ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Table of Contents
Foundation...... Chapter 1
Public Facilities...... Chapter 2
Transportation ...... Chapter 3
Housing ...... Chapter 4
Neighborhoods ...... Chapter 5
Land Use ...... Chapter 6
Community Appearance ...... Chapter 7
Sustainability ...... Chapter 8
Action Plan ...... Chapter 9
Acknowledgements
This Comprehensive Plan Document is the result of lots of hard work, creativity, and sheer effort by city staff, project advisory committee, and most important, the citizens of Alliance. There are a few individuals that should be recognized for their outstanding effort and commitment to this project.
Advisory Committee City Staff
Jim Parks Larry Ring Pam Caskie Tony Tolstedt Deb Kelly R.B. McCord Rick Houck Gary Watkins Dan Koch Ralph Yeager Shari Lund Chief Dave McCarty Earl Jones Larry Intermill Dick Cayer Dee Lewis Dan Kusek Marta Fritzler ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN oundation Alliance Introduced
Alliance can trace its important role in the settlement Street and Box Butte Avenue. water tower, and power plant beginnings to March 28, 1888, of through various federal work after Box Butte County was Northwestern Nebraska. Free After a protracted battle, programs. created by the division of land and individual freedoms covering three different In 1942, the Alliance Air Base Dawes County. were too much for the average elections and numerous was built on former farm European to ignore. By 1900, court appearances -- the and ranch land southeast of Box Butte was named after the population of Western Box Butte County Courthouse Alliance. Alliance doubled in the prominent sandhill in the Nebraska was more than ten was transported by rail from size as construction workers northeast section of the newly percent from foreign countries. Hemingford to Alliance in 1899. and later troops “invaded” formed county. The origins of Alliance. In 1953 the City of the name of Alliance is less Alliance grew rapidly. The Alliance continued to grow, Alliance received the deed certain. The most commonly census of 1890, conducted in large part because of of ownership to the Air Base accepted account attributes only two years after the the Kincaid Act in 1904. The which had become the the town’s naming to J.N. Paul. town’s founding, boasted a population of Alliance in 1920 Alliance Municipal Airport. population of 840. By 1896, reached nearly 6,000 and Mr. Paul, an early engineer the population had more than Alliance was considered “The The 1950s and 1960s will be with the Burlington and Missouri doubled to 2,200. Queen City of the Plains.” known for their growth in River Railroad, suggested Alliance took full advantage industry and manufacturing the town be named after his One of the first groups formed of the New Deal adding plants in Alliance. The 1970s hometown of Alliance, Ohio. in Alliance was the Volunteer a new municipal building, and 1980s will be known for Fire Department. In less than improving the central park the growth of the Burlington The Burlington and Missouri a year, three fires gutted the with a fountain and swimming Northern Railroad in Alliance. River Railroad played an business districts along Third pool, and constructing a new
Foundation 1 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Comprehensive Plan Introduced
A comprehensive plan, of the community and also describe what the community mayor, city staff, residents, and also known as a master or recommends a method wants to become in the future. business owners. The steering general plan, establishes in which this vision can be This is best accomplished committee, community survey, a vision for future growth. attained. by establishing accurate stakeholder input, and City Comprehensive plans are population projections, staff feedback all served anticipatory, forward thinking, The Alliance Comprehensive determining future land use as the basis for the Alliance and long-range in nature. Plan was created in needs, anticipating growth Comprehensive Plan. Typically, a comprehensive accordance with four key patterns, and making land plan anticipates a growth planning principles: use recommendations that Comprehensive Plan period of 20 to 25 years. A 1. The Alliance Comprehensive ensure the health, safety, and Document comprehensive plan is a Plan is intended to be used general welfare of all Alliance The comprehensive plan planning tool designed and as a guideline and decision- residents. Successful execution document consists of nine developed to assist well- making tool for community of the Alliance Comprehensive chapters. managed communities, development. This document Plan will ensure predictable, • Foundation determine needs, and to set is broad in its approach and contiguous, and sustainable • Public Facilities and Services goals and recommendations does not include specific lot- growth. The Alliance • Transportation to direct future development. level recommendations. Comprehensive Plan also • Housing The comprehensive plan 2. The Alliance Comprehensive identifies future infrastructure • Neighborhoods should serve as the foundation Plan expects that public policy improvements, future park • Land Use for local planning programs, decisions, in concert with placements, as well as the • Community Appearance policies, and principles. market forces, will determine location of future residential, • Sustainability the implementation timeline. commercial, and industrial • Action Plan The Alliance Comprehensive 3. The Alliance Comprehensive growth areas. Each Chapter has three main Plan was created to serve the Plan is governed by the components; Introduced, needs of citizens, city staff, and Alliance Zoning Regulations. The Alliance Comprehensive Assessed, and Enriched. The elected officials. The goals, 4. The Alliance Plan functions as a guideline Introduced section introduces objectives, and strategies Comprehensive Plan contains for the Alliance Planning the chapter and its relevance described within this plan recommendations that Commission and helps direct to the comprehensive were based on information are designed to promote Alliance planning policy. plan. The Assessed section gathering during public quality development that is analyzes existing conditions of forums, a community survey, congruent with the vision of the Comprehensive Plan Process Alliance. The Enriched section and at several meetings with community. The City of Alliance assembled provides goals, objectives, staff and the comprehensive a steering committee to help and strategies to achieve the plan steering committee. Purpose of the Alliance Plan guide the comprehensive community’s future vision. The Alliance Comprehensive The purpose of the plan development. The Plan describes a future vision comprehensive plan is to committee consisted of the
Foundation 2 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
P H A S E 1 P H A S E 2 P H A S E 3 P H A S E 4 Data Scenario Collection, Goal and Vision Preferred Generation & Issues Setting Direction Analysis Identification
P H A S E 5 P H A S E 6 P H A S E 7 P H A S E 8
Plan Define Presentation Plan Adoption Development Strategies and Production
F.1
Foundation 3 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Alliance Assessed
Population by Decade Population Distribution Household Income Value of Alliance Homes Population is identified on The number of Alliance The numbers of Alliance The numbers of homes are the y-axis and eight decades residents is identified on the households are identified on identified on the y-axis and from 1930 to 2000 are located y-axis and the 13 age cohorts the y-axis and ten income housing price ranges are on the x-axis. Alliance’s are included on the x-axis. ranges are located on the located on the x-axis. 21.9 population has increased An age cohort is a group of x-axis. Household income is percent of Alliance homes are from 6,669 residents in 1930 similar-aged individuals. The defined as the sum of the gross worth less than $50,000 and to 8,959 residents in 2000. age grouping with the largest income earned by all members 56.2 percent of Alliance homes Although Alliance’s aggregate percentage of residents is the of a household. A total 782 are worth between $50,000 population has grown since 35-44 age cohort. This cohort, households, or 21 percent and $99,999. If we combine 1930, Alliance has experienced which includes both parents of Alliance households, these price ranges we find that periods of population decline. and high wage earners, earn between $50,000 and 78.1 percent of Alliance homes The 1930s, 1950s, 1960s, 1980s accounts for 15.7 percent of $74,999. On the other end of are worth less than $100,000. and 1990s were all decades Alliance’s total population. the income spectrum, 387 that experienced a decline in households, or 10.8 percent of Alliance contains 344 homes population. Alliance’s lack of a post- Alliance households earn less that are worth between secondary school or college than $10,000 per year. $100,000 and $199,999; 91 Alliance’s largest population likely explains why the 20-24 homes are worth between gain, as measured by the age cohort only includes 468 The median household income $150,000 and $199,999; 21 percentage of population residents. This young adult in Alliance is $39,408. This homes that are worth between growth, occurred between age grouping represents only means that one-half of all $200,000 and $299,999; and 1970 and 1980. It’s population 5.2 percent of Alliance’s total Alliance households earn less seven homes that are worth decreased by 806 residents population. than $39,408 and one-half earn over $1 million. between 1990 and 2000. more than $39,408. Estimates for 2008 indicate Alliance’s proportion of seniors The median price of an existing the population is now 7,783. (those who are 65 or older) single-family home is $72,700. Population trends show is nearly commensurate the decline will continue, with the national average. estimating the 2013 population Seniors in Alliance represent at 7,043. This would be a 14.4 percent of the total decrease of 9.5 percent population. According to the from the current year (2008) U.S. Census, seniors account for estimate. 12.4 percent of the total U.S. population.
Foundation 4 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
F.2 F.3 Population by Decade Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2000 Population Distribution Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2000 11,000 1,800 +43.8% -8.25%
1,600 10,000 9,869 9,765 1,409 1,400 1,355 9,000 8,959 1,200 8,064 8,000 7,891 1,018 7,845 1,000
7,000 6,862 800 780 6,669 714 665 6,253 607 603 600 6,000 468 449 400 379 5,000 276 236 200
4,000 0 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2007 < 5 5 to 9 10 to 14 15 to 19 20 to 24 25 to 34 35 to 44 45 to 54 55 to 59 60 to 64 65 to 74 75 to 84 85 +
F.4 F.5 Household Income Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2000 Value of Alliance Homes Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2000 1200 1,400
1100 1,195 1000 1,200
900 1,000 800 782
700 683 800
600
500 450 600 404 387 400 340 465 304 400 344 300
200 188 200 100 91 14 29 21 0 0 0 0 7 < $10,000 $10,000 $15,000 $25,000 $35,000 $50,000 $75,000 $100,000 $150,000 $200,000+ <$50,000 $50,000 $100,000 $150,000 $200,000 $300,000 $500,000 >$1,000,000 - $14,999 - $24,999 - $34,999 - $49,999 - $74,999 - $99,999 - $149,999 - $199,999 to $99,999 to $149,999 to $199,999 to $299,999 to $499,999 to $999,999
Foundation 5 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Year Structure Built Monthly Owner Costs as a Educational Attainment In comparison to Nebraska The y-axis identifies the Percentage of Income The levels of education state averages, the number of homes and the This graph identifies the total attained by populations percentage of high school x-axis lists eight date ranges. monthly costs associated with are illustrated in this graph. graduates in Alliance is higher, Approximately 990 homes household ownership as a In Alliance, 88.0 percent of while the percentage of were built in 1939 or before. percentage of total household residents are high school individuals with bachelor’s, These homes account for income. The numbers of graduates (equivalency graduate, or professional 24.5 percent of Alliance’s Alliance households are included) or higher. degrees is lower. housing stock. This means that identified on the y-axis and Additionally, 16.1 percent of approximately one-fourth of six ownership cost ranges residents have obtained a Alliance homes are at least 68 are located on the x-axis. bachelor’s degree or higher. years old. Nearly 52 percent of Alliance Finally, 4.1% of residents possess home owners spend less than a graduate or professional Alliance’s largest housing 15 percent of their income degree. construction boom occurred on housing costs. Only 265 between 1970 and 1979. households, or 12.3 percent Alliance has the highest During the 1970s, 1,169 homes of Alliance households, spend percentage of residents were built in Alliance. These 30 percent or more of their possessing a high school homes account for 28.9% of household income on monthly degree or higher of all Alliance’s housing stock. household ownership costs. communities compared. However, only Hemingford During the 1990s, 227 new has a lower percentage of homes were built. That means residents with a bachelor’s nearly 23 houses were built degree or higher. Finally, each year during the decade. Alliance has a higher percentage of residents with a graduate or professional degree than Hemingford and Sidney, but less than Scottsbluff and Chadron. The presence of a college in Chadron, Chadron State, contributes significantly to the high percentage of individuals with bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degrees.
Foundation 6 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
F.6 Year Structure Built Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2000
Alliance Box Butte County Nebraska Source: U.S. Census Bureau F.8 30% Educational Attainment Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2000 28.9% 100% Graduate Degree 27.7% 28% Bachelor’s Degree High School Graduate 90% 26% 25.3% 25.6%
24.5% 80% 24% 23.9% 22.7% 70% 22%
20% 60% 18.9% 18.6% 18% 50%
16% 40% F.7 Monthly Costs as a % of Income Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2000 1,20014% 1,075 13.4% 30%
1,00012% 20% 10.3% 10% 9.5% 800 10% 8.5%
P e r c e n t a g e o f T o t a l H o u s i n g U n i t s t i n U g n i s u o H l a t o T f o e g a t n e c r e P 8% 7.5% 7.7% 600 0 6.2% Alliance Sidney Hemingford Scottsbluff Chadron Nebraska 6% 5.4% 400 390 4% 3.6% 243 3.5% 183 200 116 2% 2% 82 1.6% 1.7% 1.7% 1.5%
00% 1939< 15% or earlier 15%1940 to 1959 19%1960 20% to to 1969 24%1970 25% to 1979 to 29%1980 30% to 1989 to 34%1990 35to 1994 % or more1995 to 1998 1999 to 3/2000
Foundation 7 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Median Family Income Median Home Value Disability Rate Divorce Rate This graph depicts the median This graph lists a comparison This graph displays the This graph displays the divorce family income values for of median values for single- disability rates for Alliance, rates for Alliance, comparable Alliance and the additional family homes in Alliance comparable northwestern northwestern Nebraska comparison communities. and its comparable cities. A Nebraska communities, the communities, and the State The median family income single-family house in Alliance State of Nebraska, and the of Nebraska. The divorce rate in Alliance is $47,766. has a median value of United States. With a disability in Alliance is 11.4 percent Comparatively, Alliance’s $72,200. Alliance has a higher rate of 16.2 percent , Alliance compared to the statewide median family income is higher median home value than has a slightly higher disability rate of 9 percent. than all other comparable all other comparison cities, rate than both the state, which communities. Alliance’s including substantially higher has a 14 percent rate, and Alliance’s divorce rate is lower median family income is nearly home values than Sidney, the country, which has a 14.9 than Sidney, which has a rate $10,000 higher than Scottsbluff. Hemingford, and Chadron. percent rate. of 12.7 percent, but higher The community with the most than Hemingford, which has comparable median income is Chadron, with a 13.5 percent a rate of 10.2 percent, and Chadron with $44,420. rate, is the only comparison Chadron, which has a rate city that has a lower disability of 8.1 percent. Scottsbluff’s rate than Alliance. Scottsbluff, divorce rate is commensurate with a 21 percent rate, has the with Alliance’s divorce rate. highest percentage of disabled citizens of all compared cities.
