WIDTH YEHICLE CAPACITY*** OR DEFICIENCY A.A.D.T. VOLUME OR DEFICIENCY (feet)

MAJOR ARERIAL STREETS

Kittanning Bridge 18,985 2,850 30' 990 -1,860 50,350 7,550 -6,560 Market Street 12,387 1,860 36'-54' 775 -1,085 32,825 4,920 -4,145 (L.R. 189) Clearfield Pike 5,209 780 22' 775 -5 13,800 2,070 -1, 2,95 (L.R. 189) South Water. Street 16,103 2,410 36' 785 -1,625 42,670 6,400 -5,615 U.S. 422 - Pa. 66 6,020-16,438 900-2,460 36'-48' 1,650-1,200 t750 to -1,260 5,950-43,560 2,390-6,530 -740 to -5,330

PRIMARY COLLECTOR STREETS

Oak Avenue (03068) 1, 8'29 270 24' 600 t330 2,700 400 t200 Johnston Avenue 499-1,620 75-240 18'-24' 300-600 t225 to t360 740-2,400 11 0- 36 0 t190 to t240 (03068 )

* Average Annual Daily Traffic Volumes, estimated from 1959 and 1962 Traffic Counts by Pennsylvania Department of Highways. ** Data reflects estimate of 30th Highest Hourly Volume as recommended by Highway Research Board, U. S. Bureau of Public Roads. *** Estimates based on rated capacities for various roadways as recommended by Highway Research Board, U. S. Bureau of Public Roads. **** Traffic Volume Projections on Major Arterials computed on basis of 5% Annual Increase. Traffic Volume Projections on Collector Streets computed on Basis of 2% Annual Increase. EAST FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP

LEGEND

MAJOR ARTERIAL STREETS PRIMARY COLLECTOR STREETS SECONDARY COLLECTOR STREETS &%LANCE OF STREET NETWORK PAVEMENT WIDTH RIGHT OF WAY WIDTH HAZARDOUS INTERSECTION AND POINTS OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION TRAFFIC SIGNALS ONE WAY STREETS CURB PARKING PERMITTED ESTIMATED TRAFFIC VOLUMES (AD.T 1965)

WEST KITTANNING

PREP~RED 01 EELLIWTE M CL4USS RIWNERS ' 4RCUlTECTS. ENOINEERS FEBRUUn .IS65

OF KITTANNING

CO U NTYI PEN N SY LVA N IA 1 I Based on the average paving width of the streets on the major system under consideration, and with the above factors taken into consideration, I the practical hourly capacity of various street sections have been computed and are as shown in Columns 4 and 5 of Table 46. These are considered to be conservative estimates of the current carrying capacity I of these streets during normal traffic periods and under the general prevailing practice of curb parking and signalized intersection control. I The inability of most of these street sections to carry their respective current volumes of peak hour traffic is clearly demonstrated in Column 6 of the Table. Based on their hourly capacity as compared to peak hour 1 demands (usually twice a day) all of these street sections, with the exception of Oak Avenue and Johnston Avenue, show a major deficiency in carrying capacity. With respect to the Clearfield Pike (L. R. 189.), while this deficiency does not appear to be critical at the present time, it should be pointed out the factors of poor alignment, steep grade and the sharp turn at the Court House are not reflected in this I estimate. These factors detract considerably from the effective practical capacity of this road.

I Future Traffic Volumes

As illustrated in the previous section, the more important and heavily I traveled streets on the Borough's major street system are being subjected to traffic volumes far in excess of their current carrying capacity. For the purpose of estimating the impact of future traffic volumes on these streets, the current traffic estimates have been I projected for a period of 20 years in an effort to determine what the expected traffic volumes may be .in 1985, if no substantial improvements or highway relocations are carried out that would affect I the current status of the major street system. These future traffic estimates and projected deficiencies are shown in the last three I columns of Table 46. On the basis of a nominal increase of 5 percent annually, as applied to the Major Arterial Streets, it can be seen that traffic volumes will I more than double over the period of the next 20 years. This will naturally affect peak hour demands which will increase proportionately. As shown in Column 8, if no improvements are carried out on these I streets, an already congested situation will become intolerable in the future. I I I I - 138 - I I LOCAL AND REGlONAL TRAFFlC PLANS I During the course of the Traffic and Transportation Study for the Borough, several conferences were held with officials and responsible personnel in the State Highway Department, Division 10 office. The purpose of I these conferences was to obtain all available data on the local street and highway system in Kittanning, and to determine the nature and scope of present and proposed traffic and transportation plans under consideration by the Department. The conferences also served to advise the I Department that the Borough is undertaking a Comprehensive Planning Program, including Traffic and Transportation Plans, and that the Borough wished to establish a closer liaison with the Department for I future planning purposes. On the basis of these discussions and a review of gxisting highway plans and proposals, the following is a resume of current projects and proposals under consideration. I I The most significant highway project currently under consideration for the Kittanning area, and the one that will have the greatest impact on the Borough in terms of improving traffic, is the proposed U. S. 422 I By-Pass, which is a part of the proposed Allegheny Valley Expressway Project (Lo R. 1037). The overall proposal involves improvement and connection of this route with U. S. 422, State Route 66 and Route 28 I east and west of the Borough and should provide for the ultimate solution needed to remove essentially through-traffic from the existing Kittanning Bridge, Market Street and South Water Street. I

On a regional basis, the fundamental purpose of the basic project is to provide a 4-lane limited access expressway link from Pittsburgh to I Brookville in Jefferson County and tie in with the Keystone Shortway (Interstate Route 80). In effect, it is a relocation of the present State Route 28 which traverses the tortuous urban areas of the lower Allegheny River Valley as well as the urban areas of Armstrong, Clarion I and Jefferson Comties. While much of the existing road in the latter three counties is in open rural territory, it is basically a narrow 2-lane route which twists and turns through moderately hilly country. I The problem in urban areas, such as Kittanning, is too well known to necessitate further elaboration. I At the present time, the Allegheny Expressway is under an intensive study and design state as well as actual construction. The first stage from Pittsburgh to well above Sharpsburg is completed and open 1 to traffic, A new bridge crossing at Freeport has been completed and the intervening sections between Sharpsburg and Kittanning are I I - 139 - I under final location and design for construction. According to the State Highway Department, the entire Expressway from Pittsburgh to Brookville has been programmed for construction and completion over the next 6 years, beginning with the 1966-67 fiscal year. The principal task at the present time is completion of final location and construction design. Tentative plans at Kittanning call for an interchange between the Expressway and U. S. 422 immediately west of West Kittanning and south and east of the Borough, somewhere in the vicinity of the present U. S. 422 and Route 66 spur at the top of "Kittanning Hill." The final location will be a product of bridge design considerations and the location of the best route for Route 28 north and east of the Borough. In any event, present indications are that the bridge structure and 1 crossing is expected to exceed in size the present one being built at I Emlenton on Interstate 80, which is the largest in the State. Tfiere can be little question that the completion of this Expressway By-Pass will significantly improve the local traffic situation in the I Borough. The effect of removing "through-traffic" and heavy vehicles from the present bridge and South Water Street should eliminate most of the congestion which occurs at this intersection, and provide a much safer and swifter traffic flow through the Kittanning area in I all directions. The design of an adequate interchange on "Kittanning Hill" (U. S. 422, Pa. 28 and 66) should also relieve much of the con- I gestion and danger which exists at the foot of the hill.

The only other planned improvement of direct concern and ultimate I benefit to Kittanning, that is currently under consideration by the Highway Department, is a possible improvement to the Clearfield Pike (L. R. 189) running east from Market Street to Rayburn Township. This is only in a preliminary discussion stage and no improvement has been 1 programmed as yet. The Borough should explore this proposal in detail with the Highway Department. I

I PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

The principal type of public transportation currently in use and of I major importance to the Borough is the local bus service that is available. In previous years, the Borough did have passenger service on the Pennsylvania Railroad but this has been discontinued for some I time. Since there is no major airport facility in the County and therefore no commercial airline service, local residents must rely I on service at the Greater Pittsburgh Airport. I

I - 140 - Bus Service

At the present time, three (3) bus companies offer bus service in the Kittanning area, one of which provides daily service from Kittanning to Pittsburgh (Greyhound Bus Terminal). This is the Ritchey Trans- portation Company which operates between Pittsburgh and Brookville. Their local ticket agent in Kittanning is located at the Rohrer Drug Store on Market Street, and the following daily bus service is available.

Ritchey Transportation Company.

Kittanning to Pittsburgh Pittsburgh to Kittanning

8:15 A.M. 9:OO A.M. 11:OO A.M. 1:OO P.M. 3:05 P.M. 4:OO P,M. 8:30 P.M. 6:OO P.M.

Heilman Bus Company. The Heilman Bus Company from Ford City operates two bus service routes in the Kittanning area.

The first of these is essentially a bus route between Kittanning and Ford City with stops at intervening communities. At the present time, Heilman operates local service every one-half hour from 6:OO A.M. to 6.00 P.M. each day, between Kittanning and Ford City; and every hour thereafter from 6:OO P.M. to 1:OO A.M. Since this bus route traverses a large section of the Borough, it also serves much in the capacity of a local bus service. In the Borough, the general route followed is South Water Street, Market Street, Jefferson Street, Vine Street, McKean Street, Chestnut Street, and Orr and Woodward Avenue to the north section of the Borough., The return route is similar, except the one-way street system on McKean is used back to Market Street and South Water Street.

The other service offered by Heilman operates between downtown Kittanning and West Kittanning. At the present time, service is offered every one-half hour from 6:OO A.M. to 9:OO A.M., and from 1:OO P,M. to 6:OO P.M. daily. The base fare on all trips in or around the Borough is 15 cents, and between Kittanning and Ford City, it is 25 cents.

Leslie Shoup Bus Service. This limited bus operation is essentially one that provides transportation to and from Kittanning to Rural Valley, Yatesboro, NuMine and Route 85 east ofthe Borough. At the present time, three round trips are made each day--one in the . morning, one in the afternoon, and one in the evening,

- 141 - Future Airport Service in the County

As a part of the Armstrong County Master Plan, a complete study of Public Transportation, including air travel, was undertaken to determine the County's current position with respect to these facilities. At that time, it was concluded that the private airport at McVille in South Buffalo Township was too small to consider as a potential site for an expanded airport facility due to topographic and'other limitations.

In an effort to find a suitable site for this purpose and also to provide for an industrial park setting to improve the County's economic and competitive position in both of these areas of local development, a special study was carried out by the County Planning Commission.

A tentative site consisting of about 900 acres of land situated along the west bank of the Allegheny River in South Buffalo Township, just south of McVille, was selected as a possibility.

In subsequent action, the County Airport Authority, working through the Federal Aviation Agency and the Pennsylvania Aeronautics Commission, has settled on a more acceptable site located in Crooked Creek State Park. Current estimates indicate that the total cost of this facility will be $250,000 for which the County must provide one-fourth (1/4) of the cost and the State and Federal Government would allocate the balance of $48,000 and $125,000, respectively, to get the project under way.

The present plan includes a basic 3,000-foot hard-surfaced runway with suitable taxiing aprons and supporting improvements. Eventually, this can be extended to a 5,000-foot runway and, with the necessary lighting and other safety devices and facilities, could be used for commercial airline service.

- 142 - The purpose of this study is to evaluate the adequacy of available shopper parking facilities in the central business district of Kittanning.

With each passing day, experience across the nation is demonstrating that adequate and suitably located parking facilities are essential to the successful operation of individual business establishments, as well as shopping areas as a whole. Accordingly, in new shopping centers, developers are striving for 3 and even 4 to 1 parking ratios. That is to say, for every square foot of commercial space provided, a corresponding three or four square feet are earmarked for parking. In older established business districts where parking deficiencies exist, positive programs to provide additional parking facilities must be initiated in order to strengthen the districtPs competitive position. If this is not done, planned shopping centers, with their fill range and depth of goods for comparison shopping as well as their facilities for easy marketing and customer appeal, will become direct competitors of and not a supporting complement to the older central business districts. The end result, of course, will be the continued decline and failure of downtown business centers. To combat this situation, older downtown areas must provide to a reasonable degree the conveniences and amenities found in newer centers.

- 143 - PARKING SURVEY

PROCEDURE

The parking survey was conducted on typical shopping days and evenings (Saturdays) during April, 1964, between the hours of 9:OO A.M. and 8:OO P.M. The following information was gathered in preparation for and during the survey.

1. Inventory of Existing Parking Facilities. A field survey of all existing parking facilities in the survey area was undertaken to determine the number, type and location of parking spaces available for general shopping -use.

2. Accumulation Survey. A count was made of the total number of parked vehicles observed throughout the survey area at any one time during the peak hours of the morning, afternoon and evening.,

3. Duration Survey. Each parking space available for general shopping use within the survey area was checked on the hour from 9:OO A.M. to 8:OO P.M. and on the half-hour during peak periods by teams of observers. Vehicle license numbers were noted to determine the parking duration of each vehicle.

SURVEY AREA

The area surveyed is shown on the Central Business District Map and is bounded by Water Street, Arch Street, Grant Street (including the metered spaces on Market Street east of Grant Street and the County Courthouse parking lot), and Jacob Street (including the municipal parking lot south of Jacob Street on S. McKean StreetJ.

All improved spaces, both curb and off-street, which are available for general shopping use were included in the survey. Private parking spaces and lots having restricted use other than for general shopping purposes were excluded.

- 144 - USINESS DlSTRlCT OF KITTANNING

EGEND

PCCESSORY BULCiNGS

MWICIPAL PARKING LOT

@ SIGNALIZE0 TRAFFIC CONTROL

--.* ONE-WAY STREET

44 METERED PARKING SPICES

SCALE IN FEET 4

100 0 yx) 200 Mo THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN M mRmn PN URBAN PLANNING GRANT FROM THE HOUSING ANO nom FINANCE AGENCY, UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF PREPARED ~ Bk, BELLANTE AND CLAUSS SECTION 701 ff THE HOUSING ACT OF AS AYENUXI. WITH WPERVISIW BI THE BUREAU OF COMMUNITY PLANNERS ARCHITECTS ENGINEERS DEVELOPMENT, PENNSYLVAMA OEPARTMT OF COMMERCE. BOROUGH OF KITTANNING PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OCTOBER, 1964 EXISTING PARKING FACILITIES

There are two types of parking facilities within the survey area which are available for general shopping use: curb parking spaces on the streets and off-street parking in municipal parking lots. These facilities provide an aggregate of 564 spaces. Ofthis total, 447 or 79 percent are curb spaces, and 117 spaces or 21 percent are off-street.

In addition to the above, there are a significant number of spaces provided by individual businesses in improved private "customer" parking lots for the convenience and limited use of their patrons. These include 173 spaces provided in conjunction with the A & P and Kroger super markets as well as the Armstrong County Courthouse parking lot. While it was observed that the two super market lots were used exclusively by their respective customers, the courthouse lot was used by County employees, County patrons and shoppers. Although these facilities are not in a true sense a part of this study, they were surveyed in order to provide some indication of private parking facility utilization during the survey period.

Employee parking facilities and rental parking facilities, because of their restrictive nature, were not included in the parking survey.

Curb Parking Facilities

Within the survey area, a total of 447 legal curb parking spaces were I noted. All of these spaces are metered. Parking meter limits range from 15 minutes to 10 hours, as shown in Table 47. Curb meter regulations are in effect from 9 A.M. to 6 P.M. Monday through Friday, I and from 9 A.M. to 9 P.M. on Saturday. Curb meter regulations are not in effect on Sundays and holidays. I Off-street Parking Facilities

There are a total of 117 off-street parking spaces available for I general shopping use within the survey area. These spaces are distributed between three metered municipal parking lots, as shown in Table 47. Parking meter limits range from one hour to ten hours and I are in effect 24 hours a day, except for Sundays and holidays. I I I I - 145 - TABLE 47 1

EXISTING PARKING FACILITIES*

BOROUGH OF KITTANNING CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT, 1964 I

-TYPE SPACES GENERAL LOCATION 1 Number Percent Curb Parking (all spaces metered) I

15-Minute Meters 15 3 Distributed along Market St. 1-Hour Meters 149 26 Along Market St. and all 1 major north-south intersecting streets between Patterson Way and Diamond Way 1 2-Hour Meters 225 40 Along Arch St. and Jacob St. and all major north-south streets between Patterson 1 Way and Arch St. and Diamond Way and Jacob St. 1 10-Hour Meters -58 -10 Along Water St. Total Curb Spaces 447 79 I Off-street Parkin (all spaces mete!ed) I No Jefferson Street 10-Hour Meters 35 6 N. Jefferson St. between Market St. and Patterson Way I S. McKean Street 10-Hour Meters 64 12 So McKean St. between Market I St. and Diamond Way

So McKean Street 10-Hour Meters -18 -3 So McKean St, south of 1 Jacob St. Total Off-street Spaces 117 21 I TOTAL PARKING SPACES IN CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT 564 100 I * Available for general shopping use.

Source: Field Survey, Bellante and Clauss, April, 1964. I

- 146 - 1 I I UTILIZATION OF PARKING FACILITIES I Parking spaces in the survey area essentially serve three different users: 1. Persons employed in the area I 2. Residents in or abutting the area I 3. Shoppers The measure of the adequacy of parking facilities is revealed by the accumulation and duration of usage. To determine this, field surveys I were made on typical shopping days and evenings in April, 1964. From these surveys it was possible to determine the average peak demands for 1 parking spaces and the length of time parked. It should be noted that it is not practically feasible to obtain 100 percent efficiency in the use of parking spaces. This is due to the 1 time lost by vehicles entering and leaving spaces, and more importantly, because the demand for parking spaces and the supply of spaces are not parallel throughout the day. An 85 percent usage is usually the maximum I that can be obtained in a parking facility or curb parking area. There- fore, parking space utilization in excess of 85 percent indicates a state of parking congestion, since parking spaces are not readily available to I the would-be parker at that point.

I PARKING SPACE ACCUMULATION

On an overall basis, parking space utilization within the Central Business District is relatively high and there are extended periods of parking I congestion. This is particularly apparent during the peak hour periods of the morning and evening, and to a lesser extent during the afternoon. Utilization of spaces or the demand for spaces, as might be expected, is I not the same during the length of the day and evening. In addition, the utilization of spaces varies considerably by location. The reason for this variation in use, of course, is due to the distribution of parking I generators throughout the business district and the proximity of given spaces to the "parker' S" destination. I I I I - 147 - TABLE 48

PERCENTAGE UTILIZATION OF PARKING SPACES

NUMBER OF -TYPE

. Curb Spaces

1-Hour Metered Zone 149 74 93 97 94 88 89 94 83 79 96 98 2-Hour Metered Zone 225 36 72 87 63 46 56 54 39 28 44 84 10-Ho.ur Metered Zone 58 40 81 88 79 I 71 78 66 53 38 59 72 P rp co Off-street Spaces I N. Jefferson Street 10-Hour Meters 35 43 97 100 89 63 60 71 51 54 97 100 S. McKean Street 10-Hour Meters 64 94 100 95 83 54 80 78 61 41 94 100 S. McKean Street 10-Hour Meters 18 78 94 67 78 61 100 78 39 33 72 100

Source: Field Survey, Bellante and Clauss, April, 1964. Curb Accumulation

During the course of the survey, a total of 2,666 vehicles were observed in the 447 curb spaces. The overall utilization of all curb spaces during the morning, afternoon and evening peak hours was 90, 72 and 88 percent, respectively (see Table 49). While 85 percent accumulation is theoretically considered the critical point, parking congestion was in fact observed where utilization exceeded this percentage. A summary. of peak hour utilization is presented on the Parking Space Utilization Map

As noted above, there were variations in curb utilization by location in the business district. In what would be considered the "core" of the business district, that area lying between Patterson Way and Diamond Way, utilization was consistently high throughout the survey period. Essentially, all curb spaces within this area have either 15-minute or one-hour meter regulations. Peak hour utilization of the one-hour metered zones was 97 percent during the morning, 94 percent in the afternoon, and 98 percent in the evening.

In the two-hour metered zones, which encompass the "core" area, peak hour utilization was slightly lower. This reflects in part the degree of commercial development in this area: in general, the concentration of parking generators in the two-hour zones is less. With regard to this, it was observed that the two-hour meters on the north-south streets had a higher utilization than the two-hour meters on Arch and Jacob Streets. Accordingly, curb parking congestion was observed mostly on the north-south streets where utilization was high. During the peak hour periods of the morning, afternoon and evening, percentage utilization was 87, 56 and 84 percent, respectively.

The accumulation of vehicles in the ten-hour metered zone along Water Street was the lowest of all curb spaces. This is due to the nature of the zone. Curb space utilization in the ten-hour zone was 88, 78 and 72 percent, respectively, during the morning, afternoon and evening peak hour periods.

Off-street Accumulation

A total of 590 vehicles were observed in the 117 off-street parking spaces during the survey period.. The overall utilization rate in the three municipal lots during the average shopping day ranged between 50 percent and 97 percent. During the evening, the rate of utilization was from 44 to 100 percent. The peak hour occupancy in the morning, afternoon and evening was 99, 80 and 100 percent, respectively.

- 149 - I I TABLE 49

PEAK HOUR UTILIZATION OF PARKING SPACES 1 BOROUGH OF KITTANNING CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT 1 NUMBER OF TYPE LEGAL SPACES _pil Morning Afternoon Evening I 10 A.M.-11 A.M. 2 P,M.-3 P.M. 7 P.M.-8 P.M. Curb SDaces 1 l-Hour Metered Zone 149 97 94 98 2-Hour Metered Zone 225 87 56 84 1 10-Hour Metered Zone 58 88 78 72

Utilization of all Curb Spaces* 432 90 72 88 1

Off-street Spaces 1

N. Jefferson Street 35 100 71 100 So McKean Street 64 100 80 100 1 S. McKean Street 18 94 100 100 Utilization of all I Off-street Spaces 117 99 80 100 * Exclusive of 15-minute metered spaces (15 spaces). 1

Private Off-street Spaces** I

A & P Lot 53 100 68 85 Kroger Lot 34 100 97 100 1

Armstrong County ' Courthouse Lot 86 69 21 51 1 ** Provided to illustrate parking utilization in three of the major private parking lots in the central business district during peak hours of the parking survey a I Source: Field Survey, Bellante and Clauss, April, 1964, 1 i 1 - 150 - I I

I From lot-to-lot there was only a slight variation in use. In general, during peak hour periods the utilization rate of each of the three lots I was high, exceeding 85 percent.

No Jefferson Street Lot. This lot contains 35 metered spaces. I The percentage of utilization dilring the day ranged from lows of 43 percent in the early morning and 51 percent in the late afternoon to PO0 percent during mid-morning and 70 percent during mid- I afternoon. In the evening, occupancy increased from 54 percent at 6:OO to 200 percent by 8:OO.

I So McKean Street Lot. This lot, which is situated along Diamond Way and S. McKean Street, contains 64 metered spaces. The percentage of utilization during the day ranged from 83 percent to 11 100 percent during the morning and from 54 percent to 80 percent in the afternoon. In the evening, occupancy increased from 41 I percent at 6:OO to 100 percent by 8~00, Both of the above lots are situated in what was defined earlier as the I "core" area of the Central Business District.

So McKean Street Lot. This lot is located along S. McKean Street I south of Jacob Street and contains 18 metered spaces. Utilization during the day ranged from 67 to 94 percent in the morning- and from 39 to 100 percent in the afteriaon. In the evening, occupancy increased from 33 percent at 6:OO to 100 percent by 8:OO. It was I observed that this lot, because of its location between the business district and the Armstrong County Memorial Hospital, was used by I shoppers as well as hospital patrons.

In general, the lower occupancy of available spaces on the fringe of the 1 Central Business District illustrates the relationship between utilization of parking spaces and the resulting walking distance from the vehicle to the point of destination. Studies conducted nationally by the EN0 Foundation and the Highway Research Board indic,ate that I the average shopper prefers to park immediately adjacent to his point of destination or as close thereto as possible. The critical, acceptable walking distance for a downtown shopping area such as the I BoroughOs business district is between 300 and 400 feet, depending on the nature and duration of the trip. Where adequate parking facilities are not located within this walking distance, shoppers will generally I be discouraged from shopping in the area. I I - 151 - I ON

I- W W rr 6

[P W I-s i

TWO HOUR METERS TEN HOUR METERS MUNICIPAL PARKING LOTS 00 PERCENT UTILIZATION DURING PEAK HOURS 000 - 000 - 000 MORNING - AFTERNOON - EVENING

SCALE IN FEET

100 0 Kx) 200 300 THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN MT PREPARED- BY BELLANTE AND CLAUSS PLANNERS . ARCHITECTS . ENGINEERS DEVELOPMENT. PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT a COMMERCE BOROUGH OF KITTANNING PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OCTOBER, 1964 I I PARKING SPACE DURATION

The rate of turnover of parked vehicles is the principal index of the I efficient use of parking spaces. Where the turnover rate is high, the efficiency of a space is correspondingly high. To determine the length of time vehicles were parked, a space-by-space survey was made at one- I hour intervals throughout the survey area. Half-hour survey intervals were made during peak hour periods of the morning, afternoon and evening. A total of 3,256 vehicles, regardless of the length of time parked, were 1 observed during the survey period. It should be noted that it is possible that there may have been multiple turnover between survey intervals. Accordingly, the demand for parking as reflected by usage may be somewhat greater. This is particularly true with regard to short- I duration parking.

I The results ofthe parking turnover and duration survey are shown in Table 50. The most significant finding in this phase of the survey is the high proportion of "short-duration'' parkers observed in the business 0 district. Approximately 75 percent of all vehicles parked in the survey area occupied the space for one hour or less. An additional 17 percent parked for 1 to 2 hours. The remaining vehicles, 8 percent, were parked I for two or more hours. i Curb Duration The highest average rate of turnover per curb space, 8.3 vehicles per space, occurred in the "core" area. This area, however, had the lowest proportion of empty spaces during the survey period and showed the 1 highest incidence of parking congestion. The duration study indicated that in the 15-minute and one-hour metered zones, approximately 83 percent of the vehicles surveyed stayed at their respective spaces for one I hour or less. About 13 percent parked for one to two hours. The remaining 4 percent parked for two hours or longer. In terms of the meter restrictions, giving some leeway, vehicles parked over two hours I would be considered long-term parkers. Accordingly, there is some evidence of "meter feeding" in this zone. Since the meter regulations in this zone are designed to encourage and facilitate short-duration parking and high turnover, this objective is impeded by long-duration I parking and stricter enforcement of meter regulations is required I to discourage this practice. In the two-hour metered zones, approximately 96 percent of the vehicles surveyed were parked for two hours or less. The remaining 4 percent I were parked from two to seven hours. Allowing for some leeway in this zone, only one percent would be considered long-duration parkers in I terms of the metered restriction. Although the incidence of long- I I - 152 - TABLE 50

TURNOVER AND DURATION OF CURB AND OFF-STREET PARKING*

TURNOVER CURB PARKING OFF-STREET PARKING TOTAL 1;Hour-10-Hour Meters

Total Vehicles Surveye d 1,363 1,096 207 590 3,256 Total Spaces 164 225 58 117 564 Average Turnover/Space** 8.3 4,9 3.6 5.0 5.8

I DURATION P Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Number Pe reent m 0 I 1 Hour or Less 1,127 82.7 858 78.3 126 60.9 341 57.8 2,452 75.3 1 to 2 Hours 179 13.1 18 9 17.3 36 17.4 157 26.6 561 17.2 2 to 3 Hours 45 3.3 34 3.1 . 19 9,2 49 8.3 147 4.5 3 to 4 Hours 8 .6 6 .5 7 3.4 . 17 2.9 38 1.2 4 to 7 Hours 4 .3 8 .7 9 4.3 23 3.9 44 1.4 - - 7 Hours or More 1 - .1 --10 4.8 -3 .5 -14 04

TOTAL 1,363 100.0 1,096 LOO e 0 207 100.0 590 100.0 3,256 100* 0

* Based on vehicles observed from 9:OO A.M. to 8:OO P.M. ** Equals total vehicles observed divided by parking spaces surveyed. - - Source: Field Survey, Bellante and Clauss, April, 1964. I duration parking is not as severe in this zone as in the one-hour metered zone, the turnover expected is nevertheless reduced. The average turnover rate observed during the survey period in the two-hour zone was I 4.9 vehicles per space.

I Significantly in the ten-hour zone, a majority of the parked vehicles, 78 percent, stayed for only two hours or less. An additional 9 percent of the vehicles were parked from two to three hours. The remaining 13 I percent were parked from three to seven hours. The average turnover per space during the survey period was 3.6.

1 Off-street Duration

Of the 590 vehicles observed during the survey period in the three I municipal off-street parking lots, 58 percent were parked for one hour or less; 27 percent for one to two hours; 11 percent for two to four hours; and the remaining 4 percent for four or more hours. The average 1 rate of turnover per space was 5.0 during the survey period. I EVALUATION OF PARKlNG FAClL TIES I Increasing traffic congestion and inadequate parking seriously threaten the economic health of many communities. In Kittanning, growing signs I of these two problems are evident in the Central Business District.

An analysis of the utilization of parking spaces in the business district I indicates that there is currently a deficiency in the supply of available parking spaces during periods of peak hour parking demand. This is particularly true in the "core" area as evidenced by the near 100 per- I cent utilization of all available spaces during the morning and evening peak hours on typical shopping days. If the Kittanning Central Business District is to maintain or even increase its drawing power, as well as I compete with new commercial centers as they are developed, a positive program must be undertaken to supplement and improve the parking I situation, Closely aligned with the parking problem is the need also to improve the traffic carrying capacity of the major circulation system in the business I district. After further analysis, this may necessitate the modification or elimination of curb parking in certain areas. In light of the current parking situation, any action of this sort, involving a reduction in the supply of curb space, would increase the need for off-street parking 1 facilities 1 I - 154 - I I As shown in Table 51, the estimated current parking space deficiency in the "core" area is 57 spaces. In arriving at this figure, the existing highest average peak hour accumulation was computed along with an estimate 1 of the potential parkers that would be attracted to the business district if parking and circulation conditions were improved, 1 In the remainder of the Central Business District, the available parking supply is just meeting peak demand., I

TABLE 51 I ESTIMATED CURRENT PARKING NEED BY AREA 1 BOROUGH OF KITTANNING CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT

COLUMN I I1 I11 IV V 1

H IGHE ST AVERAGE SPACES REQUIRED CURRENT PEAK HOUR PEAK TO SATISFY EXISTING PARKING SPACE 1 -AREA ACCUMULATION DEMAND PEAK DEMAND SPACES DEFICIENCY Core Area CBD* 235 260 3 05 2 48 57 1 Remainder of CBD 234 257 3 02 3 01 1 I * Exclusive of 15-minute metered spaces. Column I: Field Survey 1 Column 11: Obtained by multiplying Column I by a factor of 1.10 to compensate for induced parkers

Column 111: Obtained by dividing Column I1 by a utilization factor of -85 to compensate for turnover

Column IV: Field Survey

Column V : Obtained by subtracting Column IV from Column I11

- 155 - COMPREHENSIVE DEVEUPMENT PLAN

Introduction Planning Objectives Land Use Plan Urban Renewal Plan I Community Facilities Plan Major Throughfares Plan Central Business District

\ and Parking PIon Effectuation of the Planning Proposals Introduction

The harmonious use of land and the coordination of various public facilities and services with land development are the basic concerns of any community planning program. The manner in which land and facilities are developed is significant in determining the character of a community, the quality of its neighborhoods, and the strength of its tax base.