Foundation 8 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
F.9 Median Family Income F.10 Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2000 Median Home Value Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2000 $60,000 $80,000
$72,700 $70,900 $50,000 $47,766 $70,000 $44,167 $44,420 $41,050 $59,900 $60,700 $40,000 $37,778 $60,000 $53,600
$30,000 $50,000
$20,000 $40,000
$10,000 $30,000
0 $20,000 Alliance Sidney Hemingford Scottsbluff Chadron Alliance Sidney Hemingford Scottsbluff Chadron
Disability Rate F.11 Divorce Rate F.12 Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2000 22% Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2000 21% 14%
20% 19.6% 12.7% 12% 11.4% 11.4% 18% 17.5% 16.2% 16% 10.2% 14.9% 10% 14% 9.0% 14% 13.5% 8.1% 8% 12%
10% 6%
8%
4% 6%
4% 2%
2%
0 0 Alliance Sidney Hemingford Scottsbluff Chadron Nebraska United States Alliance Sidney Hemingford Scottsbluff Chadron Nebraska
Foundation 9 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Foreign Born Residents Population Comparison Renter Occupied Housing Vacant Housing Rate This graph displays the percent This graph displays the This graph displays the renter- This graph displays the vacant of foreign born individuals living population for Alliance and occupied housing rates for housing rates for Alliance and in Alliance in 2000, comparable comparable northwestern Alliance and comparable comparable northwestern northwestern Nebraska Nebraska communities. northwestern Nebraska Nebraska communities. communities, and the State Alliance’s population in 2000 communities. Approximately 32 Comparatively, Alliance’s of Nebraska. With 3.9 percent was 8,331. Alliance has a percent of Alliance’s housing vacant housing rate of 12.2 of its population foreign born, larger population than Sidney units are occupied by renters. percent is higher than Sidney, Alliance has a lower foreign with a population of 6,282; with a rate of 9.3 percent, born rate than the state, which Hemingford with a population Comparatively, Alliance’s Scottsbluff, with a rate of 7.2 has a rate of 5.6 percent. of 993; and Chadron with a renter-occupancy rate is percent, and Chadron, with a population of 5,634. higher than Sidney, with a rate of 10.4 percent. However, Alliance’s foreign rate of 30.1 percent, and born rate is higher that Sidney, Scottsbluff’s population in 2000 Hemingford, with a rate of Comparatively, Hemingford with a rate of 1.2 percent, was 14,732, nearly twice the 26.8 percent, and lower than has the highest vacant housing Hemingford, with a rate of 2 population of Alliance in 2000. Scottsbluff, with a rate of 41.9 rate of 14.8 percent. percent, and Chadron, with a percent, and Chadron, with rate of 2.8 percent. a rate of 44.9 percent. The effect of Chadron State on Scottsbluff’s foreign born rate Chardon’s housing stock is of 5.6 percent is the highest of evident in the percentage of all compared cities. the city’s housing units that are occupied by renters, and the university population is likely the reason why the city has a much higher rate than Alliance.
Foundation 10 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
F.13 Population Comparison F.14 Foreign Born Residents Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2000 Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2000 7% 16,000 14,732
14,000 6% 5.6% 5.6%
12,000 5%
10,000 4% 3.9% 8,331 8,000
3% 2.8% 6,282 6,000 5,634 2% 2% 4,000 1.2% 1% 2,000 993
0 0 Alliance Sidney Hemingford Scottsbluff Chadron Nebraska Alliance Sidney Hemingford Scottsbluff Chadron
Renter Occupied Housing F.15 Vacant Housing Rate F.16 Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2000 Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2000 50% 16% 14.8% 44.9% 41.9% 14% 40% 12.2% 12% 10.4% 31.9% 30.1% 30% 10% 9.3% 26.8% 8% 7.2% 20% 6%
4% 10%
2%
0 0 Alliance Sidney Hemingford Scottsbluff Chadron Alliance Sidney Hemingford Scottsbluff Chadron
Foundation 11 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Alliance Community Survey
The Alliance Community Survey development among other was administered through the items. Survey results are used to Please indicate the importance of STREET REPAIR to your quality of life. comprehensive plan project monitor community progress, Web site and readily available develop recommendations, Very to all Alliance citizens with pri- and guide the consulting team Important 82.3% vate or public Internet access. and city staff in planning for In the end, 157 Alliance citizens the future of Alliance. Somewhat responded to the 69 questions Important 17.7% presented. The intent of the The graphical survey results community survey is to provide are color coded to reflect the all Alliance residents an oppor- chapter of the comprehensive Not 0.0% tunity to provide meaningful plan to which they apply. The Important input to the comprehensive following elements are repre- plan. sented in the survey: No • Quality of Life (Foundation) Opinion 0.0% While the survey lacks statisti- • Public Facilities and Services cal validity, the results provide • Housing significant insight into citizen’s • Land Use 0% 8% 16% 24% 32% 40% 48% 56% 64% 72% 80% 88% 96% perceptions about city servic- • Community Appearance es, community parks, housing • Demographic Information Please indicate the importance of STREET CLEANING to your quality of life. issues, land use, and economic
Very Important 42.5%
Somewhat Important 50.4%
Not Important 7.1%
No Opinion 0.0%
0% 8% 16% 24% 32% 40% 48% 56% 64% 72% 80% 88% 96%
Foundation 12 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Please indicate the importance of STREET LIGHTING to your quality of life. Please indicate the importance of SNOW REMOVAL to your quality of life.
Very Very Important 61.3% Important 83.3%
Somewhat Somewhat Important 35.1% Important 16.7%
Not Not Important 3.6% Important 0.0%
No No Opinion 0.0% Opinion 0.0%
0% 8% 16% 24% 32% 40% 48% 56% 64% 72% 80% 88% 96% 0% 8% 16% 24% 32% 40% 48% 56% 64% 72% 80% 88% 96%
Please indicate the importance of CURBS ON STREETS to your quality of life. Please indicate the importance of STREET IMPROVEMENTS to your quality of life.
Very Very 24.8% Important Important 61.1%
Somewhat Somewhat Important 57.8% Important 34.5%
Not Not 16.5% Important Important 4.4%
No No Opinion 0.9% Opinion 0.0%
0% 8% 16% 24% 32% 40% 48% 56% 64% 72% 80% 88% 96% 0% 8% 16% 24% 32% 40% 48% 56% 64% 72% 80% 88% 96%
Foundation 13 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Please indicate the importance of EASE OF TRAVEL (CAR) to your quality of life. Please indicate the importance of EASE OF TRAVEL (Bicycle) to your quality of life.
Very Very Important 54.5% Important 30.3%
Somewhat Somewhat Important 41.1% Important 39.4%
Not Not Important 4.5% Important 25.7%
No No Opinion 0.0% Opinion 4.6%
0% 8% 16% 24% 32% 40% 48% 56% 64% 72% 80% 88% 96% 0% 8% 16% 24% 32% 40% 48% 56% 64% 72% 80% 88% 96%
Please indicate the importance of EASE OF PEDESTRIAN TRAVEL to your quality of life. Please indicate the importance of POLICE TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT to your quality of life.
Very Very Important 54.1% Important 61.6%
Somewhat Somewhat 28.6% Important 37.6% Important
Not Not Important 7.3% Important 6.3%
No No Opinion 0.9% Opinion 3.6%
0% 8% 16% 24% 32% 40% 48% 56% 64% 72% 80% 88% 96% 0% 8% 16% 24% 32% 40% 48% 56% 64% 72% 80% 88% 96%
Foundation 14 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Please indicate the importance of PARKS IN THE CITY to your quality of life. Rate of the QUALITY OF LIFE of each place.
Very 72% Important 54.0% Your Neighborhood City of Alliance 66% Somewhat Panhandle Area Important 43.4% 60%
55.4% Not 54.5% Important 2.7% 54%
No 48% Opinion 0.0%
42% 40.2% 0% 8% 16% 24% 32% 40% 48% 56% 64% 72% 80% 88% 96%
36.6% 36% Please indicate the importance of OPEN SPACE IN THE CITY to your quality of life.
30.4% 30% Very Important 36.0% 24%
Somewhat 19.6% Important 41.4% 18%
13.4% 13.4% Not 12% 20.7% Important 8.9% 7.1% 7.1% 6% 4.5% 4.5% No 2.7% 1.8% 1.8% Opinion 0% 0% 0% 0% Above Below Excellent Average Poor No Opinion 0% 8% 16% 24% 32% 40% 48% 56% 64% 72% 80% 88% 96% Average Average
Foundation 15 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Please indicate the importance of ALLIANCE PUBLIC LIBRARY to your quality of life. Please indicate the importance of TRASH COLLECTION to your quality of life.
Very Very Important 50.4% Important 58.9%
Somewhat Somewhat Important 31.9% Important 36.6%
Not Not Important 15.9% Important 2.7%
No No Opinion 1.8% Opinion 1.8%
0% 8% 16% 24% 32% 40% 48% 56% 64% 72% 80% 88% 96% 0% 8% 16% 24% 32% 40% 48% 56% 64% 72% 80% 88% 96%
What is the PRIMARY reason why you choose to live in Alliance? What three things do you like MOST about living in Alliance?
Affordable Housing 7.9% Beautiful Scenery 9.8%
Diversity 0.9% Cost of Living 29.5%
Employment / Job 53.5% Diverse Cultures 0.9%
Established Neighborhoods 2.6% Economic Stability 8.9%
Family 32.5% Government Institutions 0.0%
Friendly People 13.2% Friendly People 53.6%
Hometown 21.9% Local History 10.7% Far from Big City 18.8% Low Crime Rate 9.6% Small Town Atmosphere 57.1% Own a Business 10.5% Short Drive to Work 50.9% Quality of Housing 0.0% School System (Private) 7.1% Quality of Schools 2.6% School System (Public) 9.8% Quality of Healthcare 2.6% 0 6% 12% 18% 24% 30% 36% 42% 48% 54% 60% 0 6% 12% 18% 24% 30% 36% 42% 48% 54% 60%
Foundation 16 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
What are three major IMPROVEMENTS that Alliance should work on? What three characteristics should Alliance include in its future vision? Broaden Tax Base 21.1% Encourage New Business in Preserve Small-Town Quality 57.0% 55.4% Downtown of Life New Skate Park 2.6% Encourage Citizens to Improve 16.1% Diversify Health Care 1.8% Education Create Housing 10.5% Maintenance Code Improve Racial Harmony 7.1% Public Transporation 5.3% Improve Physical Appearance 67.9% Improve Storm Drainage 2.6% of Community Increase Development on 16.7% Edge of Town Improve Community Safety 23.2% Major Hotel / Motel 0.0% Encourage Community to Use 17.0% More Shopping 57.0% Current Technology
More Restaurants 42.1% Cultural Events of Interest to all Families 37.5% Neighborhood 11.4% Revitalization Historical Contributions 17.9% Reduce Crime 10.5%
Street Maintenance 39.5% Other 24.1% Other 23.7%
0% 6% 12% 18% 24% 30% 36% 42% 48% 54% 60% 0% 8% 16% 24% 32% 40% 48% 56% 64% 72% 80%
How do NON-RESIDENTS perceive the Alliance community? Rate the general APPEARANCE of your neighborhood.
Excellent 1.8% Excellent 9.8%
Above 12.3% Average Above Average 33.0% Average 38.6% Average 49.1% Below Average 27.2% Below Average 8.0% Poor 14.9%
No Poor 0.0% Opinion 5.3%
0% 8% 16% 24% 32% 40% 48% 56% 64% 72% 80% 88% 96% 0% 6% 12% 18% 24% 30% 36% 42% 48% 54% 60% 66%
Foundation 17 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Rate the CONDITION of exteriors of homes on your street. Rate YARDS free of debris of homes on your street.
Excellent 8.9% Excellent 15.2%
Above Above Average 31.3% Average 31.3%
Average 50.0% Average 34.8%
Below Below Average 8.9% Average 12.5%
Poor 0.9% Poor 6.3%
0% 6% 12% 18% 24% 30% 36% 42% 48% 54% 60% 66% 0% 6% 12% 18% 24% 30% 36% 42% 48% 54% 60% 66%
Rate the CONDITION of lawns and landscaping of homes on your street. Rate the CONDITION of your neighborhood street.
Excellent 12.4% Excellent 3.6%
Above Above Average 25.7% Average 15.2%
Average 52.2% Average 44.6%
Below Below Average 8.0% Average 28.6%
Poor 1.8% Poor 8.0%
0% 6% 12% 18% 24% 30% 36% 42% 48% 54% 60% 66% 0% 6% 12% 18% 24% 30% 36% 42% 48% 54% 60% 66%
Foundation 18 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Rate the CONDITION of roofs on homes on your street. Rate the CONDITION of sidewalks on your street.
Excellent 8.0% Excellent 7.3%
Above Above Average 31.9% Average 16.5%
Average 53.% Average 56.9%
Below Below Average 6.2% Average 16.5%
Poor 0.9% Poor 0.9%
0% 6% 12% 18% 24% 30% 36% 42% 48% 54% 60% 66% 0% 6% 12% 18% 24% 30% 36% 42% 48% 54% 60% 66%
Rate the importance of BUILDING APPEARANCE in Alliance. Rate the importance of SIGN APPEARANCE in Alliance.
Very Very 36.3% Important 60.2% Important
Somewhat Somewhat 38.1% Important Important 55.8%
Not Not Important 1.8% Important 7.1%
Below Below 0.0% 0.9% Average Average
0% 6% 12% 18% 24% 30% 36% 42% 48% 54% 60% 66% 72% 0% 6% 12% 18% 24% 30% 36% 42% 48% 54% 60% 66% 72%
Foundation 19 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Rate the importance of DESIGN STANDARDS for future development in Alliance. Rate the importance of REVITALIZING MAIN STREET in Alliance.
Very Very Important 48.7% Important 58.4%
Somewhat Somewhat 39.8% 34.5% Important Important
Not Not Important 9.7% Important 7.1%
Below Below 1.8% 0.0% Average Average
0% 6% 12% 18% 24% 30% 36% 42% 48% 54% 60% 66% 72% 0% 6% 12% 18% 24% 30% 36% 42% 48% 54% 60% 66% 72%
Rate the importance of promoting EFFICIENT DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS and LOW Rate the importance of encouraging MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT in Alliance. MUNICIPAL COSTS in Alliance. Very Very 54.5% Important 71.4% Important
Somewhat Somewhat 27.7% 39.3% Important Important
Not Not 5.4% Important 0.9% Important
Below Below 0.0% 0.9% Average Average
0% 7% 14% 21% 28% 35% 42% 49% 56% 63% 70% 77% 84% 0% 7% 14% 21% 28% 35% 42% 49% 56% 63% 70% 77% 84%
Foundation 20 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Rate the importance of PRESERVING CULTURAL, HISTORIC, AND ARCHEOLOGICAL Rate the importance of balancing INDIVIDUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS with COMMUNITY SITES in Alliance. INTERESTS in Alliance.
Very Very Important 45.5% Important 57.7%
Somewhat Somewhat 40.2% 36.9% Important Important
Not Not 14.3% 3.6% Important Important
Below Below 0.0% 1.8% Average Average
0% 7% 14% 21% 28% 35% 42% 49% 56% 63% 70% 77% 84% 0% 7% 14% 21% 28% 35% 42% 49% 56% 63% 70% 77% 84%
What would you like to see in downtown Alliance? What types of businesses should Alliance attract?
New Restaurants 71.6% Tourism 34.3% Agriculture 43.8% Greenspace 22.0% Banking 11.4%
Specialty 44.8% 57.8% Service Businesses Shopping High Tech Industry 55.2% National 53.2% Retailers Professional 48.6%
Light Industry 65.7% Museums 5.5% Public Sector 25.7%
Lodging 10.1% Heavy Manufacturing 39.0% Retail Development 79.0%
Other 25.7% Other 11.4%
0% 7% 14% 21% 28% 35% 42% 49% 56% 63% 70% 77% 84% 0 9% 18% 27% 36% 45% 54% 63% 72% 81% 90%
Foundation 21 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Placing new retail, commercial, and industrial development in ESTABLISHED areas is What types of INCENTIVES should the City offer to RETAIN existing businesses or ATTRACT new important. businesses to Alliance? Strongly 52.8% Agree Tax Breaks 62.1%
Agree 34.9% Land or buildings at 54.4% no or low cost
Neutral 8.5% Low interest loans / financing 82.5% Disagree 2.8% Education and training about 35.9% Strongly effective business Disagree 0.0% operations
Other regulatory No 0.9% controls 12.6% Opinion
0% 6% 12% 18% 24% 30% 36% 42% 48% 54% 60% 66% 72% 0% 8% 16% 24% 32% 40% 48% 56% 64% 72% 80% 88% 96%
Rate the maintenance and condition of BANDSHELL BLOCK PARK. Rate the maintenance and condition of BOWER PARK.
Above Above 5.9% 5.7% Average Average
Average 45.1% Average 61.0%
Below Below Average 38.2% Average 26.7%
No No 10.8% 6.7% Opinion Opinion
0% 7% 14% 21% 28% 35% 42% 49% 56% 63% 70% 77% 84% 0% 7% 14% 21% 28% 35% 42% 49% 56% 63% 70% 77% 84%
Foundation 22 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Rate the maintenance and condition of BOWER BASEBALL COMPLEX. Rate the maintenance and condition of BURLINGTON NORTHERN PARK.
Above Above 10.5% 2.9% Average Average
Average 65.7% Average 57.8%
Below Below 26.5% Average 16.2% Average
No No 7.6% 12.7% Opinion Opinion
0% 7% 14% 21% 28% 35% 42% 49% 56% 63% 70% 77% 84% 0% 7% 14% 21% 28% 35% 42% 49% 56% 63% 70% 77% 84%
Rate the maintenance and condition of CENTRAL PARK. Rate the maintenance and condition of DOWNTOWN PARK.
Above Above 33.3% 12.6% Average Average
Average 54.9% Average 61.2%
Below Below 10.8% Average Average 24.3%
No No 1.0% 1.9% Opinion Opinion
0% 7% 14% 21% 28% 35% 42% 49% 56% 63% 70% 77% 84% 0% 7% 14% 21% 28% 35% 42% 49% 56% 63% 70% 77% 84%
Foundation 23 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Rate the maintenance and condition of HAL MURRAY SOFTBALL COMPLEX. Rate the maintenance and condition of JAYCEE MINI PARK.
Above Above 23.3% 10.9% Average Average
Average 48.5% Average 62.4%
Below Below Average 12.6% Average 18.8%
No No 15.5% 7.9% Opinion Opinion
0% 7% 14% 21% 28% 35% 42% 49% 56% 63% 70% 77% 84% 0% 7% 14% 21% 28% 35% 42% 49% 56% 63% 70% 77% 84%
Rate the maintenance and condition of LAING PARK. Rate the maintenance and condition of LIONS PARK.
Above Above 21.8% 1.1% Average Average
Average 44.6% Average 44.2%
Below Below Average 32.7% Average 28.4%
No No 1.0% 26.3% Opinion Opinion
0% 7% 14% 21% 28% 35% 42% 49% 56% 63% 70% 77% 84% 0% 7% 14% 21% 28% 35% 42% 49% 56% 63% 70% 77% 84%
Foundation 24 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Rate the maintenance and condition of the OLD TENNIS COURTS. Rate the maintenance and condition of NEW TENNIS COURTS.
Above Above Average 1.0% Average 22.3%
Average 13.6% Average 58.3%
Below Below 10.7% Average 74.8% Average
No No 10.7% 8.7% Opinion Opinion
0% 7% 14% 21% 28% 35% 42% 49% 56% 63% 70% 77% 84% 0% 7% 14% 21% 28% 35% 42% 49% 56% 63% 70% 77% 84%
Rate the maintenance and condition of SUDMAN LITTLE LEAGUE FIELD. Rate the maintenance and condition of BIG BLUE BAY.
Above Above 20.8% Average Average 45.1%
Average 54.5% Average 40.2%
Below Below 7.8% Average 12.9% Average
No No 11.9% 6.9% Opinion Opinion
0% 7% 14% 21% 28% 35% 42% 49% 56% 63% 70% 77% 84% 0% 7% 14% 21% 28% 35% 42% 49% 56% 63% 70% 77% 84%
Foundation 25 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
How would you rate PARKS in Alliance? How would you rate the TRAIL NETWORK in Alliance?
Excellent 5.8% Excellent 9.8%
Above Above 38.8% 36.3% Average Average
Average 44.7% Average 38.2%
Below Below 5.8% 6.9% Average Average
Poor 3.9% Poor 3.9%
No No 1.0% 4.9% Opinion Opinion
0% 6% 12% 18% 24% 30% 36% 42% 48% 54% 60% 66% 72% 0% 6% 12% 18% 24% 30% 36% 42% 48% 54% 60% 66% 72%
Rate your satisfaction with the AVAILABILITY OF HOUSING in Alliance. Rate your satisfaction with the AFFORDABILITY OF HOUSING in Alliance.
Excellent 1.9% Excellent 3.8%
Above Above 11.8% 22.6% Average Average
Average 46.2% Average 41.5%
Below Below 22.6% 20.8% Average Average
Poor 14.2% Poor 9.4%
No No 3.8% 1.9% Opinion Opinion
0% 6% 12% 18% 24% 30% 36% 42% 48% 54% 60% 66% 72% 0% 6% 12% 18% 24% 30% 36% 42% 48% 54% 60% 66% 72%
Foundation 26 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Rate your satisfaction with the QUALITY OF HOUSING in Alliance. Rate your satisfaction with the STYLE OF HOUSING in Alliance.
Excellent 1.9% Excellent 0.9%
Above Above 6.6% 5.7% Average Average
Average 50.0% Average 58.5%
Below Below 26.4% 22.6% Average Average
Poor 12.3% Poor 9.4%
No No 2.8% 2.8% Opinion Opinion
0% 6% 12% 18% 24% 30% 36% 42% 48% 54% 60% 66% 72% 0% 6% 12% 18% 24% 30% 36% 42% 48% 54% 60% 66% 72%
Alliance needs ADDITIONAL DUPLEXES. Alliance needs ADDITIONAL ASSISTED / SENIOR LIVING.
Strongly Strongly 4.8% 6.7% Agree Agree
Agree 16.2% Agree 33.7%
Neutral 48.6% Neutral 33.7%
Disagree 15.2% Disagree 16.3%
Strongly Strongly Disagree 11.4% Disagree 5.8%
No No 3.8% 3.8% Opinion Opinion
0% 6% 12% 18% 24% 30% 36% 42% 48% 54% 60% 66% 72% 0% 6% 12% 18% 24% 30% 36% 42% 48% 54% 60% 66% 72%
Foundation 27 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Alliance needs ADDITIONAL MANUFACTURED HOUSING. Alliance needs SMALLER lots balanced by COMMON OPEN SPACE.
Strongly Strongly 6.7% Agree Agree 3.8%
Agree 13.3% Agree 16.2%
Neutral 40.0% Neutral 31.4%
Disagree 25.7% Disagree 32.4%
Strongly Strongly Disagree 10.5% Disagree 12.4%
No No 3.8% 3.8% Opinion Opinion
0% 6% 12% 18% 24% 30% 36% 42% 48% 54% 60% 66% 72% 0% 6% 12% 18% 24% 30% 36% 42% 48% 54% 60% 66% 72%
What is your age? What is your gender?
Under 25 2.8%
25 - 34 14.2% Male 49.5%
35 - 44 18.9%
45 - 54 34.0% Female 44.7%
55 - 65 19.8%
Prefer Not 65+ 8.5% 5.8% To Answer Prefer Not 1.9% To Answer
0% 6% 12% 18% 24% 30% 36% 42% 48% 54% 60% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Foundation 28 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
What is your annual household income? What is your highest level of education achieved?
Under High School 2.9% 16.0% $25,000 Graduate
$25,000 - Some College, 15.2% $49,999 No Degree 28.3%
$50,000 - Associate’s 15.1% $74,999 33.3% Degree
$75,000 - Bachelor’s 21.9% 23.6% $99,999 Degree
Over Graduate or 8.6% Professional 12.3% $100,000 Degree
Prefer Not Prefer Not 18.1% 4.7% To Answer To Answer
0% 6% 12% 18% 24% 30% 36% 42% 48% 54% 60% 0% 6% 12% 18% 24% 30% 36% 42% 48% 54% 60%
Do you own or rent your current residence? Please select the area which most accurately represents where you live.
North of 10th and West of Box Butte 46.2% Own 86.7% North of 10th and 20.2% East of Box Butte Rent 7.6% South of 10th and 17.3% West of Box Butte Prefer Not 5.7% th To Answer South of 10 and East of Box Butte 16.3%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 0% 6% 12% 18% 24% 30% 36% 42% 48% 54% 60%
Foundation 29 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ublic Facilities Public Facilities Introduced
Public facilities and services Public Facilities Parks Utilities include schools, public safety Public facilities and services A park is a public area that is Utilities are public services (i.e. services, utilities, parks, and are defined as any facility used for recreational purposes. water, sewer, electricity) that community buildings. These or service, including but not Parks are designed to provide are provided by either private facilities and services educate limited to buildings, property, residents of all ages places to or public entities. Utility lines our youth, keep us safe, deliver and recreation areas, which play, frolic, relax, and enjoy are often buried beneath the water and sewer services to are operated or funded by the natural environment. Parks ground and are therefore our homes, and offer public a governmental body or offer a variety of benefits to easily forgotten and taken areas to congregate. High public entity. Typically, these the community. Neighborhood for granted. However, utility quality schools, cost effective facilities and services serve the public open spaces serve services provide city residents utility systems, and effective general public and the entire as meeting areas and can with convenience and public safety services can community. Public facilities and help build rapport among contribute to a high standard enhance the quality of life for services include City Hall, the community members. Parks of living. existing residents and appeal community center, the library, and are wonderful venues for to potential residents. This police and fire stations, and physical exercise and activity chapter of the comprehensive schools. and can thus contribute to plan assesses and evaluates improved public health. Parks the existing public facilities and and trails also offer economic services within Alliance and benefits in the form of their ability to adequately serve increased property valuation. a growing community.