The following section of the Master Plan present.s a long-range guide for the public and private uses of land in Kittanning. The Compre- hensive Development Plan is based on the preceding analyses of existing conditions and anticipated future needs. Also, the plan reflects local goals and objectives aimed at creating balanced and harmonious development.

The Comprehensive Development Plan,'which is concerned with the entire physical environment of the Borough, consists of the following major elements.

-- Land Use Plan. A plan showing the amount and location of land proposed for commercial, industrial, residential, and public purposes.

--Circulation Plan. A plan for the improvement of traffic circulation within the Borough related to regional as well as local needs.

- 156 - I 1 - - Parking Plan,- A plan for the improvement of parking facilities 1 within the Borough's central business district,

--Co.munity Facilities Plan. A plan far the improvement and t enlargement of community facilities including schools, parks, playgrounds and pEblic buildings.

8 In addition to the above plan elements, the Master Plan contains recommendations for effectuation of the pmpmed plans through capital im- prcvements programming, zming, subdivision controPs, and urban renewal 8 activitieso

5 Since there is generally some confus%on with regard to the nature of a Naster Plan, three pzkts, which were nvoted earlier, shsuld be re-emphasized.

I FIRST, IT IS NOT THE FdNCTi03 OF THE MASTER P-MN TO PROVIDE DETAILED BLUEPRYNTS OR DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS FOR INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS. SUCH PLANS WOULD IN ALL LIKELIEGOD BE OUT-OF-DATE LONG BEFORE STEPS WERE TAKEN TO a ACTIVATE SUCH FROJESTS AND, IN ADDITION, THE DEVELOPMENT OF DETAILED PROJECT PLANS WOULD TEND TO COl~JFidSE THE LONG-RANGE OBJECTIVES OF THE 1 PLAN 0 SECONDLY, THE MASTER PLAN IS OF ITSELF A RATHER LTMlTED INSTRUMENT AND THE DEVELOPMENT AND ULTIMATE ADOPTION OF A MASTER FLAN DOES NOT AUTO- I MATICALLY BENEFIT NGR. GUARANTEE THE SOLViNS OF ALL FUTURE PROBLEMS OR EVEN THOSE ANTICIPATED BY THE PLAN. THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A MASTER PLAN RESTS RATHER IN THE DEGREE TO WHICH IT IS *;SED BY LOCAL OFFICIALS i AND AN ALERT CTTIZENRY CONCERNED WITH AID HOPEFLJJL FGR ORDERLY COMMUIUTY DEVELOPMENT

I THIRDLY, A VASTER PLAN CAN NEVER EE CCZNSlCEIiED TO BE "COMPLETED"; IT IS MOT A FINAL NOR ZNFL~EXIBLE DOCUMENT. IT REFLECTS CVRRENT LOCAL OBJECTIVES IN RELATION TC EXISTING C3NDLTIONS. THE FLANNING COMMISSION I AND LOCAL OFFICIALS MUST BE ALERT TO CHANCING C3NDITIONS AND PARTICULAR OPPORTUNITIES TO CARRY OUT THE VARIOUS F-LANBIMG PROPOSALS IN ADDITION, AS CONOITIONS CHANGE AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT TAKES PLACE, THESE PLANS I MUST BE REVIEWED AND RE-YVALUATED IN RELATI3N TO NEW CONDITIONS OR NEW COMMUNITY-WIDE OBJECTIVES. THIS IS WHAT IS MEANT BY PLANNING BEING A CONTIN3GIJS FRQCESS. THUS, Ild A VERY REAL SENSE, THE PLANNING I PROGRAM IN KITTANNING WILL NOT END WITH THE ADOPTION OF THE MASTER PLAN, BIJT WILL BEGfN AT THAT POINT. III I a - 157 - 3 1 PROCEDURE

In order to arrive at the various conclusions required to develop a 1 Comprehensive Development Plan for the Borough, the following procedure was undertaken: I

1, The various basic inventory studies were presented in indi- ~ vidual report form for review by the Planning Commission I and Borough officials at regular intervals. Based upon this review procedure and several public meetings, these reports were put into final form reflecting local comments and discussions. 0

2 Individual preliminary "sketch" plans were developed based 2 on the findings of the inventory phase of the planning program and previously established local objectives. These "sketch" plans included considerations regarding land use, traffic and community facilities development, I

3. Various alternative proposals were considered. These altern- I atives related primarily to residential densities, commercial and industrial site development, and the effect of alternate land uses on the local financial structure, I

4, Upon concurrence by the Planning Commission, the preliminary plans were put into final form, 1 I SUMMARY OF EXlSTlNG CONDBTlONS I Following is a general summary of some of the salient findings of the inventory phase of the planning program:

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION AND DEVELOPMENT 1

Located in the central portion of Armstrong County along the easterly bank of the Allegheny River, Kittanning maintains a prominent geographic 1 position. In effect, the Borough forms the "hub" of Armstrong County in terms of governmental, economic and cultural activities, as well as regional traffic circulation, 1 i - 158 - I --The Borough, as Comty seat, is the center of County government

- - The Boroilgh is the largest single urban community in the County and contafns the County's largest and most extensive retail commercial and service center.

- - The Borough contains the County's only facility of higher education, the Kittanning Center of Indiana State College, singularly the most sigcificant cultural facility in the County of its type.

- - The Borough is traversed by a system of major arterial highways, including U. S. 422 and Pa. 66 and 28, which serve intra- and inter-county traffic circulation.

PHYSIOGRAPHY

Drainage, soil composition and climatic conditions in the Borough are favorable. The topography is also favorable, for the most part, in the urbagiaed sections of the Borough. Steep slopes, however, are a severe limiting factor on future development in most of the Borough's vacant areas, particularly in the northeast section, as well as in most undeveloped areas immediately adjacent to the Borough.

The most severe physiographic condition confronting the Borough is the periodic flooding of the Allegheny River. Flood threats occur chiefly during the winter months when there are heavy and prolonged periods of rain coupled with the melting of snow accumulations and the thawing of river ice. The most recent flood occurred during March of 1964, inundatirig a substantial portion of the downtown area arid cuttfng off arterial and local traffic circulation.

LA.ND US -- E

Kittanning has a total 1ar.d area of approximately 624.5 acres. Of this total., 395 acres OF 63 percent is developed with residential, commercial, industrial and various other public and semipublic uses. The remaining land area coxists of 229 acres of vacant land. About 95 percent ofthis vacant land area is situated in the north and northeast sections of the Boroilgh. Over half of the vacant land has slopes ir! excess of 16 percent, and thus has severe development and access limitations

- 159 - Essentially, most major forms of land use development in the Borough follow a logical pattern and are harmoniously interwoven. In the "core" area of the Borough, between Arch and Jacob Streets, lies the central business district, consisting of a broad range of retail and service establishments. Extending south from Jacob Street are residences as well as heavier types of commercial activities such as building material, automotive and wholesale establishments. North of Arch Street, the use of land is predominantly for residential and residential-related purposes, along with a variable distribution of commercial activities. A majority of the latter are neighborhood- oriented convenience type facilities.

There are several existing land use characteristics, however, that should not be encouraged in the future, since they are detrimental to a good business or residential environment. These include the mixture of incompatible residential and nonresidential uses, the inadequate provision of on-site facilities, overcrowding of buildings and inadequate conversions,

POPULATION

Many important changes have taken place in the population structure of Kittanning over the past several years. The most significant is the fact that there was a population decline of approximately 12 percent. In 1950, the total population was reported at 7,731, while in 1960, the population was 6,793. Another important change occurred in the age composition of the population, In effect, there has been a relative aging of the population. Between 1940 and 1960, the proportion of persons in the Borough 45 years of age or older increased from 29 percent to 37 percent, In contrast, the age group between 25 and 44, as a proportion of the total population, decreased from 30 percent to 24 percent during the same period. As a result of these changes in age composition, there is currently a definite imbalance in the Borough's population structure. The population loss suffered by the Borough represents much more than a numerical decline. Also lost is the youthful sector which would provide the basis for future growth. As now constituted, the Borough's population structure does not have within itself the potential numbers to produce a population increase in the near future. This, coupled with an expected continuation in out-migration, should result in further population decline to a projected level of approximately 6,000 by 1970, and between 5,500 and 6,000 by 1980. One factor which may alter this situation and perhaps exert a stabilizing influence on a particular segment of the resident population is the public housing program presently under way.

- 160 - 1 I ECONOMY D The economic vitality of Kittanning is dependent in part on the overall economy of Armstrong County. Although much has been accomplished in recent years to attract new economic activities and to create better employment opportunities, much still remains to be done. The unemploy- 8 ment rate in Kittanning in 1950 was approximately 4.5 percent of the civilian labor force. By 1960, the proportion of unemployed had increased to 7.3 percent; a level where it has continued to fluctuate 11 ever since,

Retail, service and wholesale trades comprise the foundation of the 8 economic life of Kittanning. The Borough's central business district represents the largest and most diversified commercial center in the entire County. Kittanning's retail establishments generate more than 1 $20 million in sales annually. This volume of retailing activity constitutes about one-third of total retail sales in Armstrong County. It should be noted, however, that although some retail sectors have 1 remained at a fairly constant level or increased slightly, other key sectors such as building material, general merchandise, apparel and automotive businesses have declined. Indeed, on an overall basis retail sales volumes, adjusted to reflect the decrease in the pur- I chasing power of the dollar, show a downward trend.

I Since retailing and related service and wholesale activities represent the most important economic activity in the Borough, a positive program should be undertaken immediately to strengthen the business district's competative position by eliminating those conditions which detract from its function as a commercial center, and by providing the conveniences and amenities found in newer centers. This is extremely important at this time while direct outside competition is still negligible,

The Borough is not the location of major manufacturing industries; employment in Borough industrial firms account for only 5 percent of total County manufacturing employment. While not a key factor in the economy of the Borough at the present time, greater emphasis should be placed on industrial expansion and development in the future to provide for a more diversified economic base.

Income levels of residents in the Borough, though improving, are not advancing as rapidly as those noted on a state-wide basis.

- 161 - I 1 HOUSING

The total number sf hausing units ir, Kittanning decreased over the past 1 decade, In 1950, there were 2,470 units, while in 1960, the number of units had declined to 2,48'7. This is consistent with the aforementioned population Boss and family out-migratim pattern. 1

The predominant housirig unit type in Kittanning is the single-family structure, which accounts far approximately 82 percent of the housing 1 inventoryo Two-family ucits make up 5 percent, and three and four- family units comprise approximately 5 percent of the housing supply. a

In terms of hoilsirzg temre, there is. almost an equal distribution between ow-er-occupied units az?d renter-eccupied units: 45 percent and I 49 percent, respectively. J7a.carrt ur.its constitute about 5 percent of the tatal housixg supp2y. I Host of the Borough's housing u-its were built prior to 1920; approximately 78 percent of the hoilsing units are located in structures 45 years old or older, Another B3 percent are in structures ranging from a abmt 20 to 40 years of age, Sfgcificantly, within the next six years, 86 percent 3f the Borgugh's kc~iasir,gwill be at least 40 years old. Since this is normally rcnsidered a critical age far most housing, it ¶ is esseritial that the prcperty o'wzters 3ndertak.e a pcsitive program of home improvement ar.d mainrenance with the enccuragement and cooperation of the Borough, I

In general, Kittaming is characterized by marLy fine neighborhoods and homes which help create a pleasant living environment. Of The total 1 housing supply, however, alrnxt one-third is i: deteriorating or dilapidated conditicn, While mar-y of these substandard ui?its are scattered tfircughmt cke Bcr3ughp there are several coxentrations I of blighted housiEg which reqnire urbari reriewsl treatment 1 C O"dN XTY FAC ILI T-IE S There are numerous cornrnuraity facilities in the Borough which contribute I to the daily health, safety ar,d crrltliral needs of lacal residents. These ixlude the various municipal administrative arid service buildings, the schools and the reereaticnal facilities. While many of the Borough's community facilities are adequate, there are scme that are currently 1 deficient or will require replacement cr enlargement in the near f~turein order ta mintair? gc-verxnental services at an optimum level I I - E62 - I I 1 Public Buildings I Municipal buildings in Kittanning consist of a Borough Hall, a Library, a Borough Garage and three Fire Stations.

8 The Borough Hall is over 60 years old and suffers from a number of critical physical as well as operational deficiencies. This facility I should be replaced.

The Kittanning Free Library is structurally sound and well maintained. I Library use and service has increased over the years to the extent that the allotted library space has become inadequate and cramped. Expanded 1 library facilities are required. The Borough Garage is relatively new and in good condition. The facility, however, is grossly overcrowded. Additional facilities for storage and I repairs are required.

I The three Fire Stations are structurally sound and with continued maintenance and repairs will be serviceable for many years.

I Schools

In general, the public schools in Kittanning are in good to excellent ‘1 structural condition, although there is a need for extensive repairs of a minor and major nature at both the Fourth Ward School and the I Buff Building Local school authorities indicate that as part of the school re- districtifig plan for the County and as part of a long-range educational I program, it is contemplated that a new senior high school will be constructed outside of Kittanning. In so doing, the present senior high school in the Borough will be converted to a junior high school, and I the junior high school to a full elementary school. The Fourth Ward a School would be discontinued under this arrangement. Recreational Facilities

The total area devoted to public recreational facilities in Kittanning I is 14.6 acres. Based on nationally accepted contemporary standards, the Borough should be providing approximately 41.5 acres of diversified ~I recreational facilities within a well-balanced system. In effect, the 1 I - 163 - 1 1 Borough has only slightly above one-third of the recreational land area considered desirable to meet the active and passive needs of all age groups. This deficiency is further augmented by the fact that several 1 residential neighborhoods completely lack facilities of any kind or are beyond the reasonable service radius of existing facilities. 1

TRAFFIC C IRCULATION 1 One of the most pressing problems confronting many communities of all sizes across the nation today, is their constant struggle to keep pace with the ever-mounting traffic demands placed on their local street 1 and highway systems. So it is with Kittanning. Several factors contribute to the Borough's traffic problems: one is the fact that the Borough is situated at the junction of a major regional arterial highway I system resulting in Kittanning being a traffic corridor; a second factor is that thousands of vehicles are generated daily by the Borough's central business district, which is a regional center of commerce and government, Thirdly, most streets in the Borough are required to per- I form a dual function, namely to move traffic and to provide land access and parking space. 1 Combined, these conditions have resulted in traffic congestion and traffic and pedestrian hazards along segments of the Borough's major 1 street system, which currently threaten the stability and economic health of the community. Local street and regional highway improvements are necessary, as well as changes in traffic flow and traffic controls. I

PARK1 NG 1 Within the area defined as the Borough's central business district, there are a total of 564 metered on-street and municipal off-street parking spaces available for general shopping use. In addition to I the above, there are a substantial number of private "employee" and "customer" parking areas. Surveys of the utilization of public parking facilities on typical shopping days and evenings revealed peak hour I accumulations ranging from approximately 80 percent to 100 percent. Accumulations in excess of 85 percent generally indicate a state of parking congestion. 1

Parking duration was found to be variable and reflected meter zone restrictions, Significantly, there is a high incidence of short I duration parking. Approximately 83 percent of the vehicles surveyed remained in their respective spaces for one hour or less, while 13 percent parked for one to two hours. Some "meter feeding" and illegal 1 parking was noted, however, this does not appear to be of critical magnitude, I

- 164 - I Based an a detailed evaluation of the utilization of the available public parking spaces in the central business district, it is evident that additional off-street parking facilities are needed to satisfy current peak hour demands. Closely aligned with the parking problem is the need also to improve the traffic carrying capacity of the major cirmlation system in the business district. This will necessitate the modification or elimination of curb parking in certain areas.