Public Facilities 1 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Public Facilities Assessed
Each public facility and service The police department staff masonry, block concrete, and The existing fire station would within the City of Alliance includes 19 sworn officers. The steel. The two-story building benefit from indoor training was inventoried and assessed list of services contained within occupies approximately 15,990 space that would allow based upon objective criteria. the police facility includes city square feet. The first floor additional practice space, These assessments are used in dispatch, records, a weather contains 13,050 square feet area for a bumper-to-bumper conjunction with development computer, the K-9 unit, and a and the second floor contains check, and indoor hose bays. projections to most accurately tornado shelter. 2,940 square feet. determine future public The current fire station is not in facility and service needs. The Several police station This facility serves 952 square great condition, rather it rates adequate provision of public modifications and upgrades miles. The overall condition of average. There have been two facilities and services is vitally are planned. They include the facility is great and only studies done on the structural important as Alliance continues a new 911 wireless requires routine roof and HVAC issues of the fire station. The to grow. communication system, new maintenance. The fire station first report done by Maxim breathalyzers, and new in-car has eight bays which includes Technologies Inc out of Casper, PUBLIC FACILITIES video cameras. The existing three East Bays, four West Bays, Wyoming was dated April police station facility is at and one wash area. The fire 10, 1996. The second report Police Station capacity and will not be able station operates 20 vehicles, was done by M.C. Schaff and The Alliance Police Station to support additional staff, including one ladder truck, Associates out of Scottsbluff, is centrally located at 512 services, or storage. A second one engine, two ambulances, Nebraska and was dated July Niobrara Street. The building story can be added to the two tankers, five grass rigs, 15, 1997. Both reports gave was built in 1977 and is existing facility. However, a a HAZMAT, and a mobile recommendations to help constructed of concrete feasibility study for a new city command center. alleviate current and future cinder blocks. This facility is hall also includes plans for a issues. There was no indication ADA compliant. The exterior new police station. The fire station includes three any of the recommendations condition of the building staff employees, and 47 were followed at that time. is excellent. Interior wiring Fire Station volunteer firefighters. The list of A third report was done on problems, however, make it The Alliance Fire Station is services provided by the fire February 15, 2008 by M.C. difficult to run additional lines located at 205 W. Fourth station includes advanced Schaff and Associates. They contributing to a lack of outlets Street. Although this location life support, basic life support, looked at and reviewed and blown circuit breakers. used to be centrally located, hospital transportation, their report findings from the most of the recent community community smoke detector previous report, however, they The police station operates a growth has occurred to the review, fire patrol, emergency did not do a comprehensive total of 10 vehicles, including north. This facility was originally medical technician classes, fire study of the structure and one animal control truck, constructed in 1932 and was extinguisher classes, and junior it is believed that there are three unmarked cars, and upgraded in 1982. The building fire patrol. new and additional structural six marked patrol vehicles. materials include stone issues. We did start following
Public Facilities 2 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Alliance Public Facilities Map some of the recommendations PF.a this summer. This is when Public Facilities we removed lawn from the kj west side of the building and Library replaced it with concrete kj Elementary School for drainage as the report kj Middle School indicated. kj High School kj Private School There are several issues that kj CityHall need to addressed. They kj include replacing the roof, Fire windows, interior doors, kj Police (! overhead doors and looking kj Post Office at the HVAC system to name a (! Public Facilities (! kj few. (! Parks
Buchfinck Street kj (! Corporate Boundaries City Hall Alliance City Hall is located at 4th and Laramie streets. (! kj kj (! (!
The building was built in Street Flack 1937 and is constructed of 10th Street (! (! stone and mortar. City Hall (! (! is not ADA compliant. The kj kj structural condition of the (! (!kj building is good, however the kj kjkj (!
mechanical condition is in poor Ave. Butte Box condition. Improvements to 3rd Street (! (! (! electrical/ lighting systems, and (! heating systems are needed. Future building modifications include the addition of air conditioning and a heat pump. The building is approximately 28,200 square feet. City Hall has historic significance in Alliance and its integrity needs to be maintained. Z
Public Facilities 3 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Street Department circulation was 64,649. In 2006 a full service fixed base of SCHOOLS Alliance’s street department the library had 5,282 registered operations, fuel, charter, and Alliance High School facility is located at 2nd and patrons, 15,609 technology hangers. The length of the main Alliance’s high school is at 1450 Big Horn street. It was built in uses, 61,392 annual visitors, runway is 9,202 feet and the Box Butte Avenue. The 147,799- the 1970s and is constructed of and 504 community room use length of the crosswind runway square-foot building was steel. The overall condition of events. is 9,202 feet. Both runways are constructed in 1954. The overall the facility is fair. This building lighted. condition of the facility is good. is primarily used to store The list of services contained Alliance High School is ADA street maintenance vehicles, within the building includes the The airport contains 41 compliant. The high school equipment, and signs. Alliance Public Library, Western hangars. No specific future includes grades nine through Nebraska Community College, building renovations or 12. Approximately 600 students No future street department Chadron State College, and upgrades are planned. are currently enrolled. No building modifications or public meeting rooms. future building modifications upgrades are planned. Parks Office / Warehouse or upgrades are planned and Recent updates to the library The parks building is located none are needed. The school Library community rooms include the at 1st Street and Big Horn. mascot is the bulldog. The Alliance Library is located installation of television/DVD/ The building was built in the at 1750 Sweetwater Avenue. VCR units, laptop computer, 1960’s out of metal and wood, This facility was built in 1997 and a digital projector. The and is currently in fair to poor Alliance Middle School and is constructed of steel basement of the library is condition both structurally Alliance Middle school is and concrete frame with brick expected to be remodeled and mechanically. The parks located at 11th and Laramie facing. It has an asphalt roof, in 2013 and will be used building is not ADA compliant. streets. The 75,504-square-foot a wood cathedral ceiling, as a children’s library. No Future renovations are not yet building was constructed in drywall with vinyl wall covering, other library modifications or planned for the 6,100-square- 1922. The overall condition thermopane windows, upgrades are planned. foot building, but multiple of the facility is good. carpet and tile flooring. This renovations are needed. Alliance Middle School is facility is ADA compliant. The Airport ADA compliant. The middle library portion of the building The Alliance Municipal Airport is school includes grades five occupies 15,170 square feet at 5631 Sarpy Road. Built during through eight. Approximately and the overall condition of the 1940s, it is constructed of 500 students are currently the building is good. block concrete and is only enrolled. No future building partially ADA accessible. Its modifications or upgrades The library includes 50,143 overall condition is fair. Services are planned and none are cataloged items, 14 provided by the Municipal needed. The school mascot is newspaper and 114 magazine Airport include commercial air the bullpup. subscriptions. The 2008 annual service (Great Lakes Airlines),
Public Facilities 4 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Alliance Public Library Alliance City Hall
Alliance Police Station Alliance Fire Station Alliance High School Alliance Middle School
Public Facilities 5 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Emerson Elementary School UTILITIES Elkhorn was drilled in 1968 to future population growth. The Emerson Elementary School Sewer and Wastewater a depth of 296 feet. This well community has four water is located at 700 Black Hills Treatment has a current capacity of .864 storages devices – three Street. The 34,144-square-foot Alliance contains mgd. 16th and Emerson was towers and one underground building was constructed in approximately 38 miles of drilled in 1973 to a depth of reservoir. The total combined 1948. The overall condition of sewer lines. All lines are located 295 feet. This well has a current water storage capacity is 2.5 the facility is good. Emerson within a single interceptor capacity of .936 mgd. BN was mgd. Elementary is ADA compliant. area. Alliance does not have drilled in 1973 to a depth of 311 Emerson Elementary School a wastewater treatment plant. feet. This well has a capacity Water pressure is good includes kindergarten through The community is served via of 1.5 mgd. No.1 was drilled in throughout the city and the second grade. Approximately a 140-acre lagoon which is in 1998 to a depth of 385 feet. This condition of all storage tanks 300 students are currently good condition. The lagoon well has a current capacity of is good. In terms of water enrolled. No future building has capacity remaining and 1.512 mdg. No. 2 was drilled quality, the city does have modifications or upgrades can accommodate significant in 1998 to a depth of 395 feet. arsenic issues that will need to are planned and none are growth. Current usage is only .9 This well has a current capacity be mitigated. A centralized needed. million gallons per day (mgd) of 1.008 mgd. No. 3 was drilled treatment plan may be and the total capacity is 45 in 1998 to a depth of 405 feet. needed. Grandview Elementary School mgd. This well has a current capacity Grandview Elementary School of 1.008 mgd. No. 4 was drilled The city is currently is at 615 Grand Street. The No future wastewater in 1998 to a depth of 425 feet. implementing phase One of 33,677 square foot building treatment plant upgrades or This well has a current capacity an initiative that will install was constructed in 1922. The modifications are currently of 1.008 mgd. No. 5 was drilled test wells at the possible overall condition of the facility planned. Extending sewer in 2006 to a depth of 421 feet. future airport well field. The is good. Grandview Elementary service northward will be The current capacity of this city is also installing in-town is ADA compliant. Grandview challenging without adding well is .684 mgd. No. 6 was replacement production wells Elementary School includes additional lift stations. drilled in 2006 to a depth of 391 and an oxidation/filtration grades two through four. feet. The current capacity of system on several in-town wells. Approximately 230 students are Water this well is .684 mgd. The city also has an ongoing currently enrolled. Alliance is currently served by replacement program to 12 wells. Burnham was drilled in The existing average continually update old water No future building 1997 to a depth of 440 feet. This daily water demands are lines and appurtenances. modifications or upgrades well has a current capacity of approximately 2.2 mgd. The are planned and none are .72 mgd. 25th and Toluca was total capacity of Alliance’s needed. drilled in 1993 to a depth of water system is approximately 440 feet. This well has a current 11.2 mgd. Alliance’s water capacity of .72 mgd. 6th and system can easily support
Public Facilities 6 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
PARKS Mini-Park Community Park sports complexes. The 3 sports Alliance’s collection of mini- A mini-park is typically one A community park is typically complexes collectively house 4 parks, neighborhood parks, acre or less and is intended 25-plus acres and is intended lighted softball fields, 4 lighted community parks, and to serve less than a quarter- to serve several neighborhoods baseball fields, 8 lighted tennis regional parks contain a mile radius. Mini-parks or a 1- mile to 2-mile radius. courts, and a swimming pool. broad variety of activities and are designed to include Community parks are designed amenities that are designed to specialized facilities for a to provide a broad range of Bandshell Park accommodate the active and specific population group (e.g., active and passive recreation Bandshell Block Park is a small passive recreational needs and senior citizens or children). activities. Common community pocket park near 7th and desires of all Alliance residents. Mini-parks are typically found park features include: ball Sweetwater streets. The 1.28- near higher-density residential fields, large swimming pools, acre park primarily functions The National Recreation developments or near elderly playgrounds, walking trails, as passive open space, but it and Park Association’s 1996 housing centers. natural areas, water bodies, does contain the southern start document entitled Park, and picnic areas. Community / finish of the community trail Recreation, Open Space, and Neighborhood Park park uses are primarily system. Greenway Guidelines has A neighborhood park is defined by site suitability and served as a primary reference typically 15-plus acres and community needs. The park is a tranquil for defining park guidelines is intended to serve a single and inviting environment and standards and is used by neighborhood, a one-half Regional Park surrounded by single-family both park designers and park mile radius, or a population A regional park is typically residences. Overall, the park planners. of approximately 5,000 200-plus acres and is intended is well-kept, but the small residents. Neighborhood to serve several communities. legacy wall that wraps the This document suggests that parks are designed to Regional parks are often found park is in poor condition and a community’s park system provide areas for both active along a natural resource and may need to be restored for should contain 10 acres of recreation activities (e.g., typically support boating, safety reasons. Comfort and public open space for every playgrounds, field games) camping, fishing, picnicking, image are both very positive 1,000 residents. In addition to and passive recreation swimming, walking (via a in Bandshell Block Park. The defining park standards, the activities (e.g., picnicking, variety of trails), and playing park is easily accessible to document also includes a trails). Neighborhood parks (via general areas.) surrounding residences and park classification system. The should be strategically placed well linked to other parks size of a park strongly affects within the center of several The City of Alliance maintains and activity centers by the the types of uses available, neighborhoods so they 109 acres of park land. way of the community trail. the service area, and the are easily accessible to all Alliance’s park system Easy access and appropriate site characteristics. Parks are surrounding residents. includes five mini-parks, two linkage also improve the generally categorized into one neighborhood parks, two sociability of the facility. of four types: community parks, and three
Public Facilities 7 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Bower Park that contribute to poor access that may detract from the picnic area, and one-half acre Bower Park is a neighborhood include a lack of sidewalks or comfort and image of the of open space. The park seems park near 2nd and Potash trails, limited on-street parking, park include close proximity to to be highly utilized by nearby streets. Nearly 4-acres, the park and lower density residential the unsecured railroad tracks residents. includes swings, covered picnic areas surrounding the park. and an absence of parking lot areas, a small stream, and These factors contribute to lighting. The comfort and image new playground equipment. a feeling of seclusion and associated with Burlington The relatively passive nature isolation. A small drainage As with Bower Park, Bower Northern Park is generally of the park is complemented stream that bisects that park Baseball Complex suffers from positive. The modern with the adjacent active also disconnects park uses from poor access and linkage. playground equipment Bower Baseball Complex. A the adjacent ball fields. Factors that contribute include and well kept open space small drainage stream within a lack of sidewalks or trails, contribute positively to image the park effectively acts as a Bower Baseball Field limited on-street parking, and and comfort. However, the barrier between passive park Bower Baseball Complex is a lower density residential areas park is contained by an uses and active ball field uses. single baseball field intended surrounding the complex. unattractive metal fence on for middle school and high However, the complex is a the east and south, which The close presence of the school baseball games. The very obvious place for social detracts from the overall railroad and suspect adjacent field is near 2nd and Mississippi gathering and interaction. image. housing units negatively affect and is next to Bower Park. Better linkage and access the comfort and image of the The complex also contains a will increase the appeal and The park is easily accessible park. Railroad tracks are poorly concession stand and picnic sociability of the complex. to people who live nearby. A contained and are easily areas. consistent sidewalk network accessible to park or ballpark The City plans to assist the and on-street parking visitors. The facility offers a quaint American Legion Baseball contribute to easy accessibility. and rustic environment for organization with the There is little linkage to other The overall condition of the ball players and visitors. installation of new perimeter community activity centers park is fair, as minor graffiti, The complex is a dynamic fencing around the parking lot. due do to the stand-alone trash, and heavy grass setting for young ball players nature of the park. The park clippings are strewn throughout and includes an electronic Burlington Northern Park is independent of other the area. All of these factors scoreboard, large bleacher Burlington Northern Park is community parks and is not contribute to safety concerns, areas, a park backdrop, a a small pocket park near connected to the community particularly after dark, in and well-maintained field and 16th and Buchtineck streets. trail system. around, the park. new ball field lights. These This small park possesses factors collectively project both passive and active Bower Park suffers from access high levels of comfort and functions that include modern and linkage issues. Factors an inviting image. Factors playground equipment, a small