TRENDS IN MUNICIPAL FINANCE AND OPERATIONS

Like many Western Pennsylvania communities, Kittanning has been continually faced with the vexing task of keeping pace with increased costs in milnicipa1 operations, while at the same time trying to maintain a high level of municipal services. Under ordinary circumstances where a community is enjoying a fair rate of growth in terms of an expanding population and new business, industrial and residential development, property values and economic growth show a corresponding increase in terms of broadening the tax base. Sustained growth in all of these areas in Kittanning unfortunately has riot been steady nor has it occurred at intervals when it has been most needed. In some instances, there have actually been declines which have had the effect of shrinking the tax base. This has occurred, for example, in the case of real property valuation for taxing purposes, which is one of the Borough's principal sources of annual revenue. The occupation tax and per capita taxes which are levied on working persons and residents of the Borough, also, have not yielded the proportion of revenues anticipated, due ts population out-migration in the past and a reduction in the actual number of working persons who are Borough residents. These factors are not so severe that the Borough's finances hage been critically affected, but none the less they do figure in the ability of the Borough to expand services and undertake new and varied municipal functions at an appreciable rate which would add to the welfare and progress of the community. In this respect, it should he noted that the Borough has been able to offset some of these trends by prudent budgeting, adjusting the tax millage when necessary and, from time to time, employing other means of increasing reverrues. The latter technique occurred again most recently in 1965, when a special tax of $10 per capita on persons who work in or are otherwise engaged in business in Kittanning but who reside outside of the Borough was instituted., The net effect of all these measures that have Seen employed is that municipal services have been well maintained and periodically the Borough has added a number of new facilities and services which are equal to or better than those of many communities.

- 165 - I 1 With respect to outstanding bonded indebtedness, the Borough enjoys a rather favorable position. At the present time, this amounts to a total of about $145,000 which represents under one-fourth of the Borough's 1 gross borrowing power. There is no outstanding voted bonded debt and that which has been incurred is limited to two bond issues authorized by councilmanic action. Over half of this debt will be retired over a 1 period of the next six or seven years, thus reducing the annual amounts that must presently be provided for principal and interest. I On the basis of this ncminal debt and the current procedures in effect regarding municipal operations, the Borough is able to provide good services which can be reasanably added to from year to year, and the 1 Borough is also in a position to carry out at least limited new ex- pansions arid additions to its community facilities. 1 I 1 1 I I I 1 1 I I I - 166 - I Planning Objectives

As the development of the overall Master Plan progressed and as a result of various public meetings, a number of local objectives and goals were developed to serve as a basis for the actual plan preparation phase of the program. These objectives are as follows:

LAND USE

To create functional environments for each major land use such as residential, commercial, and industrial by reserving appropriate areas for their diverse needs. This is intended to discourage the incompatible development of adjoining uses, including the mixed use of land'and buildings, and also strengthen the Borough's tax base.

To resolve conflicts of land requirements of competing land uses where sites are appropriate for more than one type of development. Various factors taken into consideration in resolving these conflicts include the character and compatibility of adjoining development, the availability of facilities and services, and the actual needs of the community for a specific use.

To provide for the development of a broad diversification of housing types and residential densities to meet the residential living needs of all segments of the Borough's present and future population.

- 167 - 1 1

To provide suitable sites and to create an appropriate environment for industrial and commercial activities which will serve to retain existing 1 businesses as well as attract new industrial and commercial development.

To strengthen the central business district of Kittanning since a strong 1 core area is a major factor in the continued growth and development of the Borough. I

COMMUNITY FACILITIES 1 To protect and encourage stable and desirable residential and nonresidential areas served by an adequate system of community facilities including parks, playgrounds, schools, public buildings and services, 1 and utilities. I TRAFFIC CIRCULATION

To provide for a convenient system of routes, both for through and I local traffic; to prevent and decrease traffic congestion; to increase safety of travel; and to protect residential areas from intrusion of through-traffic e 1 1 PLAN EFFECTUATION

To encourage the adoption and enforcement of adequate regulatory controls and the implementation of other applicable local, state and I federal programs to insure the sound and harmonious development of the community I 1 I 1 1 I - 168 - 1 The Land Use Plan presents a Bon_g-- e,for land development and redevelopment in Kittanning. The Plan is based on .an evaluation of the manner in which Band is currently being used in the Borough and such other factors as physiography, population and economic growth, adequacy and distribution of community facilities and services, and compatibility of various land uses to one another. The proposed Land Use Plan for Kittanning is presented on the Land Use Plan Map. The major recommendations shown on the Plan are discussed below.

Residential use is by far the most important single category of land development in Kittanning, with ahosb 40 percent of the Borough's developed band area used for this purpose, In the future, therefore, great care should be exerted to protect and conserve sound residential neighborhood characteristics, while initiating a positive program to eliminate poor conditions and facilitate residential growth, diversification and renewal. With this as a basic consideration, the Resi- dential Land Use Plan designates those areas where residential land use is proposed and recommends maximum residential densities for these areas.

- 169 - 1 I Several factors have determined for the most part the residential density (number of farnilles per net residential acre), which is I appropriate for various sections of the Borough. These include the built-up character of the community, the limited amount of vacant land suitable for new residential development, the existirig pattern and I density of development, the availability of community facilities, and future development potential. In essence, the residential plan has I three ob j ectives : -- To preserve, stabilize and, where necessary, improve the I residential character of existing neighborhoods. - - To encourage the development of a balanced and diversified I housing supply to meet the needs of all segments of the Borough ',s population.

I _-To provide each neighborhood area with convenient and well- planned public facilitiese I In essence, the Land Use Plan proposes three basic residential classifications which are distinguished by ho.using unit density. Almost without exception, in each of the six "planning districts" which I were identified earlier, these is provision for some combination of the three residential classifications, thereby permitting a broad range of residential densities as well as a variety of resi- I dential structural types.

I The residential derisities which are proposed axe presented below, ~B

The single-family home is at present the predominant residential I structural type in Kittanning. This was clearly noted in the Existing Land Use Analysis and the HousiRg Analysis: approximately 70 percent of the laEd area in the Borough devoted to residential I use is occupied by single-family structures; and about 82 percent of the Borough's housing unit iwentory is comprised of units in I single-family structures. I 1 I - 170 - 1 1 Current single-family densities vary considerably depending on the period and area in which the homes were built. In most of the older residential areas, single-family structures are constructed on lots 1 ccmprising 3,000 square feet, with a resullting density of about 15 housing mits per net acre, fn the more recently developed residential areas, such as thase foiand along the northern extremity of No Water I Street and No MzKeax Street, lot sizes are considerably larger and densities range fron three to seven dwelling units per net acre, Significantly, however, as noted earlier in the Housing and Neigh- borh3ad Analysis, there are relatively few residential sections I within the Rarongh which are developed exclusively with single- fanilyl hemes. Mcst areas cmtain a distribution of single-family, two-family cr m~~lti-familystruntures wfthiri each block. I

Since devekqm-ient ofthis sort is very limited in the Borough and 1 furtherg because areas devoted ejtclusfvely tc single-€amily use are vital tc a well-balaxed residertial ar.d housSng inventory, special consideration shsuld be given to these areas. In order to preserve the character of single-family sesfdential reighborhceds, promote I stability in these ceighborhozds and maintain property values, it is reccmmended that the Borough establish a low density single- family residential district. The maximum density proposed is 8.7 I dwelling units per net residential acre and a minimum lot size of 5,000 square feet., 1 Of the 331 acres designated far exzlgsive residential use in the Land Use Plan, 215 acres are pxzpssed for sicgle-family use. I

_MEDIUMENS ETY RES 1DENTI.AL (ONE AND TWO-F&ILYm 1

Over the years, either thrcugh original construction or as a result of conversions, a pattern has evclved on most residential blocks whereby I there are mixtnses of varlous hz;lsing types. The predominant form this has taken is a blerding of one and two-family structures. Higher degsity residences, such as three and four-housing unit structures and garden apartments, are also inrerspersed, however, these are propor- I tionately few in number and are widely distributed. 1 As far as structural integration and enviroslmental characteristics are concemed, there is ncthing physicalzy objectimable with mixing structural types and residential densities within a neighborhood. Indeed, I under contrclled cznditions this can corztribute significantly to the residential cornpcsition and living eiivfrarment of the community This assumes, however, that certain minimm design standards are established I 1 - E71 - I to assure adequate open space, light and air, and furt-her, that thexe are alternate types of residential densities and enTJironme:?ts provided I for within the overall residential plan, which will afford a :mrma1. housing inventory and permit selectivity IJcl.ess the above two criteria are met, a community cannot hope to satisfy the broad housLig I needs and preferences of all segments of its population or avext CW- pulsory family out-migration due to hGusfng shortages.

I The residential plan proposes that the medium density areas i~chde essentially single and two-family residences with a density of from 14 to 19 dwelling units per net acre. Translated into lot siae, the I recommended minimum lot area fGr a single-family structiire is 3,000 square feet and for a two-family structure, 4,500 square feet. I Approximately 80 acres are proposed for medium density residerlt:,ial development - one and/or two-family residences This represents about 24 percent of the land area designated for residential use ir! the Plan.

"FAMILY "FAMILY RES IDE'N'I'IAL)

The proposed high density resi.dential areas are distrib1u.tec-l throughout each of the various planning districts and are more particularly concentrated around the central busicess district In addition to singl.2 and two-family residences cmsistent with the densities described in the medium density residential areas, multi-family housing development would be encouraged. Multi-family housing would include row-house apartments, gardes. apartments and high-rise apartments. Densities for the multi-family development would vary from 1,000 to 3,000 squ.are feet per unit, dependirig on the particular type of hol-isi.ng. Appr0x.i- mately 36 acres are allocated for high denslty residential use.

This form of residential development is intended to m0re evenly proportion the balance in Kittanning's housing ir?ve?tory and provide for an increase in the number of smaller type housing units, namely tbe one and two-bedroom variety. This type of housing accommodation, of course, is generally ir, great demand by icdividuals, young marrieds and the elderly. At the present time, the availability of such housing units in the Borough is extremely low.

In addition to the above, it is hoped that the provision of safficient2.y large and well-distributed multi-family areas will stimulata ad facilitate private residential redevelopment Marly of the areas proposed for multi- family residential development are in deteriorating condition and warrant urban renewal treatment

- 172 - 1 1 COMMERCYAL LAND USE PLAN 1 The Commercial Land Use Plan establishes three functional business classifications, each designed to serve a separate need. Specific controls governing the use of land in the commercial areas are presented in the proposed Zoning Ordinance. 1

By designating specific commercial districts, the Borough can hope I to develop the following: 1 - - A more intensified and organized central business district protected from encroachment by incompatible uses and devoid of mixed uses that detract from the central business district's retail and service function. 1

--Convenient and well-defined neighborhood business centers. I

--Concentrated areas of general commercial, wholesale, and selective manufacturing development to supplement the 1 central business district, but designed in such a manner so as to safeguard against the creation of hazardous and poor environmental conditions, 1

FOP the most part, the proposed commercial districts adhere closely I to existing areas of concentrated commercial development while providing for further expansion. In some instances, however, isolated individual commercial uses or commercial uses considered inharmonious with the predominant character of an area have not been recognized. 1

The three commercial area classifications are discussed below. I I CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT

The Kittanning Central Business District as defined earlier extends between Arch and Jacob Streets, and Water and Grant Streets. This I area comprises approximately 21 acres, exclusive of streets and alleys. The Land Use Plan retains this area in commercial use, while more specifically identifying its commercial function. I I I - 173 - I I I In recognition of the vital role of the downtown business area and in accordance with the central business district's primary function, the I Plan proposes that uses not germane be reduced or eliminated through systematic public or private renewal action. Uses to be gradually eliminated include residences and nonretail and unrelated service I activities. Through the removal of these uses, space will be made available for enlarging the CBD'S basic uses: retail business, personal and professional services, and parking. Consequently, little overall expansion of the central business district will be necessary I due to the replacement of inappropriate functions and to more efficient use of space. I I NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS AREAS In order to complement the central business district and to provide well-defined neighborhood "convenience type'' commercial facilities, several neighborhood business areas are recommended. Neighborhood I busirzess facilities are proposed to include only those stores and service establishments which are used frequently by the average family and which, because of their intended consumer pattern, should be readily I accessible to the home. Basic facilities, which might be included in a neighborhood business area, are food stores, drug stores, barber shopss beaaty parlors, laundry and dry cleaning establishments, re- I pair shops and other similar retail. and service uses.

The neighborhood business area should be developed in such a manner I so as to contain a diversified, but concentrated, cluster of retail and service shops designed to meet the convenience needs of the particular neighborhood it is to serve. Further, in terms of physical I planning, it should contain buffer strips to protect adjacent residences from adverse nuisance conditions; adequate parking, pedestrian and vehicular circulation facilities; and protection from conflict of I uses ar,d uncontrolled spread of commerce.

The proposed neighborhood business areas are distributed as follows: ~ I

-~ - At the intersection of Crr Avezlue and Montieth Street.

- - Along Union Avenue in the vicinity of Ne Grant Street and Woodward Avenue.

Along No Grant Street north of Vine Street.

- 174 - I I --Along Arch Street. I Each of these locations presently contain varying degrees of commercial development. The areas have been delineated in order to permit further commercial expansion, as well as development of buffer strips and off- street parking facilities. Approximately 8 acres are designated for I neighborhood business use. I GENERAL COMMERCIAL AREAS I Several areas in the Borough have been delineated for general commercial development, including limited manufacturing. The major purpose for establishing specific general commercial areas is to permit more diversified commercial development which normalby would not be appropriate I in the central business district or neighborhood business areas. In addition, these areas would be designed in such a manner as to enhance their commercial potential, while affording protection to adjacent pro- I perties and uses fiom adverse nuisance and environmental conditions, as well as hazardous traffic conditions. Permitted uses would include all types of retail and service establishments, 'Sheavier" types of commercial 1 activities, and "light" manufacturing uses

The general commercial districts are located in the southern sector of I the Borough generally south of Mulberry Street, along the Pennsylvania Railroad between Reynolds Avenue and E. High Street, and along No Grant 'Street in the vicinity of North Avenue, The aggregate area proposed I for general commercial use is approximately 23 acres. I INDUSTRIAL LAND USE PLAN I

Kittanning presently does not have a strong or diversified industrial base, nor does it contain what would be termed an industrial district. 1 TRose few industrial uses located in the Borough are widely distributed and are of varying intensity. The two most substantial industrial activities are a concrete block manufacturer and a brick refractory I in the northerr! section of the Borough, Actually, there is little or no prime industrial acreage left in the Borough for any large- scale industrial growth. Redevelopment for industrial purposes offers the only real solution to any further industrial expansion. I I I - 175 - I 1 I TABLE 52

.I COMPARISON BETWEEN EXISTING DISTRIBUTION I OF DEVELOPMENT AND THE LAND USE PLAN BOROUGH OF KITTANNING, 1965 TO 1985

I EXISTING -LAME USE DEVELOPMENT - 1965 LAND USE PLAN - 1985 I Acres Percent Acres Percent Residential Single-Family (Low Density) 107 17.1 215 (' 34.5 I Two-Family (Medium Density) 37 5.9 80 12.8 Multi-Family (High Density) 8 1.3 36 5.8 II Commercial and Retail 440)) 7.0 52 (dl 8.3 Industrial 20 3.2 32(c) 5.1 1 Public 17 2.7 24 3.8 Semi-public 8 1.3 8 1.3

I Schools and Recreation 23 3.7 48 7.7 I Streets 104 17.0 101 16.2 Railroads 27 4.2 28 4.5

I Yacant -229 30.6 M (.1 I 'TOTAL 6 24 100.0 624 100.0 (a) Includes mobile homes. (b) Includes approximately 9 acres in mixed commercial and residential use: l8 acres in general retail and service use, 7 acres in automotive commercial use, and 10 acres in heavy commercial use. (c) Marginal land area not generally suited for urban development due to excessive slope comprises approximately 125 acres: 119 acres in the Low Density Residential district and 6 acres in the Industrial district (d) Proposed Commercial and Retail areas are distributed as follows. Central Business District, 21 acres; Neighborhood Business areas, 8 acres; and General Commercial areas including limited manufacturing, 23 acres.

- 176 - In addition to the provision for light industrial uses in the General Commercial Areas, the Land Use Plan establishes two industrial areas. Both areas are oriented toward the Pennsylvania Railroad in the northern section of the Borough, and both areas are, in fact, extensions of the two previously identified concrete block and brick manufacturing plant

sites e

There are at present approximately 20 acres of developed industrial land in Kittanning. The Land Use Plan proposes 32 acres for industrial use, exclusive of the General Commercial Areas

To assure the best possible use of industrial acreage and to protect existing industrial plants as well as adjacent land use development from nuisance conditions, it is recommended that the Borough adopt appropriate industrial performance standards.

PUBLIC LAND USE PLAN

The Public Land Use Plan designates areas intended for public purposes, including schools, recreational and other governmental facilities in relation to the character and intensity of development to be served. Currently, there are about 40 acres devoted to public use in the Borough. The plan for future development designates approximately 72 acres for public use., A detailed description of the nature of proposed public uses is presented in the Community Facilities Plan.

- 177 - LAND USE PLAN

EAST FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP

LEGEND

RESIDENTIAL

LOW DENSITY

MEDIUM DENSlTY a HIGH DENSITY COMMERClAL = CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS

GENERAL COMMERCIAL INWSTRIIL LIGHT 8 HEAVY INDUSTRY 'E&w PUBLIC BUllDlNGS 8 SITES RECREATITION 8 COWSERVATION AREAS

SCHOOLS SYEEJS m1.m NEW STREETS ---- STREET WlOENlNOS

WEST KITTANNIN6

BOROUGH OF KITTANNING Dh ilk- ARMSTRONG COUNTYI PENNSYLVANIA 417 BOROUGH OF KITTANNING PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION 'I I I I

I Urban renewal is a locally conceived, planned and executed program aimed at the prevention and elimination of substandard residential and nonresidential buildings and blighted conditions. In effect, the program represents a concerted effort by a community through its public I and private resources to establish a long-range, planned redevelopment of worn-out areas which, because of structural and environmental deterioration, no longer provide a sound living or business setting and I are generally detrimental to the health, safety and general welfare of occupants for any variety of reasons. The program is comprised of I three basic elements: conservation, rehabilitation and redevelopment. I

I ELEMENTS OF AN URBAN RENEWAL PROGRaM Conservation

1 "Conservation" is largely a preventative type of program which is applied to areas of predominantly sound structural condition and stable neighborhood values. In these areas, urban renewal activities I are aimed at blight prevention largely through the enforcement of various regulatory controls including zoning regulations and building, 1

- 178 - plumbing, electrical and housing codes. Municipal expenditures for activities other than code enforcement are normally not required, although in some cases, spot clearance and the improvement of schools, recreation facilities, streets and utilities may be warranted to maintain and elevate the quality of the neighborhood,

The formulation of private neighborhood betterment associations can often have a very important impact on the adherence and maintenance of area standards. Additionally, special FHA and HHFA loans are available for property owners to assist them in the improvement of their homes and buildings in order to meet the standards established by local codes and ordinances,

Rehab i 1%tat ion

"Rehabilitation" is an urban renewal program used in connection with areas in which there is a degree of obsolescence and deterioration, but where physical and environmental conditions as well as economic values can be improved largely by the restoration and reconditioning of existing structures and facilities, rather than by large scale clearance. The tools applied under a conservation program are also used in rehabilitation areas. The major difference in the two programs lies in their depth and the extent of spot clearance and reconditioning action,

Under the provisions of Title I of the Housing Act, there is substantial federal aid available for rehabilitation projects. For example, the federal government will contribute toward the cost of spot clearance of badly deteriorated structures, the relocating of displaced families and businesses, and the undertaking of traffic and community facility improvements. Special FHA mortgage insurance loans and HHFA low- interest loans, as provided under Section 312 of the Housing Act of 1964, are available to owners and tenants in rehabilitation areas for structural repairs.

Redevelopment

The third and most commonly recognized urban renewal program is "redevelopmentO9' Redevelopment is a program applied to areas in which the overall structural conditions have fallen into advanced stages of deterioration or obsolescence, and conservation or rehabilitation programs are not economically feasible. A redevelopment project generally involves the elimination of most or all of the structures in a designated project area. Such project may be designated for areas where more than twenty percent of the buildings are substandard and there are extensive environmental deficiencies.

- 179 - I 1 The redevelopment process is generally as follows:

- - An area is surveyed to determine overall structural and en- 1 vironmental conditions. 1 - - Detailed project plans are prepared specifying properties to be acquired, site improvements and the proposed reuse of the land. 1

-- The plans are approved by the governing body of the community and the other governmental agencies involved. 1

--Affected properties are purchased through negotiation or 1 condemnation. I - - Displaced families and businesses are relocated into satisfactory accommodations. 1 -- The structures are demolished and necessary improvements are made to the cleared site. 1

-- The cleared land is sold for private or public redevelopment in accordance with the approved redevelopment plan. 1

Combined Programs I Frequently, urban renewal is accomplished through a combination of conservation, rehabilitation and redevelopment. Federal procedures provide for the undertaking of any or all of these urban renewal pro- I gram elements in a single project, This procedure facilitates broader planning and more comprehensive programming. I NATURE OF THE RENEWAL PROGRAM 1 The Federal program for urban renewal was first set forth under Title I of the Housing Act of 1949 and later amended substantially on several different occasions to increase the program's effectiveness. In 1 Pennsylvania, elzabling legislation for urban redevelopment has been in existence since 1945 and 1949, with subsequent revisions (The Pennsylvania Urban Redevelopment Law, Act of May 24, 1945, P.L. 991, as amended), 1 I - 180 - I 1 1 Under the provisions of this legislation, Federal advances are made for planning studies and Federal grant funds are provided to underwrite 1 three-quarters of the net cost of a project in a community having a population of less than 50,000 persons, or for areas designated as economically depressed with populations of up to 150,000. The State i in turn will provide 50 percent of the remaining one-quarter, leaving one-eighth to be financed locally. In short, the Federal and State Governments will provide 87-l/2 percent of the net cost of a redevelopment project in a community. The remaining 12-1/2 percent is a a local financial obligation and often can be partially fulfilled with what the Federal Government considers "credits," or in other words, by providing new streets, public facilities, or other site improve- I ments to serve the renewal area.

I The Urban Renewal Administration of the Housing and Home Finance Agency is responsible for the program at the federal level. At the local level, for municipalities below the status of third-class cities in Pennsylvania, a county redevelopment authority must be formed to administer the program. I Such an authority is currertly in existence in Armstrong County. I IMPLEMENTING AN URBAN RENEWAL PROGRAM

In order to undertake an urban renewal program with Federal and State I participation, several steps must be initiated locally as prerequisites. I

The Housing Act of 1954, as amended, requires that a community seeking I Federal financial assistance for certain programs, including urban renewal and public housing, submit a "Program for Community Improvement," or a "Workable Program" as it is generally known. The Workable Program, in effect, indicates a community-wide course of action aimed at the I improvement of housing conditions and the elimination of blighting I influences As defined by the Housing and Home Finance Agency ("FA), the Workable Program is comprised of an evaluation of what the community has done, I is doing, and will do with respect to the following: I I I - E81 - 1 1 Codes and Ordinances Financing Comprehensive Cornmuraity Planning Housing for Displaced Families I Neighborhood Analysis Citizen Participation

Administrative Organization 1

Under the procedures established by the federal government, the Workable 1 Program must be recertified annually in order to rnaktain continued local eligibility. Kittanning had its initial Workable Prsgram certified by the "FA in 1963. Although there was some local delay at the time of recertification, which resulted in a lapse in the program, a review of 1 progress ur.der the Warkable Fregram was recently submitted and recertification is anticipated shortly, It is recommended that the Workable Pro- gram continue to be reviewed and resubmitted for recertification as I part of a long-range annual pracedare, Irrespective of the Workable Program being a prerequisite to certain federal financially assisted programs, if used properly it c0d.d be a very significant vehicle I for organized community improvement of a continuing nature. 1 GomprehensiveGeneral Plan (Master- Planl

The Act further requires that there be a comprehensive plan for the physical development of the community as a whole. Accordingly, an 1 urban renewal plan for a particular project must conform to the comprehensive plan, The minimilm reqriirements with respect to a general plan are: 1

Basic Inventory of Community Public Improvements Program Needs and Objectives I Replatory Measures Land Use Plan ZoDing Ordinance and Map I Thoroughfare Plan Subdivision Regulations Community Facilities Dlan I

This document and its various studies, maps and proposals constitute the Borough's Master Plan, As stated previously, it is recommended I that as part of a continuing plancing program that the Master Plan be kept current. I 1 I - 182 - I I 1

1 The success of any program hinges on community-wide public participation, recognition and support. Therefore, it is required that a Citizens' Advisory Committee be established which will help to provide, both in the community generally and in selected areas, the understanding and I support necessary to insure the successful effectuation of the program. I I URBAN RENEWAL PLAN FOR KlTTANNlNG As shown on the Urban Renewal Plaa Map, each section of the Borough has I been delineated for some form of urban renewal study activity, including conservation, rehabilitation OF redevelopment. In light of the magnitude of possible rehabilitation and redevelopment project areas, it is recommended that the Borough undertake a Community Renewal Program (CRP) as I provided for under the national Housing Act of 1964, as amended. This program is administered by the Federal Housing and Home Finance Agency and would provide a detailed time-phased schedule for carrying out a I community-wide urban renewal program. A typical CRP provides the following kinds of information and plans: a detailed appraisal of specific urban renewal projects, the economic basis for renewal, and 11 the resources needed and available for renewal.

The Urban Renewal Program, and more particularly redevelopment, is not 'I completely new to Kittanning. For some time now, redevelopment of a small area encompassing the Armstrong County Memorial Hospital has been under consideration. During July of 1965, an initial step in the redevel- ,I opment process was accomplished with the filing of a survey and planning application for this project. Assuning the project is approved by the Federal government, additional steps will be taken and possibly within II a two-year period, the area will actually be redeveloped.

Preliminary plans call for expansion of hospital facilities, as well as 1 other land development and street improvements still in preliminary form. It is possible that the Borough may wish to consider the use of part of I the project area for a. new Borough Garage. I REDEVELOPMENT In additior! to the redevelopment project noted above, several other areas in the Borough are eligible for redevelopment action. These are ~i basically represented by the blocks showing forty percent or more of I I - 183 - 1 1 the structures requiring major repairs as reflected on the Structural Conditions Map. The ger.eral delineatioc of the major areas requiring further redevelopment stndy include: 1

- - The area bounded by Reynolds Avenue, Oak Aveme, LOR. 189, and the PenrxyLvania Railroad. I

- - The blocks bclinded by Reynolds Avenue, Queer? Street, I E. High Street and Oak Avenue.

--The blocks extending along eJohnstor, Avenue between Fair 1 Street azd Victory Street e I --The blocks exter,ding along the easterly side of the Pennsyl- vania RaiErcad between E. High Street and E. Chestnut Street. I

-P The blocks between Glem Street and Colwell Street including the area east of Johnston Avenue. I

REHABILITATION 1

Much of the area Iyir,g immediately adjacent to the above outlined redevelopment study areas requires rehabilitation, These are areas where 1 generally 20 ts 40 percent of the structures require major repairs. Because of the extensive areas involved, it is not considered advisable to initiate a specific rehabilitatfcc project at this time. Instead, it is proposed that the Borough strictly enfcrce the various I ccdes adopted as part of the Workable Program for Community Improvement. The inspections and violatior, csrrections which will evolve from the codes enforcement program will pravi.de a better indication in the I futilre as to where spot clearance and major rehabilitation projects would be most desirable and feasible, 1 CONSERVATION 1 The majority of the Borough falls into the conservation category, These are areas where the incidence of structural deterioration is low, generally less than ter. percent. These areas, while being 1 basically sound, should be subject to a eontimuus program of code enforcement to assure their futzlre stability. I 1 - 184 - I URBAN RENEWAL PLAN

LEGEND

0 REDEVELOPMENT SNDY AREAS REHABILITATION STUDY AREAS 0 CONSERVATION STUDY AREAS

W ES

SCALE IN FEET

moo mogagm

PREPARED BY BELLANTE AND CLAUOS PLWNERS ARCHITECTS , ENGINEERS JULY , 1961 I I I I I I I I

I Adequately planned community facilities are as important to the well- being of a community as are balanced and harmonious land development and a coordinated street system. In the previous evaluation of the I adequacy of public buildings, recreational facilities, schools and utilities, certain deficiencies were noted. It is the ~UP~OS~of the Community Facilities Plan to develop a long-range, twenty-year plan for the possible expansion and impiovement of these essential I public facilities, wherever necessary.

I It should be noted, however, that it is not enough to simply plan for community facilities as well as traffic improvements, parking, urban renewal and similar physical improvements without relating their cost to some priority and the BoroughOs fhancial capacity, I To this end, an evaluation of the Boroughvs fiscal condition and a proposed Capital ImprovementsGProgram has been prepared and I s'ubmitted under separate cover.

I PUBLIC BUILDUNCS PLAN

I Within the context of the Master Plan, the Public Buildings Plan seeks to fulfi%ltwo main objectives: I I I - ntx - -- To prcvide a site for each public building or service facility at a2 appropriate location and of such a size and general character that it may perform its specific fimction efficiently and in harmoay with other plalz elements and private development

- - To accomplish the Blamed groupizlg of related public buildings and facilities ir order to achieve the best possible physical and ecmornic benefits

B9RO'JGH HNsL

In -1iew of the cxxent physical and cperatimal deficiencies of the Borough's Admicktrative O€fices apd Police Department, these facilities should be improved within the immediate future. Two alternative courses of action appear tc be mcst apprcpriate. One would be the acquisition of a suitable buildizg withir. the domtom area and conversion of the building to municipal use. The secmd alternative, of wurse, would involve the acquisition of property and the construction cf a completely new facility.