Public Facilities 8 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Bandshell Park Bower Baseball Field
Bandshell Park Bower Park Bower Park Burlington Northern Park
Public Facilities 9 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Central Park and tranquil atmosphere. The location of the park, at the City of Alliance Parks Central Park is a neighborhood the intersection of two major Department. Local volunteer park, north of 9th Street and Central Park is easily accessible transportation corridors, does organizations coordinate east of Niobrara Avenue. This to pedestrians and surrounding contribute to safety and events and schedule games park provides an excellent single-family dwellings. One- comfort concerns. Vehicle at the complex. General variety of passive and way streets and minimal on- noise is excessive, negatively maintenance issues detract active uses and activities. street parking limit vehicle affecting comfort and from the overall comfort and These uses and activities access to the park. The park is sociability. image of the complex. While include modern playground well linked to other community the overall condition of the equipment, covered picnic parks and activity centers Overall, the park is inviting, complex is good, some of the areas, and connection with the through the linear trail system. unique, and refreshing. The bleachers need to be replaced community trail system. The trail system, playground park is easily accessible or refurbished. area, and picnic areas also to downtown visitors and The Knight Museum and serve as gathering areas for is linked to surrounding The complex is relatively Sandhills Center is located social activities. activities through a consistent isolated, as it sits between a within the park and recently sidewalk network. The park large tract of vacant land and opened after major Downtown Park is independent of other the railroad. Maintenance renovations and expansion The Downtown Park is a community parks and the improvements, combined in 2008. This steel, aluminum, small pocket park generally community trail system, but it is with increased accessibility concrete, and glass building located at 3rd Street and connected to activity centers and linkage, would greatly houses historical and cultural Box Butte Avenue. The park is through the sidewalk network. enhance the comfort and exhibits, office space, heritage exclusively passive and serves Vacant storefronts may pose a image of the facility. The research, artifact storage, food as a natural setting amidst the threat to future park utilization, complex contains a single preparation, theater, lobby downtown environment. The but do not seem to be an issue point of entry, a small gravel area, and meeting space in park contains multiple seating at this point. road with limited lighting and 10,000 square feet of public areas, a restroom facility, and signage. Surrounding uses area and 5,000 square feet a community directory. Hal Murray Softball Complex primarily consist of vacant land, of storage and infrastructure Hal Murray Softball Complex, railroad, and a few residences. space. The potential exists to The character of the at 4th and Cody streets, is a develop additional meeting Downtown Park is much multi-sport facility, with four The passive and/or rooms in this basement space different than that of other fields. The complex is used for undeveloped nature of the The overall comfort, image, community parks. The park softball games and practices, surrounding areas makes and condition of the park are highlights the more urban as well as youth soccer games access and linkage difficult. excellent. Dense, mature trees environment with natural and practices. These factors contribute line the interior and exterior of features, thus projecting a to feelings of isolation and the park, creating a pleasant positive and unique image. The facility is maintained by seclusion and decrease
Public Facilities 10 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
sociability. As Needed Maintenance white boundary lines, so the •Paint shower walls in bath- surface is not accommodating Big Blue Bay house for modern tennis play. Their The current condition of Big •Stain wood exterior beams overall condition is much better Blue Bay is good. The facility (every 3-5 years) than the newer courts, with far is five years old so some ele- •Paint pool floor and walls (ev- less cracking and sinking both ments are just starting to show ery 5-7 years) within the play area and in the some age. The pool will re- •Replace/repair plumbing and surrounding areas. The down- quire regular maintenance of restroom fixtures as necessary side to this location is that there mechanical elements such as •Pull and evaluate condition is not much space to allow for circulation pumps, chlorine & of recirculation pumps (every 5 spectators during competitive Central Park acid pumps, filters, and chemi- years) meets. cal feed and monitoring equip- ment. In addition, some main- Alliance Tennis Courts tenance of the actual building The four tennis courts at this such as painting, staining exte- location are the newest courts rior wood elements, and repair/ in the Alliance Parks System. replacement of bathhouse They are surfaced with the amenities is necessary. In ad- traditional red and green tennis dition, annual waxing of water surfacing, but are deteriorating elements (octopus, water slide, quickly. The current condition and raindrop) is necessary to is poor, and play is difficult. The protect the play features from City of Alliance is working with weather and water damage. an engineer to evaluate their current condition to include Annual Maintenance the condition of the foundation •Rebuild chlorine/acid feed of the courts, to ensure efforts pumps to make repairs are effective •Replace chlorine/acid tubing and long lasting. as necessary •Service recirculation pumps Alliance Tennis Courts •Inspect water heaters in bath- The four tennis courts at this lo- house cation are older, and have not •Inspect boiler in the pump been surfaced with the more house modern red and green play •Wax play features area. They are concrete with Central Park
Public Facilities 11 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Jaycee Mini-Park equipment, swings, seating of the park, connecting the include modern playground Jaycee Mini-Park is a pocket areas, and limited open space. Central Park Tennis Courts with equipment, a skate park, park near 7th and Cheyenne Some of the surrounding Central Park and Bandshell fishing dock, soccer field, and streets. The park is one of the industrial, storage, and vacant Block Park. Deteriorating community trail system. The most utilized pocket parks in uses adversely affect park conditions and poor park also exhibits a variety of the community. These uses image and comfort. Loose connectivity severely hinder natural animal and vegetative include modern playground trash and encroaching weeds park comfort and image. habitats. The numerous equipment, picnic tables, in the play area also negatively amenities combine to create swings, seating areas, and affect image and comfort. Recently, the courts underwent a highly utilized and well- a perimeter pathway. This minor renovations including maintained park facility. one- half acre park effectively The overall condition of the line repainting, weed removal, serves surrounding residents. facility is fair, but general and general cleanup. Safety The overall comfort, image, Continued upkeep and maintenance is required. concerns relating to park and condition of the facility modern equipment contribute The park projects a feeling of uses and a lack of lighting are excellent. The lake to full utilization and high isolation and seclusion from also plague the facility. The and surrounding tranquil comfort. An efficient layout much of the community. park is easily accessible to environment project a high and creative design help Lions Park is easily accessible surrounding residential units level of comfort and a the park maximize a small to surrounding residential and is effectively linked to positive image. Proximity to space and increase its overall uses through consistent other community parks and significant community activity sociability. sidewalks. The park has activity centers through the centers such as the library, limited connectivity to other trail system. If rehabilitation pool, and high school help The park is easily accessible community parks and activity occurred, the active uses promote and maintain a safe to surrounding residential units centers. Large tracts of vacant and functions within this park environment for park visitors. and is well-connected to land next to the park limit its would complement the passive Laing Park is easily accessed surrounding neighborhoods accessibility and linkage. adjoining parks. by pedestrians, surrounding through sidewalks. However, single-family residences, and the park is independent of Central Park Tennis Courts Laing Park vehicles. The community trail other community parks and is The Central Park Tennis Courts Laing Park is a community park system links the park to other not linked to the community are old and relatively unusable. generally located north of 18th activity centers such as the trail system. However, the facility does Street and west of Box Butte high school, municipal pool, include tennis courts and Avenue. As the largest park and Central Park. The park Lion’s Park basketball hoops for general in the community, the park displays several obvious areas Lions Park is a pocket park public use. possesses numerous passive for social gathering, including generally located at 6th and and active uses and activities, the playground equipment, the Buffalo streets. This small park A segment of the linear trail in addition to a large lake skate park, picnic shelters, and contains modern playground system runs along the west side (Laing Lake). Active park uses a fishing dock.
Public Facilities 12 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Jaycee Mini Park Laing Park
Old Tennis Courts Lion’s Park Laing Park Laing Park
Public Facilities 13 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Public Facilities Enriched
Objective OBJECTIVE STRATEGIES # Primary Strategies Secondary Strategies
Ensure all future Capital Form a CIP Review Continue to implement and annually update a Improvement Plan Committee of city staff recommendations are in Schedule Bi-Yearly Meetings 1 comprehensive five year Capital Improvement Plan compliance with the updated for review, update, and (CIP) Comprehensive Plan progress reports
Initiate a GIS needs Create an interactive GIS assessment system for residents on the city Implement a city-wide GIS system to better serve all Identify key stakeholders Web site 2 (police, fire, etc…) to assess Ensure city staff utilizing GIS infrastructure systems and public safety agencies. GIS needs and explain attend a training session once benefits of GIS a year
Establish a process to obtain Solicit citizen input in the property rights for future park design, development, and and trail areas maintenance of parks and Services Action Plan 3 Expand the citywide system of linear parks and trails. Identify areas north of 25th open spaces Street and south of 3rd Street Initiate a Trail Expansion for trail expansion Project
Work with the tourism board Initiate a citywide marketing to develop a brochure and effort to increase trail and Promote city recreational activities and strategy to attract local and park usage and promote 4 regional meetings and healthy living opportunities. conferences to the Library Initiate a Master and Learning Center Redevelopment Plan for the Old Tennis Courts area Public Facilities and and Facilities Public Work with the school district to Develop a plan to evaluate identify an achievable the condition of public Retain and attract experienced and high quality student-teacher ratio that facilities regularly 5 staff at all public safety centers, local schools, and compares favorably to Work with the school district to governmental organizations. surrounding communities review and maintain Develop a Young competitive compensation Professionals Program packages
Public Facilities 14 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN ransportation Long Range Transportation Plan Introduced This chapter of the Comprehensive Plan documents the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) for the City of Alliance. The LRTP evaluates both existing and future transportation needs in the City of Alliance along with recommended transportation improvements. The LRTP provides guidance for the City of Alliance regarding short, mid, and long-term projects to implement as growth and/or development occurs.
The transportation planning component of this plan included the development of a computerized, GIS-based transportation model to assist with the evaluation of future transportation needs in the Alliance area. The transportation model was developed in accordance with Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR) guidelines and included consultation with NDOR staff. This model is based upon the land use components of the Comprehensive Plan and can be updated and modified in future years so that on-going transportation planning can be conducted efficiently.
Transportation 1 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN Existing Transportation Conditions A primary purpose of the existing conditions analysis was to establish baseline transportation conditions in the City of Alliance. Elements of the existing conditions analysis were also used for the transportation model development task as well as to identify transportation improvements that will be included in the recommended LRTP. The existing conditions analysis included data collection, safety analyses, traffic operations analyses for selected intersections in the City, and circulation analyses based on review of available information and field review of the City roadway network. The existing conditions analysis included operational analysis for the morning and evening peak hours for selected intersection locations and a review of high crash locations based on information provided by the City. An analysis of the circulation and continuity of key roadways throughout the City is provided along with access management considerations.
The existing street network and functional classification system defined for the City of Alliance is shown in Figure 1. The existing functional classification map was developed from information provided by the City and NDOR. Roadway functional classification describes how a particular roadway is intended to function with respect to capacity, speed, mobility, and level of access provided. Higher functional classifications typically provide greater capacity, higher speeds, and limited access as compared to lower functional classifications. The existing functional classification system in Alliance includes Urban Principal Arterials, Urban Minor Arterials, Urban Collectors, and Local Roadways.
Urban Principal Arterials include major state highways and are intended to move large volumes of high-speed, through traffic. These roadways also serve as primary circulation routes for local traffic. While the movement of traffic is their primary function, these roadways do provide some direct access to adjacent properties and, in some areas such as the central business district (CBD), include on-street parking. Urban Minor Arterials and Collectors form the remainder of the City’s primary roadway network, serving relatively large volumes of traffic and providing connections to major destinations within the City as well as the State Highway System. The movement of traffic is again a primary function of these roadways as traffic moves between major activity centers, however increasing levels of direct property access are provided. Direct property access and on-street parking should be limited to the extent possible on all roadways classified as collector or higher. Local Roadways round out the functional classification system providing direct access to adjacent properties and serving lower traffic volumes and shorter trip lengths.