'The potential of beating a bxilding ir. the downtown area that is both suitable for conversion and TiafLable is virtually impossible at the present time. Some time ag3,, the Peqbes Natural Gas building on So McKean Street was under discussion, bgt it appears now that this building is nc lmger available, Sirice 13c other building has been called to the cofisultant's attentiors, it would seem that the construction of a completely new facility is presently the only plausible solution

Long established practice iE locating a gcverm-ental building of the central type is the selectim zf a aeadiiy accessible site on the "fringe" of the central bueiaess district, where property may not be needed or be particularly desirable far busiriess purposes. In addition to the intangible aesthetfc vake to be gafned frm such a location, there are many practical advactages as well, !!!ong these is the convenience for persons working in the central business district who may have frequent cccasix t:, visft the public offices and also the obvious advactage and convenience ts the average citizen who can combine shopping and other business activities with normal municipal services. Reflecting the above general considerations, the following more specific requirements were appraised in assessing the relative merits of various locations:

- 186 - I I --The site should be of sufficient size to afford adequate space for proper setting, appropriate landscaping and accessory off-street parking. I

-- The site should be convenient to downtown and otherwise readily accessible from all parts of the community. I

-- The location should command interest and blend well with 1

adjoining land uses e 1 --Public usage of the site should not unduly compete with private interests in the use of land. 1 --The surrounding environment should be stable to afford protection against encroachment by undesirable uses. 1

After an evaluation of all potential locations around the fringe of the central business district, one general location offers the most I appropriate solution. This location is at the eastern extremity of Market Street. At present, this area already contains the Armstrong County Courthouse and auxiliary facilities, including a newly converted office building and a substantial off-street parking facility. Further 1 development of this area as a county-borough governmental center would be very desirable and would strengthen and enhance an existing well- established public land development investment. Sufficient land area I could be made available for a new building and supporting facilities through independent Borough renewal action or through participation in the federal urban renewal program. In the execution of such a project, two additional considerations should be explored. One 1 would be the benefits to be derived from a joint Borough-County building, which would provide administrative space and facilities for both governmental agencies. The other consideration would be I the improved alignment of LOR. 189 (Clearfield Pike) at its merger with Market Street, thereby eliminating a hazardous traffic condition. I As a side note to the above proposal, it is speculated that the creation of an attractive civic center complex at this end of the business district could induce new commercial investment which would at least 1 tend to stabilize or reinforce the downtown tax base. This is a serious consideration in Kittanning since the business sector is so vital to the economic well-being of the Borough and further, since I in recent years the overall Borough real estate assessment base has experienced continued declines. I I - 187 - 1 1 I BOROUGH GARAGE

I Although there are a number of physical deficiencies associated with the overall borough garage-fire station building on So Jefferson Street, and there is an indisputable need for enlarged borough garage facilities, it I is not considered prudent tc construct a new facility immediately. This should be a consideration, however, within the next several years. During the interim, it would be preferable to provide supplementary space nearby, until such time as the Borough can afford a new building and possibly I combine its construction with another program, i.e., urban renewal or I the federally shsidized community facilities programs. In terms of locatiop, a Borough Garage operatior! is likened to a heavy commercial or light industrial use and, therefore, should be fitted within I this type of land use areaa This assumes, of course, that such an area is readily accessible to all points in the community.

I Kittanning's heavy commercial area lies generally south of Mulberry Street in the southern end ofthe Borough and, because ofthe existing street pattern, is accessible to all Borough points. Coincidentally, I an urban renewal project is currently being surveyed and planned in a portion of this area in the vicinity of S. McKean Street. In view of the Borough's garage needs and the time involved in the actual I planning and execution of an urban renewal project -- often two to three years -- it would be advisable to consider inclusion of a new Borough Garage ir, the project planning of that portion of the renewal area abutting Walnut Street. Through the mechanics of the federal I urban renewal project procedure, there would be certain economies derived by the Bormgh, These would apply to the acquisition cost of the land for the facility and to the credits the Borough would receive 1 towards their lscal cost afthe project. Also, the time involved in earring out the project would enable the Sorocgh to budget the necessary funds fsr a new building, as well as investigate other sources of 1 finarxial assistance

I BOROUGH LIBRARY

The Kittanning Free Library building is structurally sound and well situated, however, the facility currently suffers from inadequate functional space, Since the annual utilization of the library's facilities is eontinmusly increasing and fixther, since the library is such a vital commuzlity facility, improvement is certainly warranted, Physically, the building can be enlarged by adding a wing or annex along fts easterly side on that portion of the Library site which is unoccupied.

- 188 - I 1 Earlier studies conducted by library consultants and the library board revealed that there is ample room to construct an addition which could contain up to 2,100 square feet of usable floor area. Such an addition 1 would measure approximately 35 feet by 60 feet.

Several of the more important advantages of a ground level addition 1 which were cited in the study axe as follows: 1 --Provision of space for readers, books, and staff in one large expanse assures good supervision with minimum staff. I - - A ground floar operation cffers maximum ease of accessibility to the library user, irrespective of age. I

- - Display windows could be included in the annex. They would serve as a permaaent advertising device for the library. I

-0 The annex could serve as the nucleus for an entirely new building should it ever become necessary to raze the I existing structure. 1 --The annex will provide enough space to enlarge library seatir,g capacity to 60 readers, increase book capacity, ar,d provide ample room for office and work space. I

- - A Children's Area can be developed which will be large enough for class visits and regular story hours. 1

With the acquisition of the residential property fronting on Arch I Street to the rear of the Library, additional space could be provided for off-street parking. 1 An alternative solutioc involving conversion of the second floor of the Library was also studied, It was concluded, however, that the second floor would not lend itself to development into fully functional 1 library quarters. Additionally, the remodeling costs and the administrative costs would be excessive. I I I - 189 - I 1 1 FIRE STATIONS- I The three structures housing the Borough's fire companies are currently in good condition and will be serviceable for many years yet. The oldest of the buildings, Hose Company No. 1 on S. Jefferson Street, ~1 requires some mincr repairs to elevate its general condition and to project its conticued life expectancy. It is conceivable that if the Borough Garage facilities are relocated to more adequate accommodations, the new garage addition can form the nucleus of a completely remodeled I fire station facility in the fxture.

I in terms of fire protection coverage, all sections of the Borough are adeqrzately serviced. AlttLmgt tkere is considerable overlapping between Hose Companies No, 4 and 6, this is 1-19-t critical. If in the future, I hsweveap, a new Pzratisn is sought for either of these fire stations (mare logically Hose Coo bize 4>, a more cextrall location in the vicinity of Unim ar.d Norrh Avenaes wauEd be preferable. This would affcrd a mare even distribution of fire protection throughout the 1 southern, central ar,d northern portion of the Borough. I'

PUBLrC UTiLiTIES PLAN

SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT

The Borough's sewage treatment plant was constructed in 1960 and consists Df a very fine modern facility. Based on its desigil and the Borough's current and projected population levels, the treatment plant is expected to be adequate for the planning period.

SEWAGE COLLECTION SYSTEM

As noted previously in the Public Utilities AqaEysis, Kittanning's present sewer system consists basically of a coNbined sanitary sewage and storm drainage system, During certain periods when the volumes of each contributor are great, the system is seriously overtaxed ar.d failures, breaks and back-ups in the system occur. Since this is costly to the Borough and its residents and represents a health hazard, this problem should be rectified. Although the Borough's sewage consultants have prsposed a remedial design plan, no action has been taken due to various extenuating circumstances. It is recommended, however, that this project be re-evaluated and that the necessary improvements be uridertaken.

- 1190 - I 1 RECREATI'ON PLAN 1 Future recreational facilities in the Borough should be distributed to serve as many residents as possible within convenient and safe walking distance, and in the case of larger facilities, to assure easy access by the entire community. Properly designed and maintained facilities I will enhance the value, esthetics and stability of residential neighborhoods and, in built-up neighborhoods, also preserve an invaluable and rapidly decreasing asset, open space. 1

The primary objectives of the Recreation Plan are as follows: I

-= - To attain a favorable ratio with respect to the recommended area standards prescribed by the National Recreation Associ- 1 ation, realizing that some modification may be necessary due to the predominantly built-up character of the Borough. I

- - To provide for convexient neighborhood parks and playgrounds in residential areas not presently served. I

- - To conserve the river bank frontage and more fully develop the passive and active recreation potential inherent in 1 the Allegheny River. I As noted in the Recreation Analysis, Kittanning has the beginning of what could ultimately be developed into a fine diversified recreational system. This, however, will not materialize without a total concerted municipal effort, nor will it be realized without careful planning 1 and budgeting I Approximately 14.6 acres are currently devoted to public recreational use within the Borough, including municipal and school facilities. The Plan proposes to increase the recreational acreage to about I 36.6 acres, including an extended park-conservation area along most of the length of the Allegheny River. Application of National Recre- ation Association standards suggest the need for 41.5 acres; therefore, 1 it can be noted that some compromise has been made. This has been justified because of the urban character of the Borough, the absence of suitable vacant land and the probable prohibitive cost of ac- quiring extensive developed properties for redevelopment into I ' recreation sites. Another consideration is the predominance of single-family development and moderate population densities. I 1 - 191 - 1 1 I Following is a description of the proposed recreation facilities by I type

I PROPOSED RECREATIONAL FACILITIES l rounds

I There are at present two neighborhood-type recreational facilities with a combiraed area of 1.9 acres. Three specific new sites are proposed which would add approximately 2.8 acres. In addition to these sites, I four general locations are show, on the Plan for neighborhood recre- atioml facilities. Essentially, these are neighborhood areas where facilities are lacking, however, vacant land is virtually nonexistent and property aeqvlisition and clearance would be required. More de- 1 tailed evaluation at the time of effectuation will have to be undertaken to define their specific locations. These sites when developed should comprise one-quarter to one-half acre each.

New neighborhood parks and playgrounds are proposed as follows:

Specific Locations

E. It is recommended that several. vacant lots and a residential property at the southwest corner of Rayburn Street and Orr Avenue, totalifig approximately one-half acre, be acquired and developed as a neighborhood recreational facility to serve Planping District 2.

2, It is recommended that the unused railroad property at the end of Hickory Street comprising about 1.9 acres be developed as a park-playground facility to serve Planning District 4.

3. It is recommended that several properties on N. Grant Street north of Vnion Avenue be acquired and cleared for recreational use, This site comprises about .3 acres. All ofthe properties involved are in an advanced state of disrepair.

General Locations

4. A site of approximately one-fourth to one-half acre in the vicinity of S, McKean Street and Jacob Street.

- 192 - I 1 5, A site of approximately one-fourth to one-half acre in the vichity cf Cewey Street, 1 to A site of approximately one-fourth to one-half acre in the vicinity of Robinson Street I

7. A site of one-focrth acre in the vicinity of the new public housing project on Johnston Aven:ie. I

C onuniln itv Plavf i.e Pd s 1 No additional comunfty-vide playfields are secomnended for the Borough The conthzed availability and use of Lemmon Field, the high school athletic field, and the il. Jefferson Street playfield should satis- I factorily meet the needs of existing and projected population levels. This, however, does riot exclude the desfrability of providing playfields as an integral part of Rev park and playground development. I I Unlike most cormxities alor?g rhe Ailegkrry F.Pver whose riverfronts are chttered with variods forms of dean development, Kittanning has ar! uriusiial opportucfty to provlde ar. excellent community park system 1 alorig most of its river bank. Riverfront Park comprising about 5.3 acres is already a start ir, this direction. The Plan proposes that from its present termination point near High Street, that Riverfront I Park be Kltimately extended north to the borough Line.

The de-Jelopment of sizch a facility would provide the following: I

-- it would enable the Boraiugh to contyol drainage, erosion I and fdeod problems along the waterway. I -- It woLld preserve for the benefit of the whole community one of its most valuable and scenic patural features. I - - It would provide attractive "open space" within convenient walking distance of all residential neighborhoods. I -- ;t would make use of marginal land in certain sections which is generally not suited for iirban development. I I - 193 - I 1 1 - - With proper development, it could offer a valuable source of economic potential through tourism. This could include I the development of a "municipal marina" in the vicinity of Walnut Street. I In conjunction with the further development and improvement of River- front Park, it is recommended that the Borough investigate the merits of establishing a Borough owned and operated marina. This study I should be undertaken in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Forest and Waters and the U. S. Corp of Army Engineers. Various studies conducted nationally of municipal marina facilities of all I sizes have shown that this can be a profitable operation and a valuable contributor to the local economy. I I I I I 1 I

- 194 - TABLE 53

EXISTING AND PROPOSED RECREATIONAL FACILITIES

BOROUGH OF KITTANNING, 1965 TO 1985

AREA PLANNING TYPE OF FACILITY IN ACRES DISTRICT GENERAL LOCATION

Neighborhood Parks and Playgrounds

Fourth Ward School Site 0.5 Situated along Wilson Avenue and Montieth St.

Rayburn Street 0.6 Situated at the I southwest corner of Rayburn Street and Orr Avenue I

Johnston Avenue 0.3" 2 In the general vicinity of the 1 pub lic h ou s ing pr0- ject along Johnston Avenue 1 N. Grant Street 0.3 Along N. Grant Street north of Union Avenue I Robinson Street 005* In the vicinity of Robinson Street 1 Dewey Street 0.5* In the general vicinity of Dewey Street I N. Jefferson Street 1.4 4 At the northwest corner of N. Jefferson Street and High Street I Hickory Street 1.9 Along the P.R.R. in the vicinity of Hickory Street I Jacob Street 0.5* In the general vicinity of Jacob Street and S. McKean Street I

p_ Total Neighborhood 6.5 Parks and Playgrounds

* Denotes undetermined sites and proposed minimum acreages.

- 195 - TABLE 53 (Cont'd)

AREA PLANNING TYPE OF FACILITY IN ACRES D LSTRICT GENERAL LOCATION

Lemmon Field 3.8 1 Sitgated at extreme north end of Orr Avenue

Kittanning High School 3.6 1 At the northwest corner of Orr Avenue and Victory Street N. Jefferson Street (identified above) - Total School and 7.4 C ommunity Play f i e Ids

Riverfront Park 5.3 4,5&6 Along Water Street and the Allegheny River between Walnut and High Streets

Riverfront Park 17.4 1&4 Along the Allegheny Extension River from High Street north to the Borough Line -~ Total Community Parks 22.7

__ TOTAL 36.6

- 196 - I I SCHOOLPLAN 1 The major objective of the School Plan is to provide a full complement of public school facilities adequately located and with sufficient sites to serve the enrollment needs of the community. It was noted in the School Analysis that Kittanning is a participant in two school systems: 1 one serving the elementary grades, the Kittanning Union School District, and the other serving the high school grades, the Kittanning Area Secondary School System. Since other communities are included in I these systems, there are influences beyond the Borough's jurisdiction to be considered. Therefore, school planning, as it relates to Kittanning, encompasses a much larger geographical area. 1

During the preparation of the Borough's Master Plan, two developments occurred which will affect the school system and its physical plant I needs. One was Pennsylvania Act 561 requiring the reorganization of school districts throughout the Commonwealth. The second development was the occurrence of a fire in the Central School building in July of I 1965 which seriously damaged the structure. At the present time, the extent of damages are being assessed and no conclusion has been reached as to whether the building can be repaired or whether dismantling and I new construction will be necessary. A final course of action is contingent upon a determination by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Instruction and the local school board. 1

As a result of the redistricting mandate, local and County school officials developed a county-wide school plan. This plan as it in- I volves Kittanning is as follows: 1 1. A new senior high school will be constructed to serve the area. This building will be located outside of Kittanning, possibly in East Franklin Township or in the vicinity of Ford City. I

2. The present senior high school in Kittanning will be I converted to a junior high school.

3. The Central and Buff School buildings currently housing I both junior high school and elementary grades would be, converted to a full elementary school. 1

4. The Fourth Ward Elementary School in Kittanning would be discontinued. I I - 197 - 1 I I Although this plan is not official yet, approval by the Pennsylvania 1 Department of Public Instruction is expected shortly. While the impact of the Central School fire is speculative at this point, school officials believe that it will not affect the above school I plan. Indeed, it may expedite the plan's implementation. I I I I 1 I I I I I I I I 1 I - E98 - EAST FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP

LEGEND

WEST KITTANNING

4 Traffic problems in most communities, regardless of Size, can be attributed generally to the fact that. improvement of major thoroughfares has not kept pace with the phenomenal rise in the number and use of automobiles. Additionally, in many communities the major thoroughfares are required to provide land access and on-street parking space, which contributes to problems of congestion and delay, Since traffic congestion is detrimental to the stability and economic well-being of any area, it is apparent that decisive measures are called for at both the local and regional level to meet present day transportation requirements and prepare for future needs

Several conditions are evident in Kittanning which result in traffic problems

8. Traffic movements to and fkom the major traffic generators in and around the Borough produce heavy traffic volumes particularly during peak periods In Kittanning , the principal traffic generator is the central business district

2. There is a definite conflict between 'slocal" traffic and Pgthrough'straffic having neither origin nor destination within the Borough itself. The latter is estimated to range between 40 to 60 percent along segments ofthe I arterial street system, I

- 199 - 3, The existing street pattern is an extemion of the original rigid gridiron street layout and paradoxically, although there is an abundance of actual area in streets, the system is not well defined and conflicts and congestion occur.

4. Topography and natural features severely limit street system design. Conditions imposed by the Allegheny River, the narrowness of the river valley on which the Borough is situated, and the rugged bluffs along the east restrict the laying out of a meaningful well-defined system of major and minor streets.

It is anticipated that part of the Borough's traffic problem, at least as it relates to through-traffic, will be partially overcome with the completion of the Allegheny Valley Expressway, including the high level bridge crossing just south of Kittanning. Other internal traffic improvements, however, will also be required. This will include the installation of several new streets and street widenings, as well as the establishment of new or expanded traffic controls, i.e., one-way streets, curb parkir?g restrictions and traffic signals.

FUTURE STREET CLASSJFKATION

In the Traffic Analysis, each street in the Borough was classified according to its current primary function. The system was divided into four functional classifications: major arterial streets, primary collector streets, secondary collector streets, and local streets. In addition, general design standards relating specifically to pavement and right-of-way widths for each classification were noted.

The Major Thoroughfares Plan retains this street classification system and proposes that streets be physically impraved to meet their respective minimum design standards, In those instances where physical improvement, such as street widening, is impossible due to development limitations, it is recommended that traffic controls be imposed, including one-way streets and parking restrictions. While the classification system remains the same, it will be noted that the Plan proposes that certain streets be reclassified. In effect, through various future improvements to the system, some streets will assume a different function, thereby changing their classifieatioc.

- 200 - H sls~llniaryof proposed roadway classifications is shown on the Major T?crouj+ fare,; ?l.ar; Map a

Recxnrr~e~~dedpavernext az?d right-of-way widths for each maj or street in Kirl:ar(r:ir:g IJ~classification follows:

An Erp:ress:way i5 d--rc:ted entirely to the expeditious movement of large vcl~mes3.f thrci?gta-traffic between regional areas, and performs little or r-3 disclet land zesvice function.

l'he Expre3sw3y is characterized by some degree of access control in the form of awess-free rights-of-way, except of interchanges, median strips and grade separations at crossroads. A mifiimum right-of-way of 120 feet and a minimum pavement width of 88 feet is recommended. The latter wuld accommodate four 12-foot traffic lanes, two 10-foot parking-service lanes and a 20-foot median strip. Additional right- of-way is desirable to facilitate roadway expansion, if ultimately required, to provide for greater land development control and to increaas medial separaticns.

---streets -- Kittamirlg is rot presently traversed by an Expressway nor is it expected that me will pass directly through the Borough. The Allegheny Valley Expressmyg hcvever, which is under construction and is scheduled for completim by qpraximately 1970, will pass just south of Kittanning. This rcadwsy will lir?k Pittsborgh and all urban centers en route with the Ikystcne Sficrtway in the vicinity of Brookville,

-!3JPCti __ :3t3 Major Arterials serve principal movements of local and through-traffic. They interconnect the principal traffic generators within an urban area as well. as important rural routes. Major Arterial Streets mainly serve

- 201 - I I to move traffic, but may also perform a secondary land service function in the form of access to abutting properties, curb parking and on-street I loading. Since land access) parking and loading are xbordinate to the primary function of moving traffic, they may be restricted or prohibited I altogether to improve traffic carrying capacity and traffic safety, I Standards- The recommended minimum right-of-way and pavement width for a Major Arterial is 60 and 44 feet, respectively. This pavement width provides for two li2-foot traffic lams arid two EO-foot parking service lanes. 1 Where new arterials are being planned, adequate right-of-way should be obtained at the outset for an ultimate roadway having four traffic I lanes and a median strip.

Streets I L I Existing and proposed streets classified as Major Arterials in the I Borough include: Existing Proposed I .- - I So Water Street N. Water Street and Extension I Clearfield Pike (LOR. 189) S. Grant Street and Extension Johnston Avenue (northern section) I W a Erase t S t r e et

I PRIMARY COLLECTORS Fune t on ~ i

I A Primary Collector performs very much Bike a Major Arterial, however, the length of vehicle trips is generally shorter and the traffic is more local in its origin and destination, In Kittanning, Primary I Collectors are part of a radial street system, as well as a Link to major traffic generators, Land access and on-street parking and loading should be subordinate finetions and should be restricted in I the interest of imp~~ingtraffic carrying capacity and traffic safety. 1 I I - 202 - I 1 Standards The recommended minimum right-of-way and pavement width is 60 feet and I 42 feet, respectively. This pavement width provides for two 12-foot traffic lanes and two 9-foot parking-service lanes. 1 -Streets The following streets are classified as Primary Collectors in the Borough: I

Existina Propos ed 1 J ohnston-Oa k Avenues Arch Street Extension 1 McKean Street Arch Street I Jacob Street 1

SECONDARY COLLECTORSL

Function 1

The Secondary Collector serves internal traffic movement in an urban area. Traffic volumes are variable and may often be high, such as in 1 a high density residential, business or industrial area. They ordinarily do not handle long thrmgh-trips and are not, of necessity, continuous over agy great distance. The Secondary Collector is intended to supply I abutting property with the same degree of land service as a Local Street, while at the same time serving local traffic movement. I Standards

A minimom. right-of-way width of 50 feet and a minimum pavement width of I 36 feet is recommended. This will provide two 10-foot traffic lanes and two $-foot parking service lanes. 1 1 I 1 - 203 - I I I Streets

I Streets classified as Secondary Collectors include:

I Propo s e d Victory Street No new Secondary Collector Streets are I Montieth Street propo s e d I Woodward-Orr Avenues N. Grant Stxeet I North Avenue Chestnut Street

I 3nion Avenue I High Street Vine Street I Reynolds Avenue Jefferson Street

I Market Street I Mulberry Street

I LOCAL STREETS Function

I The principal function of a Local Street is to provide access, both vehicular and pedestrian, to properties abutting the roadway. Moving traffic volumes should be light so as not to impair the land access I function, Through-traffic, buses and heavy trucks should be excluded on Local Streets, except where the street serves commercial or in- I dustrial districts. I I I - 204 - 1 I Standards

A minimum right-of-way width of 50 feet is recommended. A minimum pave- I ment width of 36 feet is recommended, however, this may vary depending upon traffic volumes, the nature of abutting land uses, the extent of curb parking and topographic conditions. A pavement width of 36 feet includes provision for two 10-foot traffic lanes and two 8-foot parking- 1 service lanes ,, 1 Streets P All streets not previously identified are classified as Local Streets, 1 I PROPOSED STREET ~MPROVEMENTS 1 Various street improvements are needed to improve traffic circulation in the Borough, both now and in the future as part of a long-range program. These improvements are shown on the Major Thoroughfares 1 Plan Map and are outlined below. 1 NEW CONSTRUCTION Two major street construction improvements are proposed which will 1 improve arterial circulation in and through the Borough. I N. Water Street Extension

It is proposed that No Water Street be extended from Montieth Street north to a connection with Johnston Avenue in the vicinity of Lemmon I Field. A right-of-way width of 50 to 60 feet is recommended in accordance with Arterial Street standards. This improvement coupled with the widening of No Water Street between High Street and Montieth 1 Street will provide a direct and continuous north-south artery through the Borough. 1 S. Grant Street Extension It is recommended that S. Grant Street be extended along the westerly 1 side of the Pennsylvania Railroad between Jacob Street and Walnut Street. This improvement in conjunction with the widening of S. Grant Street between Jacob Street and Market Street and the realign- I 1 - 205 - I 1 I ment of Clearfield Pike (L.R. 189) will provide improved access to Clearfield Pike, the central business district and to the central and

I lzorthern sections of the Borough e

I Arch Street Extension It is recommended that Arch Street be extended east from N. Grant Street to Oak Avenue as past of a Primary Collector System. This improvement, I although long-range in nature, will improve access to the central busipess district via Johnston Avenue. It should be csrried out with the ultimate redevelopment of the general area bounded by Reynolds

~ I Avenue, Oak Avenue, Market Street and the Pennsylvania Railroad e I STREET REALIGN%IENT

There is no great need for street realignment to correct hazardous I street intersections or street curves in Kittanning due to the gridiron street pattern, Those few instances where alignment is a problem occur mainly along the easterly edge of the Borough where the terrain is re- I strictive. Two hazardous situations currently exist where redesign or realignment is necessary, These include: I Clearfield Pike-Market Street Merger

The volume of traffic, the hazardoils situation produced by a right angle I curve and the degree of grade emphasize the urgency to improve the alignment of Clearfield Pike at its merging point with Market Street I in the vicinity of the Armstrong Comty Courthouse, Troy Hill Road-Johnston Avenue

1 Troy Mill Road forms a steep hazardous acute angle intersection with Johnston Avenue and Union Avenue. Although stop signs have been installed t0 reduce traffic hazard, the overall condition is poor and I it becomes more critical during the winter months. An engineering study should be undertaken to determine the feasibility of inter- I sectiog improvement e I STREET WIDENING ITBtimately, where physical obstructions do not prevail, all of the streets which make up the Borough's major roadway system should be I improved to meet the street width standards noted earlier. I 1 - 206 - I I Street widenings are proposed as follows: 1 N. Water Street

As part of the overall improvement and extension of N. Water Street, it is recommended that the roadway section between High Street and Montieth I Street be widened in accordance with Major Arterial Street standards. The present right-of-way and pavement widths are 27 and 18 feet, respectively - 1

N. Grant Street 1 It is recommended that N. Grant Street between Victory Street and Union Avenue be widened to a pavement width of 24 feet. The present right- of-way width along this section is 30 feet, while the pavement width I ranges between.14 and 21 feet. This improvement is necessary to facilitate a counterclockwise circulation system involving northerly traffic flow on Woodward-Orr Avenues and southerly traffic flow on the I above section of N. Grant Street. 1 Johnston-Oak Avenues

It is recommended that Johnston Avenue be widened in accordance with Major Arterial standards north of Lemmon Field. The existing right-of- 1 way width ranges from 20 to 30 feet and the pavement width from 15 to 18 feet. 1 In addition, it is proposed that Johnston-Oak Avenues be widened along the easterly side from Smith Street to Campbell Street in accordance with Primary Collector Street standards. The current righ,t-of-way 1 width ranges from 27 to 30 feet while the pavement width is 24 feet. I Montieth Street It is recommended that Montieth Street be widened in accordance with I Secondary Collector Street standards between N. Grant Street and N. Water Street. I Union Avenue

It is recommended that Union Avenue be widened in accordance with 1 Secondary Collector Street standards between N. Grant Street and N. McKean Street. The present right-of-way is 30 feet, and the pavement width 17 feet. 1 1 - 207 - I I I --S. Grant Street In conjunction with the extension of So Grant Street to Walnut Street, it is recommended that So Grant Street be widened between Market Street and Jacob Street. Major Arterial Street standards should be applied overall

ONE-WAY STREETS

A one-way street system is generally used to increase the traffic I carrying capacity of a street and to eliminate conflicts created by turning movements, Although there are currently one-way streets effectively in use in the Borough, several major alterations or I additions are proposed. The most significant change involves the re-direction of traffic in the central business district from a modified clockwise system to a complete counterclockwise movement. The second change involves the creation of a one-way system utilizing I Qrr-Woodward Avenues and No Grant Street to improve circulation to residential and commercial development in the central section of the I Bo rough

One-way streets as proposed are shown on the Major Thoroughfares Plan I Map and the Central Business District and Parking Plan Map.

I The following one-way streets are proposed. I Central Business District - - Arch Street between No Grant Street and No Water Street 1 one-way west - - Jacob Street between S. Water Street and S. Grant Street I one-way east I --Jefferson Street between Arch and Jacob Streets one-way south. I --blcKean Street betweerr Jacob and Arch Streets one-way north. I I I - 208 - I I Woodward-Orr Area

- - Woodward-Orr Avenues between Unim Avenue and Victory Street one-way north 1

- - N. Grant Street between Victory Street and Union Avenue I one-way south I - - Victory Street between Orr Averzile and No Grant Street me-way west. 1 - - Victory Street between Orr Avenue ar.d Johnston Avenue one-way east ., I

- - North Avenue between N. Grant Street and Johnston Avenue one-way west I

- - E. Chestnut Street between No Srat?? Street aEd Johnston Avenue ore-way east. 1

- - N. Grant Street between Vine Street arrd Union Avenue 1 one-way narth. 1 CURB PARKING RESTRICTI3NS

To imprsve street carrying capacities arid increase traffic safety, I it is recommended that alorig the major street system curb parking restrictions be imposed, Recommended curb parking controls are as follows: I

Johnston-Oak .Avemes, No curb parking wer entire length. I

No Grant Street. No curb parking between Victory Street and Union A.Jet.aide. I

Victory Street.- No curb parking over entire length, 1 I I - 209 - I I I I Montieth Street. No curb parking over entire length. North Avenue. No curb parking along south side. I E. Chestnut Street. No curb parking along north side.

I Union Avenue. No curb parking between N. McKean Street I and Oak Avenue, Reynolds Avenue. No curb parking over entire length. I Arch Street. No curb parking along south side.

I Jacob Street. No curb parking along north side.

I McKean Street. No curb parking along west side between Arch and Mulberry Street. I Mulberry Street. No curb parking along north side.

I The above curb parking restrictions are proposed to supplement all existing parking controls where such are in effect. For further clarity with respect to proposed curb parking regulations in the I downtown area, refer to the Central Business District and Parking Plan Map. I in effect, on all streets which make up the major street system, there should be no less than 10 to P2 feet per traffic lane. Where parking is to be permitted, an additional 8 to 10 feet of pavement I width is required per parking lane. I I I I I - 210 - \ MAJOR TH 0 ROUGHFARES PLAN i i i i i i 1 1

EAS FRANKLIN OWNSHIP

L EGEN’D

= STREETVKATONS 1111 NEW SrnETS ---- STREET WIDENING @ TWC SIGNALS

/‘

WEST KITTANNING

.- a

/ BOROUGH OF KITTANNING

ARMSTRONG COUNTY I PENNSYLVANIA BOROUGH OF KITTANNING PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION A plan for parking in Kittanning's Central Business District actually must encompass a much broader concept. Since parking is only one supporting element of the business environment, its effectiveness is contingent upon other long-range improvement programs. In essence, the provision of additional parking facilities to satisfy current and projected deficiencies will not in itself cure the ills which currently plague the downtown area. Other considerations include improved traffic and pedestrian circulation, elimination of conflicting land use development and improvement of commercial facilities. It is extremely important that the thinking of the businessmen, local officials and citizenry be geared to long-range creative planning, rather than the initiation of temporary stopgap measures. The action taken today should not be directed toward retaining what is, but rather to strengthening and reinforcing the business districtvs position as a regional hub of business activity in Amstrong County. Shopping in Kittanning's business district should be made a pleasurable experience with the provision of the amenities that are now standard in most new planned shopping centers.

The objectives of Central Business District and Parking Plan, therefore, are:

--To provide additional off-street parking facilities to accommodate existing and future shopper demands.

- 2ll - --To provide a circulation system in the core area of the business district that will avoid, so far as possible, conflicts between vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

_PTo encourage the expansion and improvement of commercial facilities.