The City of Alliance transportation system can be characterized as a grid network. Direct access to Alliance is provided by Nebraska Highway 2, Nebraska Highway 87, and Nebraska Highway 385. Additional primary north/south roadways include Cody Avenue, Buchfinck Avenue, Emerson Avenue, and Box Butte Avenue. Primary east/west roadways include Kansas, 8th, 10th 18th and 25th Streets. All roadways within the City of Alliance are two-lane roadways with the exceptions of Box Butte Avenue, which has a four-lane roadway section from 6th to 10th Street, and 3rd Street, which has three-lane, four-lane and five-lane roadway sections between Flack Avenue and Nebraska Highway 2.
Transportation 2 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
The field review and data collection effort was focused on roadways classified as Collectors or higher as these are the primary roadways included in the transportation model. There are six signalized intersections in the City of Alliance at the intersections of 3rd Street / Cody Avenue, 3rd Street / Laramie Avenue, 3rd Street / Box Butte Avenue, 4th Street / Box Butte Avenue, 6th Street / Flack Avenue, and 10th Street / Box Butte Avenue. All-Way Stop controlled intersections are located at the intersections of 7th Street / Potash Avenue, 8th Street / Black Hills Avenue, 10th Street / Colorado Avenue, 12th Street / Laramie Avenue, and 14th Street / Box Butte Avenue. Other intersections are either stop controlled (typically two-way stop) or uncontrolled (no stop signs). Existing roadway characteristics are illustrated in Figures 2 through 7.
Daily (24-hour) traffic volumes from 2005 for Alliance roadways are illustrated in Figure 8. Daily volumes along Highway 2 range from 2,000 – 4,000 vehicles per day (vpd) on the east and west edge of the City to nearly 11,500 vpd in the downtown area. Daily volumes on other collector and arterial roadways in Alliance range from as low as 980 vpd on Kansas Street to 4,000 – 6,000 vpd on portions of Box Butte Avenue, Flack Avenue and 10th Street. Daily volumes on other local streets (not illustrated in Figure 5) are typically less than 500 – 1000 vpd. Peak hour traffic volumes were collected at various intersections in Alliance to provide an overview of traffic operations throughout the City. These volumes were collected during the weekday AM (7:00 – 9:00 am) and PM (3:00 – 6:00 pm) peak periods. Existing peak hour turning movement volumes are shown in Figure 9.
Transportation 3 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Figure 1: Existing Functional Classification of Roadways
Transportation 4 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Figure 2: Roadway Speed Limits
Transportation 5 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Figure 3: Number of Lanes
Transportation 6 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Figure 4: Parking Characteristics
Transportation 7 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Figure 5: Sidewalks
Transportation 8 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Figure 6: Paved / Unpaved Roadways
Transportation 9 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Figure 7: Traffic Control Devices
Transportation 10 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Figure 8: Existing 24-Hour Traffic Counts
Transportation 11 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
City of Alliance Comprehensive Plan Update Figure 9: Existing Peak Hour Turning Movements Existing Conditions Report
Legend xxx (xxx) AM(PM) Peak Hour Volumes N NOT TO SCALE
Signalized Intersections
12(10) 88(144)
4(8) 9(24)
Emerson Ave.
Hwy. 385 15(24) Stop Controlled Intersections 18th St. Box Butte Ave. 4(32) (5)12 (13)15
(12)8
(12)9
(29)12 (149)95
Flack Ave.
8(11)
109(118) 21(30)
27(54) 61(46)
50(57) 35(28) 34(52) 63(64) 8(14)
43(55)
3(2) 93(105)
33(112) 103(104) 18(23) 168(194) 108(142) 144(188) 24(19) 49(56) 10th St. 46(48) 15(18) 28(10) (8)5 (32)35 (35)31 (27)22 (26)22 (182)166 (147)127 (35)21
(5)14 (19)18 (58)39 (110)101
(14)7
(55)40 (34)18 (52)24
(94)79
(18)9
(137)64
(22)11
(40)19
(26)44
(134)90
(104)107
49(74)
152(177) 2(6)
31(30) 57(77)
102(148) 24(58) 43(38) 49(66)
34(68)
23(48)
38(80) 30(59)
7(24) 2(23)
105(132) 19(44) 5(2) 59(63) 36(22) 212(261) 235(365) 130(168) 52(92) 45(79) 242(393) 15(14) 0(4) (1)2 (8)5 (28)30 3rd St. (65)47 (193)114 (4)5 (267)224 (424)257 (347)249 (127)131
(1)1 (3)3 (21)20 (18)23 (10)6
(6)10
(22)8
(9)15
(17)11
(2)3 (7)2
(6)2
(52)18
(83)52
(68)46
(129)103
2(5) 6(12) 2(4) 0(0) 94(133) 14(15)
(8)6 14(29) 102(133) (97)103 15(34) Kansas St.
39(40) Cody Ave. (56)44
(3)6
(11)14
(32)34
(39)34 (90)106
Figure 6 Peak Hour Turning Movement Volumes
Transportation 12 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN Existing Conditions Analysis Safety Analysis Crash data was reviewed for intersections and roadway segments citywide to identify potential safety deficiencies that should be addressed as part of the transportation plan. From the data, crash rate calculations were performed to compare locations with higher frequencies with statewide data from similar facilities. While there were not large safety concerns due to the rates, the results of the safety analysis revealed that six intersections and roadway segments have crash rates higher than statewide average crash rates for similar intersection and/or roadway facility-types. Intersections and roadway segments with the highest crash rates in the City are summarized in Table 1.
Table 1: High Crash Rate Locations Intersections Roadway Segments 1. 3rd Street and Rambling Road 1. Box Butte Avenue – 3rd to 6th Streets 2. 3rd Street and Cody Avenue 2. Box Butte Avenue – 6th to 10th Streets 3. 8th Street and Emerson Avenue 3. Box Butte Avenue – 14th to 25th Streets 4. 3rd Street and Potash Avenue 4. Box Butte Avenue – 10th to 14th Streets 5. 3rd Street and Flack Avenue 5. Emerson Avenue – 3rd to 25th Street 6. 3rd Street and Niobrara Avenue 6. 3rd Street – Flack to Black Hills Avenues
In many instances, the high crash rates are likely not statistically significant and can be attributed to the low intersection or roadway segment volume, which can result in artificially high crash rates (even with low crash frequency). However, a field review was conducted for each potential high crash rate location to help identify field conditions or other contributing circumstances that may contribute to the crash history at these locations. In general, significant deficiencies or potential contributing circumstances were not identified during the field review. Potential strategies that were identified to improve safety at various locations include:
Removal of sight distance restrictions such as trees and parked vehicles at unsignalized intersections. Evaluation of signal timing and phasing to ensure adequate capacity and progression between intersections. Evaluation of vehicle clearance intervals (yellow and all-red) at signalized intersections to ensure they are appropriate for each signalized intersection location. Potential conversion of angle parking options in the central business district. Removal of on-street parking on narrow streets to improve safety and capacity. Implement traffic calming features to reduce vehicle speeds and improve safety. Increase speed enforcement in key locations.
Transportation 13 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Operational Analysis Capacity analyses were conducted to assess existing operations during both the AM and PM peak hours at the twelve intersections listed below: Highway 2 and Kansas Street 3rd Street and Emerson Avenue Highway 385 and Kansas Street 3rd Street and Flack Avenue Highway 385 and 3rd Street 10th Street and Box Butte Avenue Highway 385 and 10th Street 10th Street and Emerson Avenue 3rd Street and Box Butte Avenue 10th Street and Flack Avenue 3rd Street and Cody Avenue 18th Street and Box Butte Avenue
Intersection capacity analyses were conducted using Synchro, version 6.0, which is based on the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) delay methodology. Level of Service (LOS) at signalized and unsignalized intersections is defined in terms of control delay. Control delay includes initial deceleration, queue move-up time, stopped delay, and final acceleration delay. The amount of delay is assigned a letter grade A through F, with LOS A representing little or no delay and LOS F representing congested conditions. Level of service C or D operation is typically considered acceptable in most areas. Level of service criteria for signalized and unsignalized intersections is summarized in Table 2. Each of the intersections evaluated currently operates at a LOS B or better during both the AM and PM peak hour periods with all individual movements operating at a LOS C or better. Intersection lane configurations and level of service results for intersections evaluated are shown in Figures 10 and 11.
Table 2: Level of Service Criteria (seconds/vehicle) LOS Signalized Unsignalized A ≤10 ≤10 B >10 and ≤ 20 >10 and ≤ 15 C >20 and ≤ 35 >15 and ≤ 25 D >35 and ≤ 55 >25 and ≤ 35 E >55 and ≤ 80 >35 and ≤ 55 F >80 >55 Circulation Analysis In addition to the safety and traffic operations analysis results discussed above, other general circulation system characteristics were identified during the field review to be considered in the development of the City’s Long Range Transportation Plan. These notes are outlined below (in no particular order):
• Replace One-Lane Underpass on Potash Avenue – The one-lane underpass (Potash Avenue and E 1st Street) should be upgraded to standard two-lane roadway to improve traffic flow, reduce vehicle conflicts, improve emergency vehicle response, and improve aesthetics and overall traffic circulation. • Highway 2 (E 3rd Street) Access Management – Access is fairly well-restricted along 3rd Street at the present time. It will be important to maintain high levels of access control along 3rd Street as traffic volumes increase in the future to provide efficient traffic operations. • One-way Street System – It is important to maintain roadway width along the east/west one-way street system where several parked cars can limit throughput of the street operations. Parking restrictions could be evaluated to improve flow along these segments.
Transportation 14 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
City of Alliance Comprehensive Plan Update Figure 10: Intersection Lane Geometrics Existing Conditions Report
Legend Signalized Intersections N NOT TO SCALE Stop Controlled Intersections
Emerson Ave.
Hwy. 385 18th St. Box Butte Ave.
Flack Ave.
10th St.
3rd St.
Kansas St. Cody Ave.
Figure 7 Intersection Lane Configurations
Transportation 15 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
City of Alliance Comprehensive Plan Update
Figure 11: Intersection Capacity Analysis Existing Conditions Report o ut Ave. Butte Box
mro Ave. Emerson Legend
A(A) Movement Level of Service [AM(PM)] N w.385 Hwy. NOT TO SCALE
A(A) Signalized Intersection LOS [AM(PM)] B(B) Stop Controlled Intersection 18th St. A(A)
(A)A Ave. Flack
(B)B
A(A)
A(A)
B(C)
B(B)
B(B)
A(A)
A(A) A(A)
B(B) C(B) B(B) 10th St. A(A) B(A) B(B) (B)B (A)A (B)B (B)B
(B)B
(A)A
(A)A
(A)A
(B)C
(B)B
(B)C
(C)B
(A)A
(A)A
B(B)
B(B)
B(B)
B(B)
A(A)
B(B)
B(B)
A(A) A(A)
A(A) A(A) A(A) A(A) A(B) B(B) A(B) A(A) A(A) A(A) B(B) A(A) B(B) A(A) A(A) A(A) A(A) (B)B (B)A (A)A (B)B (A)A 3rd St. (B)B (A)A (A)A
(B)B (A)A (A)A
(A)A
(A)A
(A)A
A(B)
oyAve. Cody
(A)A
(B)B
(B)A (B)B A(A)
A(A) A(A) A(A) (A)A A(A) (A)A
B(B) Kansas St. (A)A
(B)B (B)B
(A)A (A)A
Figure 8 Existing Conditions Capacity Analysis
Transportation 16 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN Access Management This section outlines recommended access management guidelines that should be considered by the City of Alliance. Access management is characterized as the strategic provision of access along streets. It includes the systematic control of the location, spacing, design, and operation of street and driveway connections to a roadway. Access management should be a priority along all arterial and collector streets. In addition, continuous collector roadway networks should be developed to supplement the arterial roadway system.
The following standards reflect criteria applicable to the location and design of access points and more than one criterion may apply to any condition. These standards are applicable to new development and should be utilized for existing areas and roadways to the greatest extent practicable. Consideration should be given to driveway consolidation, relocation and on-site connectivity where possible.
Traffic Signal Spacing Future traffic signals on principal arterials should be planned for spacing at ½-mile intervals. All other arterial roadways should allow for signalized intersection spacing at no less than 1/4-mile intervals.
Median Break Spacing Although Alliance does not currently have issues with divided roadways, guidelines for breaks in a median-divided roadway are provided for future reference as roadway types in Alliance may change over time. Median breaks, and allowances for them, are an important component of access management. The following guidelines should apply to the design and control of median breaks.
No median breaks on arterial roadways should be allowed within 1,000 feet of a grade separation/interchange. Full median break access can be allowed where traffic signals, if installed at some point in the future, would be adequately spaced from adjacent traffic signals. Non-signalized median breaks on divided principal arterials should be spaced at 1/4-mile intervals and 1/8-mile intervals along other arterial roadways.
Private Driveways A key access management issue is the location and type of access driveways on the street network. The guidelines listed below should be incorporated for all planned access drives. For existing driveways, consideration should be given to eliminate, consolidate and improve separation of drives to the extent possible. These guidelines will allow for safer and more efficient traffic flow. Direct driveway access should not be allowed on future principal arterial roadways. Residential driveway access should not be allowed on arterial roadways and should be limited to the extent possible on collector roadways. Non-residential driveway access should not be allowed within an intersection influence area. An intersection influence area is defined as within 500 feet of an intersection along an arterial roadway, and within 300 feet of an intersection along a collector roadway. Spacing between driveways should be kept at a minimum of 300 feet and preferably 400 feet. Driveways that may potentially produce traffic volumes that would warrant signalization shall be located to satisfy the traffic signal spacing requirements.