SUMMARY OF CURRENT PROBLEMS

As noted in the various inventory studies of the Master Plan, i.e., Land Use, Economic Base, Structural Co?dFtions, Traffic and Parking, the Borough has many assets. In some instances, however, there are liabilities which tend t3 off-set the assets and these pose a serious threat to the stability of Kittanning and its business district.

LAND USE

The Kittanning central business district comprises approximately 21 acres exclusive of streets and alleys. Significantly, about one-third of this area is developed with noncommercial land uses, principally residences. This form of mixed land use development is generally incompatible and curtails logical commercial expansion. Noteworthy also is the fact that open areas in the business district are for the most part a miscellany of rear yards and, without a unified program, are virtually unusable

STRUCTURAL CONDITIONS

Due to age, original construction and lack of continued maintenance, a high proportion of the structures in the central business district suffer from structural deterioration. Many structures in the business district were erected around the turn of the century and show evidence of a "reluctant maintenance attitude." This is partially the result of absentee ownership, stop-gap renovations , and a failure to establish long-range goals for coordinated improvement. In the case of deteriorating residential structures, it reflects the incompatibility and adverse living environment created by the flurry of business activity.

- 212 - TRAFFIC

Traffic congestion and delay are a common daily occurrence in the business district. Indeed, on major shopping days and evenings, there are periods when circulation virtually comes to a halt. Average daily traffic volumes on Market Street approach 12,400 vehicles. Peak hour volumes are in excess of two times the practical hourly capacity of the street. A similar situation occurs at the Kittanning Bridge, along Water Street and along the streets which intersect with Market Street. Since these streets provide access to the commercial development in the downtown area, there is a definite conflict between vehicular and pedestrian circulation.

PARKING

The parking problem in the business district is twofold. First, there are not enough parking spaces in the core area of the central business district to satisfy peak parking demand. Secondly, curb parking along the streets in the downtown area in several instances seriously reduces traffic carrying capacity and restricts free traffic flow.

The former dictates that additional off-street parking facilities are needed, while the latter suggests that curb parking be restricted; thereby further increasing the need for even more off-street parking facilities.

PROPOSEDDEVELOPMENTPLAN

The proposed development plan for the Kittanning central business district involves essentially three major phases.

Phase One: Initiation of a major off-street parking program.

Phase Two: Improvement of traffic circulation, including new street construction, re-routing of traffic and restriction of curb parking.

Phase Three: Development of a Pedestrian Mall and improvement and expansion of commercial facilities.

- 213 - There is no question that the above program will involve a great deal of time, money, individual initiative and complete cooperation. With able leadership and coordination, experience elsewhere has demonstrated that such a program can be undertaken successfully with minimal hardship ad. inconvenience, The overall time involved and the staging of improvements will depend on any number of variables. It would seem, however, in light of prevailing conditions and increasing outside pressures in the form of competition, that time is of the essence. Accordingly, the first phase of the program should begin immediately and be carried out as qxickly as practicable. The latter two phases can be undertaken separately or may be dovetailed following the execution of the off-street parkir.g program.

PARKING PLAN

The recommended Parking Plar, involves two steps. The first is the installation of six aew off-street parking facilities in the core area as shown on the Central Bushess District and ParkiEg Plan Map. Three municipal parking l3ts are proposed in the blocks abutting the north side of Market Street, and three lots are proposed in the blocks along the south side of Market Street. These six Bots could provide an aggregate of 235 spaces assuming about 300 square feet per vehicle accommadatisil, The 300 square foot stalzdard consists of 180 square feet per parking bay plus E20 square feet assigned to vehicle circulation

Combined with the 99 spaces in the existing two municipal parking lots in the core area of the business district, there would be a total of 334 off-street spaces distribnted between eight strategically located facilities.

The second step of the Parking Plan, which would follow the establishment of the off-street parking lots, intails the elimination or reduction of curb parking spaces along certain street sections. This will be necessary in order to improve the traffic carrying capacity of the streets serving the business district, as well as to facilitate traffic flow and t.urrGng movements. A net reduction of 115 spaces is proposed. These are as follows:

Market Street. Elimination of 37 spaces between Jefferson Street and McKean Street to permit the development of a "pedestrian mall If

- 214 - Market Street. Conversion of diagonal parking along the remainder of Market Street to parallel parking with a resulting loss of 29 spaces.

Water Street. Elimination of E6 spaces between Patterson Way and Diamond Way

McKean Street. Elimination of 33 spaces along the westerly side between Arch Street and Jacob Street.

In addition, it is recommended that curb parking be eliminated along the south side of Arch Street and the north side of Jacob Street. A total of 54 spaces are involved, however, these can be redistributed along the respective intersecting streets north and south of Arch and Jacob Streets, These spaces should be regulated so as to accommodate long- term parkers.

In summary, the Plan proposes the installation of 235 new off-street spaces, while reducing curb parking facilities by 115 spaces. The net result is an increase of 120 spaces. This is more than double the current estimated peak parking space deficiency. wnStandards -Site, The site should be of a size and shape to provide for both efficient parking layout and interior circulation, In addition, it is recommended that the site be not more than 400 feet walking distance to the nearest major shopping generators. In determining the area of the site, at least 300 square feet must be allocated fox each car, This figure includes a percentage assignable to circulation lanes.

LayoLat. In terms of layout, there are two preferred patterns for parking stall arrangement: perpendicular parking or angle parking. Perpendicular, head-on, or 90-degree parking is a favored arrangement because it combines economy of space with ease of circulation. The ease with which cars may be parked is an important factor, especially with women shoppers, and bears directly on the spaces occupied per car. Where 90-degree parking is used, the center aisle should always be of sufficient width to permit two cars to pass as well as to enter and leave the parking space in one operation. The recommended width for the entire parking-circulation bay is 65 feet, including a 25- foot center aisle with stalls 20 feet deep on either side. The minimum desirable aisle width for two-way circulation is 24 feet.

- 215 - Use of angle parking, or various other schemes, such as the herringbone or interlocking and interlapping pattern is advisable only for areas where space is at a premium or where local preferences govern. Angle parking does permit easier entry of a parking stall and does allow for narrower bays. However, it does ger,erally require one-way movemert. The angle adopted depends upon the space that is available. Where 45-degree diagonal parking is used, the milzimurn width of the parking- circulation bay can be 50 feet with one-way movement. With two-way movement, the parking-circulation bay should be increased to 60 feet.,

Improvement.- Parking areas should be paved and well-drained. Pavicg should be of a material which reflects a minimum of glare and heat, is easily repaired and is attractive in appearance (blacktop has been preferred) TD discourage the straddling of spaces, each parking stall should be clearly marked. If the parking lot is to be used at night, it should be well-lighted. Other improvements might icclude planting strips, trees, curbing and pedestrian walkways. Consideration should also be given to the provisions of rear-store access and service where off-street facilities are developed behind stores.

_aUse. Wfth regard to use, there should be a separation of all- day parkers from short-term, customer parkers. Employee parking and all-day parking areas shoLtkd be located so as not to usurp space more useful for customer occupalr,cy. In effect, all-day parkicg should be provided in less central locations where turnover is not paramount.

To improve traffic circulation in and around the central business district, the following traffic system is proposed:

Two-way Streets _p__J

Water Street JeffersorL Street - north of Arch Street and south of Grant Street Jacob Street

Mdberry Street McKean Street - north of Arch Street and south of Market Street Jacob Street

- "26 - I I On- On- Arch Street - one-way west Patterson Way - one-way east 1 Jacob Street - one-way east Diamond Way - one-way west Jefferson Street - one-way south Water Alley - ope-way north z between Arch and Jacob Streets McKean Way - one-way south McKean Street - one-way north 1 between Arch and Jacob Streets

This system will essentially provide the bslsiness district with a one-way I

counterclockwise circulation system utilizing two-directional flow-3 on Market Street, Water Street and Grant Street. A counterclockwise system is particularly applicable for the fallowing reasons: I

-- It is the most convenient system for motorists in general, 1

0- It reduces conflicting weaving movements at intersections where there is a corresponding system. I

-- It conforms to the desire lines of traffic movement in the 1 Borough e I -- It results in the central business district being readily accessible from all points, while facilitating through-traffic movements around the district. 1

MODERNIZATION PROGRAM 1

As a result of its somewhat haphazard development, the Kittanning central business district contains a collection of stores with no central focal I point, no recognizable pattern of store locations, and miscellany of architectural fronts. In recent years, some new construction has taken place and individual attempts have been made to improve the appearance of the shop fronts. Unfortunately, few of these improve- 1 ments were coordinated or developed about any unifying theme. The time has come for the businessmen to embark on a downtown beautification and rehabilitation program. I 1 I - 217 - i It is recommended that the downtown businessmen engage an architect to:

1. Prepare detailed plans for coordinated architectural treatment of the area, and

2. Develop a feasible staging program for carrying out the plans.

Additionally, it is recommended that consideration be given to en- hanciag the rear of structures which will have direct access from the existing and proposed parking areas. Federal financial assistance progrms are available for business district studies of this nature.

PEDESTRIAN MALL

The concept of the "pedestrian mall'Yas it relates to older downtown areas is relatively new and it is being applied to many downtown rehabilitation programs. Its success, however, hinges on comprehensive plaming and adequate provision for traffic circulation and parking. Without these, a mall will not work.

The idea essentially is that there should be a separation between traffic movements and pedestrian movements. Streets are necessary to transport shoppers to the downtown facilities and to service the commercial establishments. Beyond that, the streets interrupt the shopping pattern. Once downtown, the shopper or pedestrian should be able to leave his vehicle and be in a positior? to move freely between shops in a relaxed and aesthetic atmosphere. The pedestrian mall serves this purpose and may consist of shaded or covered walks, rest areas, outdoor exhi-bits, fountains, trees and landscaping.

The Central Business District Plan proposes that as part of the third phase of the downtown development program that Market Street be closed to traffic between Jefferson and McKean Streets and that a pedestrian mall be installed. Several of the existing alleys leading to the off- street parking facilities within the area would also be converted to pedestrian ways or promenades.

- 218 - CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT AND PARKING PLAN BOROUGH OF KITTANNING

---7 J LEGEND

MUNICIPAL OFF-STREET PARKING LOTS

EXISTING

PROPOSED ---- CURB PARKING

1111 1111 STREET IMPROVEMENTS 8 TRAFFIC SIGNALS b b TRAFFIC FLOW NOTE: Major streets not otherwise noted are two- directional.

...... m S. Gmnt Street/ Extenston

SCALE IN FEET

100 0 loo 200 xx) THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCE0 IN PART THROUGH AN URBAN PLANNING GRANT FAOM THE I!OUSING AN0 UlME FINANCE AGENCY, UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF -PREPARED BY BEUANTE AND CLAUSS SECTION 701 OF TUE Ha61NG ACT OF 1914, AS MENDED, WITH SUPERVISW BY THE BUIEAU OF COMMUNITY PLANNERS . ARCHITECTS . ENGINEERS DEVELOPMENT, PENNMLVANY DEFARTMEHT OF COIIMERCE. BOROUGH OF KITTANNING PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION JULY . 1965 Although the initial plans h~~ebeen prepare6 for the ht~redevelopment of Kittanning, much remains tc be done, The plans that have been prepared to date represent %he first phase of the Borough*s planning program. These plans must now be im?lemented. .Alsop the Master Plan must be eontinualny reviewedp re-evahated and revised to reflect changing conditions as the Borough elclpe~iencesnew development,

In order to maintain this continuing planning program and the updating of plans, procedures wiU have to be devebped for recording, and mapping all fitwe building act5vities, If will also be necessary to continually update the published statistics whfch provided the basis for the current plans, as well as periodica8Ry re-evaluate local development objectives, -..ZONING REGULATIONS Until the advent of zoning, there was little that a municipality could do to control the quantity and relationship of land uses in the best interest of the entire community. In many instances, due to the absence of such control, haphazard and inharmonious land development QCCUIS which tends to disrupt a coordinated Band use pattern, generally speeds structural deterioration, adversely affects prop&rty values and tends to stimulate neighborhood blight.

Zoning, however., provides a basic tool for guiding land development and is a recognized extension of the municipality's power to protect the public health, safety and welfare. The zoning ordinance and map, based on local objectives developed within the framework of the municipality's comprehensive development plan, are essentially short-range land use plans which permit the gradual transition from existing to proposed development. Zoning generally permits the continuation of existing uses while encouraging eha:;ges to new planned ~ses, Its regulations apply to the use of land aid such conditions as building height, land coverage, lot sizes, population density, setbacks and yard areas, and off-street parking and loading,

A draft of a proposed Zo~ingOrdinance and Map, based on the Master P%ac for the Borough, has been prepared and submitted for local review and adoption,

SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS

Land shdivisian regulations establish the procedures which a sub- divider must follow in the laying-out of a subdivisioc and set forth design and imprsvement standards for blocks, lots and streets, Essentially, the regulations assure that when tracts of land are parceled for immediate or future development., all. interests are properly protected and the subdivision becomes a perilaanertt asset to the community. For example, the regulations require that new or proposed streets tie-in with the existing street system; that block and lot design be related to the terrain and topographic conditions; that proper consideration be given to community facilities development and compliance with the Master Plan.

A draft of a praposed Subdivision Regulations has been prepared and submitted for local review and adoption.

- 220 - 1 1 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM Various public improvement needs have been identified in the Master Plan. I Most of these projects reflect improvements that directly relate to the Borough, and their ultimate development and/or construction will be strictly a Borough function. The capital improvements program attempts to establish a long-range schedule of expenditures within the community's I financial capacity for the accomplishment of these improvements. In addition, it presents a short-range six-year budget. Basically, the program is a technical device which collects all necessary and de- 1 sirable improvements, assigns costs to these improvements as well as a priority, and then determines how these improvements can be scheduled over a specified time period without creating undue financial hardship. 1

A proposed Capital Improvements Program has been prepared as part of the Master Plan Program and has been submitted for local review and adoption, 1 1 URBAN RENEWAL Another effective means of implementing the Master Plan is provided 1 through the Federal Housing Act of 1949, as subsequently amended. The Act provides financial assista,nce to communities for the prevention and removal of blight and blfghting influences. The purpose of the Act is to improve living standards in a community by providing a means for the 1 elimination of blighted areas and by making cleared land available for its highest and most appropriate re-use. 1

It also provides assistance in the financing of housing rehabilitation and for housing of persons displaced as a resdt of governmental action, I In addition to this housing aid, assistance can be received from the Public Housing Administration for the financing of housing for low- income families, as well as for elderly persons. 1

The Act specifically provides that before a community can become eligible for assistance, it mist demonstrate that it is making a I concerted effort to solve its local problems through a sound planniRg program and the active implementation of a Master Plan and Program for Community Improvement, As noted previously, Kittanning has already I launched into an urban renewal program which is a positive step towards community betterment ,, I I 1 - 221 - 1 OTHER CODES AND ORDINANCES

Building and Housing Codes are valuable local tools which can,be applied to maintain the value and usefulness of structures. The Building Code sets minimum standards covering the essentials of new construction. This code is generally supplemented by electrical, plumbing, and health provisions. The Housing Code supports sound standards for existing dwellings and, as such, is designed to check the spread of substandard conditions and to improve the quality and livability of housing in a community.

These codes were recently put into affect in Kittanning as part of the Borough's Workable Program for Community Improvement,

CITIZEN PARTICIPATION

Every resident of Kittanning should take an active part in shaping and contributing to the Borough's future. Comnunity-wide participation on the part of individuals and representative citizens? organizations will provide the understanding and support necessary to accomplish local goals and objectives,

- 222 - PLANNING CONSULTANTS BELLANTE AND CLAUSS, INC. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Charles F. Breuel, Director Pittsburgh Regional Office

PROJECT STAFF Charles F. Breuel Project Director

Marvin A, Brotter Richard L. Knowles Stanford M. Lembeck Tersenee L. Mowat