Transportation 17 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN Summary of Existing Conditions The results of the existing conditions analysis indicate generally acceptable traffic operations and roadway safety conditions in Alli- ance and provide input to the process of identifying potential transportation improvement strategies. In addition to the safety and traffic operations analysis results discussed above, other circulation system deficiencies and potential improvement strategies were identified based on field review. Potential improvement strategies are discussed throughout the LRTP. Ultimately they are combined with improvement strategies identified during the future conditions transportation analysis and transportation modeling tasks to help form the recommended Long Range Transportation Plan.
Transportation 18 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN Transportation Model This section is intended to provide complete documentation on development of the City of Alliance Travel Demand Forecast (TDF) model. The TDF model is developed based on the 2007 land use data and year 2007 transportation network. The TDF modeling software used for this project is TransCAD version 4.8.
The remainder of this section provides information on all aspects of the model. First, a brief discussion of the overall TDF modeling process is discussed. Next model inputs are presented. Then trip generation and trip distribution are discussed in detail. Lastly, the trip assignment methodology and model validation are presented.
Transportation Model Process Overview The transportation planning process relies on TDF models, which involves predicting the impacts that various policies and programs will have on travel in an urban area. In general, travel demand forecasting attempts to quantify the amount of travel (demand) on the transportation system (supply). Demand for transportation is created by the separation of urban activities. The supply of transportation is represented by the service characteristics of highway and transit networks.
The travel demand forecasting model developed for the City of Alliance provides daily traffic volumes (24-hour counts) based on existing land use and roadway network, to be used by engineers and planners in their designs. A travel demand forecast might include the number of cars on a future network roadway such as a new arterial or the number of cars that may use a newly constructed bridge or viaduct. It might also predict the amount of reduction in auto use that would occur in response to a new policy imposing taxes on central-area parking.
The TDF model process used for this project consists of several sub-models including estimating the number of daily vehicle trips by traffic analysis zones (TAZ) from the land use inventory, distribution of vehicle trips by TAZ, and then assigning the vehicle trips to the street network. The sub-models are as follows:
• Trip Generation forecasts the number of trips that will be made. • Trip Distribution determines where the trips will go. • Trip Assignment predicts the routes that the trips will take, resulting in traffic forecasts for the transportation system.
Transportation 19 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Each sub-model is discussed in the following sections of the report.
Model Inputs There are two major types of data which are used as inputs to travel models. The first is land use data, which describe number of households and number of employees by employment categories for the study area subdivided into many sub-areas known as transportation analysis zones (TAZ).
Land use data such as number of households by type (single and multiple family units), commercial/retail developments (Sq ft.), number of employees by type, and student enrollments are collected for each TAZ. TAZs are geographic areas dividing the study area into relatively similar areas of land use and land activity. TAZs represent the origins and destinations of travel activity within the study area. TAZs are usually developed based on the following guidelines: • TAZs should not cross a major highway, arterial, railroad and river • TAZs should have relatively homogenous land uses.
TAZs are further simplified into a single node called a centroid. All trips within a TAZ begin and end at the zone centroid and the centroid is connected to the network through centroid connectors representing the local streets not present in the network.
For the City of Alliance, the study area is divided into 49 TAZs of which 41 are internal TAZs and 8 are external TAZs as shown in Figure 12. The TAZs are confined within the study area. The existing TAZ level land use data is presented in Table 3.
The second major type of data used is the transportation system which allows the urban activities to communicate with one another; that is, people travel to work, to shop, and to visit friends. The transportation system is represented as an abstract network of what is actually on the ground, and as such does not include every local street in the area. The network is identified by points of intersection known as nodes, and segments of the network between the nodes, termed links. A network description including functional class of roadways, capacity, number of lanes, etc. is developed to describe auto travel. The City of Alliance roadway network is presented in Figure 13.
Transportation 20 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Figure 12: Traffic Analysis Zone System
48 42 43
41 40 39 38
44 31 27 25 32 30 29 23
28 26 24 33 14 11 Map layers 15 Streets 13 12 TAZboundary 45 Railroad 6 5 4 Water Area 0 .2 .4 .6 16 10 22 Miles 34 7 17 1 2 3
46 8 9 21 18 35 19 20 47
49 36 37
Transportation 21 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Table 3: Existing 2007 TAZ Land Use Data
Gen. Gen. Shopping Med. Elem./Middle High Hotel Hospital Ind. Retail Office/Fin College Ind Ind Manufacturing TAZ SFU MFU Center Office School School (# of (# of Park (SF) (SF) (Students) Light Heavy (Emp) (SF) (SF) (Students) (Students) beds) beds) (Emp) (Emp) (Emp) 1 216 16 119323 0 15212 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 51 4 39614 0 22628 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 124 10 55403 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 55 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 93 0 0 0 1195 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 130 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 147 3 20932 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 65 0 111719 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1863 0 0 0 9 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 66 0 0 0 10 276 5 23406 0 0 0 256 0 0 0 0 22 0 0 0 11 263 6 3327 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 28 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 162 8 0 0 0 0 503 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 415 0 0 0 7663 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 0 19 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 51 2 0 0 0 0 266 0 0 0 0 63 0 0 0 17 0 44 33038 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 18 6 0 8638 0 0 0 0 0 0 100 0 0 0 0 0 19 15 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 12 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21 17 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 265 0 0 0 22 80 40 10467 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 23 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 102 0 0 0 24 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 25 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 44 0 0 0 0 26 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 27 92 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 92 0 0 0 0 28 72 0 0 0 0 0 0 629 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 29 14 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Transportation 22 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Table 3 (Continued): Existing 2007 TAZ Land Use Data
Gen. Gen. Shopping Office/ Med. Elem./Middle High Hotel Hospital Ind. Retail College Ind Ind Manufacturing TAZ SFU MFU Center Fin Office School School (# of (# of Park (SF) (Students) Light Heavy (Emp) (SF) (SF) (SF) (Students) (Students) beds) beds) (Emp) (Emp) (Emp) 30 62 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 31 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 32 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 33 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 34 185 0 21381 0 0 0 0 0 0 75 0 73 0 0 0 35 6 0 96968 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 36 48 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 37 60 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 38 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 39 128 25 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 40 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 41 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 42 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 43 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 44 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 45 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 46 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 47 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 48 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 49 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Transportation 23 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Figure 13: 2007 Model Roadway Network
Transportation 24 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
The roadway network serves several purposes in transportation systems analysis. First, it is an inventory of the existing transportation system. It is the physical status of the highway system for present and future years. Second, the network is used in traffic modeling to estimate the highway travel impedance between zones in the region, which is the driving time and roadway distance between different areas of the study area. Third, the roadway network is used to simulate automobile travel and estimate associated impacts, such as Vehicle-Miles-Traveled (VMT), Vehicle-Hours-Traveled (VHT) and congestion.
For the City of Alliance model network development, in consultation with City staff, the roadways to be included in the model network were identified. Then using the TransCAD street center line, the City of Alliance model network was created. Since the TransCAD street center line lacks roadway attributes such as posted speed, daily capacity, number of lanes and functional classification, the project team conducted a thorough review of the physical roadway infrastructure and incorporated the data in the roadway model network.
A key attribute of the roadway network is the roadway functional classification. City of Alliance roadway classification is based on the National Functional Classification obtained from Nebraska Department of Roads. The corresponding roadway capacities used for the City of Alliance Travel Demand Model are given in Table 4.
Table 4: Roadway Link Capacities Directional Daily Capacity Type of Roadway (Vehicles/lane/day) (Level of Service E) Urban Principal Arterial 11,500 Urban Minor Arterial 8,400 Urban Collector 6,700 Other Network Roadway 3,350
Trip Generation The trip generation model estimates trip ends for a typical weekday. The process of attracting trips to a zone where a trip terminates or originates and whose existence is due to an activity carried out in that zone is said to be trip attraction. The process of producing trips from. For example, a zone where a trip originates or terminates and whose existence is due to the traveler's residence in that zone is said to be trip production a person who made two trips in a day, one from home to work and one from work to home, would generate two productions at the home end and two work attractions at the work end. Trips which neither begin nor end at the traveler’s home are called non-home based trips and the trip ends are called origins and destinations – with the origin being the beginning of the trip and the destination being the end of the trip.
The City of Alliance trip generation model generates the number of vehicle trips for each TAZ. Vehicle trips are generated based on land use variables and a daily trip generation rate for each land use variable. Vehicle trip rates are based on the Trip Generation report, Institute of Transportation Engineers, 7th Edition, 2001. Table 5 lists the trip generation rates for the various land-use categories used in the trip generation analysis. Trip productions for internal residential trips are estimated using a daily trip rate per dwelling unit and trip attractions for the internal commercial land uses are estimated using a trip rate per unit (square feet, students, hospital beds, employees, etc.).
Transportation 25 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Table 5: Trip Generation Rates Landuse Units Rate Single Family Detached DU 9.57 Multi Family/Apartment DU 6.72 Elementary/Jr. High School Student 1.29 Sr. High School Student 1.71 College Student 1.21 Major Shopping Center 1000 SF 42.49 Commercial/Retail 1000 SF 39.80 Hotel/Motel Rooms 8.92 Office Employee 4.50 Hospital Employee 5.20 Medical Office Employee 8.91 General Light Industrial Employee 3.02 General Heavy Industrial Employee 0.82 Manufacturing Employee 2.13 Industrial Park Employee 3.34
Next, vehicle trip generation estimates are stratified by multiple trip purposes. For the City of Alliance model, the vehicle trips are converted to three trip purposes as follows:
1. Home Based Work: Trips made for the purpose of work and which either begin or end at the traveler’s home. This is a typical trip purpose that is obviously related to the employment and the income of the traveler or the household.
2. Home Based Other: Any trip made with one end at the home except for the purpose of work. This includes trips made for shopping, school, social visits, recreational trips, or personal-business.
3. Non-Home Based: Any trip that neither begins nor ends at home.
Applying the trip generation model outlined above, the number of vehicles are calculated using the base year land use data and trip generation rates by trip purpose. Data from the external traffic zones and the Census 2000 Journey-to-Work (JTW) trips for the City of Alliance are combined with the internal zone trips to create the total productions and attractions for the model. The Census 2000 Journey-to-Work (JTW) trips for the City of Alliance are summarized as shown in Table 6 and 7. The results indicate that approximately 17% of work trips have destinations outside the City; and 26% of the workers coming to the city have origins outside the City.
Transportation 26 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Table 6: JTW Trips – Origin inside the City of Alliance Work Trips % Trips Alliance 3475 82.9% Chadron 4 0.1% Kearney 10 0.2% Scottsbluff 30 0.7% Sidney 15 0.4% Other 658 15.7% Total 4192 100%
Table 7: JTW Trips – Destination inside the City of Alliance Home Trips % Trips Alliance 3475 74% Chadron 20 0% Gering 75 2% Scottsbluff 45 1% Other 1093 23% Total 4708 100%
A summary of the vehicle trip productions and attractions are provided in Table 8. The percent of trips by trip purpose appear reasonable as compared to the report Travel Estimation Techniques for Urban Planning, NCHRP Report 365, 1998.
Table 8: Summary of Vehicle Trip Productions and Attractions Trip Purpose Total Trips Percent of Trips NCHRP 365 Home-Based Work 11,709 27% 20% Home-Based Non-Work 21,226 50% 57% Non Home-Based 11,740 23% 23%
Transportation 27 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
TAZ level trip productions and attractions are presented in Table 9.
Table 9: TAZ Level Trip Productions and Attractions TAZ HBW_PROD HBW_ATTR HBO_PROD HBO_ATTR NHB_PROD NHB_ATTR 1 497 923 1,279 2,810 888 1,503 2 117 362 302 1,009 272 556 3 287 406 737 1,275 452 675 4 121 0 310 0 99 0 5 204 3 525 4 170 4 6 287 0 737 0 237 0 7 327 153 841 481 351 255 8 143 2,532 366 4,702 938 3,247 9 15 61 39 76 26 67 10 614 224 1,577 813 626 359 11 587 24 1,507 76 500 39 12 61 0 158 0 50 0 13 367 65 944 492 352 100 14 913 24 2,343 32 761 24 15 26 0 71 0 29 0 16 115 92 295 331 133 116 17 62 242 165 759 194 402 18 191 108 479 218 204 158 19 38 0 99 0 33 0 20 43 0 112 0 40 0 21 37 243 95 302 86 267 22 232 76 602 240 247 127 23 22 93 56 117 39 103 24 0 0 0 0 0 0 25 0 65 0 93 22 65 26 0 0 0 0 0 0 27 202 135 519 196 215 136 28 158 109 406 814 206 166 29 30 0 79 0 25 0 30 136 0 350 0 112 0 31 2 0 5 0 1 0
Transportation 28 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Table 9 (Continued): TAZ Level Trip Productions and Attractions TAZ HBW_PROD HBW_ATTR HBO_PROD HBO_ATTR NHB_PROD NHB_ATTR 32 0 0 0 0 0 0 33 13 0 33 0 10 0 34 540 258 1,379 589 553 374 35 13 711 33 2,231 381 1,182 36 105 0 271 0 87 0 37 136 0 350 0 113 0 38 0 0 0 0 0 0 39 317 0 816 0 271 0 40 22 0 56 0 18 0 41 0 0 0 0 0 0 42 148 150 103 112 95 55 43 605 614 421 456 389 226 44 230 233 160 173 147 86 45 460 467 320 347 293 175 46 460 467 320 347 292 176 47 805 817 560 606 510 310 48 1,101 1,118 766 830 695 428 49 920 934 640 693 578 360 Total 11,709 11,709 21,226 21,226 11,740 11,740
Transportation 29 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Trip Distribution The trip distribution is the second major step in the travel modeling process. The first major step, trip generation provides estimation of trip productions and trip attractions. Trip distribution is the step that links the trip productions to the trip attractions for each zonal pair. The purpose of trip distribution is to produce a trip table of the estimated number of trips from each TAZ to every other TAZ within the study area.
The City of Alliance trip distribution model was estimated using the TransCAD Gravity Model program. The Gravity Model assumes that the number of trips between two zones is: 1) directly proportional to the vehicle trips produced and attracted to both zones, and 2) inversely proportional to the travel time between the zones.
0 i j ×× FD ij V ij = n ∑ j × FD ij j = 1 Where Vij = trips originating at analysis zone i and destined to analysis zone j; Oi = total trips originating at zone i; Dj = total trips destined at zone j; Fij = friction factor for trip interchange ij, i = origin analysis zone number, i = 1, 2, 3 . . . n; j = destination analysis zone number, j = 1, 2, 3 . . . n; and n = number of analysis zones.
The friction factor is the primary independent variable and quantifies the impedance or measure of separation between two zones. Friction factors are inversely related to spatial separation of zones and can be based on travel time or distance between zones.
A number of different functional forms have been developed for friction factors. Recently, it has been discovered that the gamma function is very suitable for trip distribution and it is used for this study. The gamma function can be stated as follows:
b *tc ij ij ij ××= etaF where
Fij = Friction Factor between zone i and j, a,b and c = model coefficients tij = Travel time between zones i and j, e = Base of natural logarithms.
The parameters a, b, and c are developed based on the Techniques for Urban Planning. The final values used in the model are displayed in Table 10.
Transportation 30 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Table 10: Gamma Function Parameters Trip Purpose a b c HBW 28,507 -2.9 0.60 HBO 139,173 -2.5 0.95 NHB 219,113 -2.7 1.00
Traffic Assignment Traffic assignment is the third major step of the TDF model. The assignment of trips to the network is the final output of the modeling process and becomes the basis for validating the model set’s ability to replicate observed travel in the base year as well as to evaluate transportation improvements in future years. The inputs for traffic assignment include the roadway network and trip tables.
The trip generation and trip distribution models are used to develop daily trips. The daily trips are then assigned to the network based on the standard User Equilibrium method. This method assigns vehicle trips throughout the transportation network. Equilibrium, in the context of transportation assignments, occurs when no alternate path can be used without increasing the total travel time of all trips in the network.
Equilibrium assignment consists of an iterative series of all-or-nothing traffic assignments with an adjustment of travel times reflecting delays encountered in the associated iteration. The load from each assignment, after the first iteration, is combined with the previous load in such a way as to minimize the impedance of each trip and thus reducing the number of iterations to find the equilibrium loads.
The traffic assignment process is driven by volume-delay relationships. The travel time adjustments are calculated using volume-delay functions which describes the rate at which delay is added to the travel time on a roadway segment as a function of the quantity of traffic being carried. Ratios of the assigned traffic volume versus the capacity (or the V/C ratio) are used to predict how travel times (and hence, delays) increase as roadway volumes build up to and beyond the capacity of the roadway.
The conical volume-delay function was selected for the traffic assignment. The function form is as follows:
2 ⎛ X ⎞ ⎛ X ⎞ ()xf α 2 ⎜12 −+= ⎟ 2 αβ ⎜1−−+ ⎟ − β ⎝ C ⎠ ⎝ C ⎠ Where X = traffic volume C = capacity α = model coefficient = 0.15 β= model coefficient = 4
The model traffic volumes and existing traffic counts are presented in Figure 14.
Transportation 31 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Figure 14: Base Year 2007 Model Traffic Volumes COUNTY RD 60 COUNTY RD 59
2
5
2
4 645 728
1325 ANCE RD BOX BUTTE AVE E 25TH ST NANCE RD N 1301 896 976 FLACK AVE 2893 1593 2280 1708 3000
225 685 4 E 18TH ST EMERSON AVE STATE HIGHWAY 2 2 260 97 2
9 Map layers
B Railroad
U
C Water Area 2085 3004 H 0 .15 .3 .45
F
I N 743 Miles C
K
A 4997 2780 5865 V 3512 E 3190 2124 4326 5885 3100 E 10TH ST 1575 3767
2010 4295
4187 BLACK HILLS AVE
E 8TH ST xxxx Existing Traffic Count 2642 1779 xxxx Model Traffic Volumes 1825 903 3338 2125 1420 4601 6000 2460
9945 11100 7860 6200 E 3RD ST 4040 S
8753 2000 7929 T 9999 599 A 9335 T 3608 1635 E 390 H IG POTASH AVE H W W CODY AVE A
3473 Y 2 28 41 45 12 1785 W KANSAS ST 980 1300 1171 828 713
Transportation 32 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Model Validation The validation of the highway assignment is the final step in the TDF model development. The validation of the highway assignment is the comparison of observed versus estimated traffic volume on the highway network. The validation tests for highway assignment are presented at three levels; systemwide, corridor, and link specific. This increasing detail of validation tests is correlated to the step(s) in the model chain that could be the cause of the possible error(s). The validation measures used in this study are as follows:
• Screenline Analysis – A screenline is an imaginary line crossing number of network links. Screenline analysis compares the model traffic volumes with traffic counts on network links. Based on the report Model Validation and Reasonableness Checking Manual, Federal Highway Administration, February 1997, the desirable targets for screenlines are between 5% and 10% for roadways with higher quality traffic counts. Figure 15 shows maximum desirable deviation in total screenline volumes according to the observed screenline volume.
• Systemwide Analysis - It is useful to compute aggregate statistics on the validity of the traffic assignment. Three measures can be computed; the correlation coefficient, Percent Root Mean Square of the Error (RMSE) and VMT/VHT. Each is discussed below.
Figure 15: Maximum Desirable Deviation in Total Screenline Volumes
Transportation 33 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Screenline Analysis Screenline analysis compares the results of a trip assignment with the traffic counts on network links. More precisely, the process compares the directional sum of ground count daily traffic volumes across a screenline with the directional sum of assigned daily model traffic volumes across the same screenline. The screenline locations are illustrated in Figure 16. Table 11 displays the comparisons of the five screenlines used in validation process. Comparing the City of Alliance model screenlines with Figure 15 indicates that all screenlines are within the allowable deviation.
The high % of RMSE for screenline 3 and 4 can be attributed to the low volumes at both the locations considered for this screenline. This difference may be attributed to high internal circulation of traffic, parking maneuvers, due to retails stores located in the vicinity of the traffic count location, which the model will not consider.
Systemwide Analysis Tools to measure the overall model accuracy are: 1) Coefficient of Determination or R2 and the Percent Root Mean Square of the Error (RMSE). The R2 or the Goodness of the Fit statistic shows how well the traffic counts represent the traffic assignment volumes. The desirable R2 value based on the Model Validation and Reasonableness Checking Manual, Federal Highway Administration, February 1997, is 0.88 or higher. For the City of Alliance, the R2 is 0.90.
The RMSE measures the deviation between the assigned traffic volumes and the counted traffic. A large RMSE indicates a large difference between the model traffic volumes and traffic counts; where as, a small RMSE indicates a small difference between the model traffic volumes and traffic counts. The RMSE calculation is given as:
5.0 − 2 ( ) (∑ j (Model j Count j ) 1-CountsofNumber ) 100* %RMSE = (∑ j Count j CountsofNumber )
The RMSE statistics should generally decrease as traffic volumes increase. A common standard for the RMSE is 30%, which the City of Alliance model meets as shown in Table 11.
Vehicle Miles Traveled and Vehicle Hours Traveled Comparison System wide checks of the model can also be done by estimating Vehicle-Miles-Traveled (VMT) and Vehicle-Hours-Traveled (VHT). In order to achieve this VMT and VHT were estimated for the City of Alliance region. The VMT and VHT for the overall region are 84,567 and 2,667 and the overall average speed for the region is estimated to be 32 mph.
Transportation 34 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Figure 16: Screenline Locations
Transportation 35 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Table 11: Percent Difference Targets for Daily Traffic Volumes by Facility Type Existing Model Screenline ID Location Ratio Count Volume 1 1670 STATE HIGHWAY 2 4,790 4,417 1.08 1 915 EMERSON AVE 645 729 0.88 1 1282 COUNTY RD 59 2,632 2,556 1.03 Sum 8,067 7,702 1.05
2 131 STATE HIGHWAY 2 3,800 4,274 0.89 2 1547 BUCKFINCK AVE 1,655 1,276 1.30 2 480 EMERSON AVE 2,780 4,957 0.56 2 1632 BOX BUTTE AVE 5,865 3,409 1.72 2 1194 FLACK AVE 2,875 3,247 0.89 Sum 16,975 17,163 0.99
3 534 E KANSAS ST 1,205 872 1.38 3 825 E 10TH ST 3,190 4,393 0.73 3 1087 E 3RD ST 6,200 7,913 0.78 Sum 10,595 13,178 0.80
4 896 EMERSON AVE 2,280 1,532 1.49 4 1280 COUNTY RD 59 2,400 3,210 0.75 4 1571 BOX BUTTE AVE 3,000 1,587 1.89 Sum 7,680 6,329 1.21
5 101 W KANSAS ST 1,300 711 1.83 5 108 W 3RD ST 4,040 3,603 1.12 5 133 W 10TH ST 2,295 2,612 0.88 Sum 7,635 6,926 1.10
All Screenlines Sum 50,952 51,298 0.99
Transportation 36 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN Future Conditions This section documents the future conditions traffic analysis conducted as part of the Comprehensive Plan Update. The future conditions analysis included development of 2030 model volumes and planning-level analyses of alternative 2030 transportation and land use scenarios and model runs. Results of the future conditions analysis were used to identify transportation improvements that may be included in the Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP).
Future Transportation Network Evaluation Future transportation needs were initially evaluated by modeling 2030 land use conditions with the 2030 base roadway network. For the City of Alliance, the future base roadway network is essentially the existing roadway network in terms of modeling conditions. Several overlay and street segments are included in the “One and 6 Year Plan”, but will not add significant capacity to the street network.
For the future 2030 land use conditions, modifications were made to land use intensities where relevant. Many of the TAZs did not change based on the land use data provided. The TAZs that did have changes with the land use type and magnitude are shown in Table 12. Table 12: Future TAZ Land Use Data Modifications Gen. Gen. Shopping Med. Elem./Middle High Hotel Hospital Ind. Retail Office/Fin College Ind Ind Manufacturing TAZ SFU MFU Center Office School School (# of (# of Park (SF) (SF) (Students) Light Heavy (Emp) (SF) (SF) (Students) (Students) beds) beds) (Emp) (Emp) (Emp) 10 276 5 26917 0 0 0 256 0 0 0 0 22 0 0 0 22 80 40 12037 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 24 50 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 25 300 100 100000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 44 0 0 0 0 32 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 34 185 0 47588 0 0 0 0 0 0 75 0 73 0 0 0 35 6 0 111513 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Transportation 37 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
These land use forecasts were used to make initial travel demand modeling runs as a basis for evaluating impacts and identifying potential improvement alternatives.
Forecast 2030 model volumes for the City of Alliance are shown in Figure 17. The forecast volumes generally show small to moderate volume increases on most study area roadways. The forecast volumes on all roadways are below the coded roadway capacities with all roadways expected to continue to operate at an acceptable level of service (LOS C or better) based on daily traffic volumes levels. This does not suggest that no roadway improvements are required to serve future traffic demand. Nor does it suggest, as discussed in the next section, that there will be no deterioration in level of service at specific intersections during peak traffic periods.
Future Alternatives Tested Transportation alternatives are generally identified to accomplish one of the following goals: Improve roadway segments with unacceptable operations (i.e., level of service D or worse) Improve a roadway to provide better compliance with the desired roadway functional classification Provide logical extensions to existing roadways Provide roadway connections and improvements that do not exist today to improve overall circulation and network continuity. Provide major transportation improvements such as bypass roadways that are needed to ensure an effective transportation system in the future.
A variety of transportation alternatives were evaluated to (1) add capacity to existing roadways, (2) widen existing, or (3) pave roadways that are currently gravel. Since there are no major capacity constraints in the existing or future base transportation model, these improvements generally resulted in insignificant changes to the forecast volumes on Alliance roadways. This finding was not unexpected and does not negate the importance of future roadway improvements to enhance traffic operations and safety on Alliance roadways or to serve transportation demand in growing areas of the community. Several improvements identified were based on feedback and stakeholder involvement and were more operational in nature. The largest-scale improvements identified through the planning and modeling process include roadway upgrades and extensions of streets for such facilities as 18th and 25th Streets, and Sweetwater and Emerson Avenues in the areas impacted by the expected land use in-fill and growth.
Transportation 38 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Figure 17: Forecast 2030 Model Volumes COUNTY RD 60 COUNTY RD 59
2
5
3
8 727
ANCE RD BOX BUTTE AVE E 25TH ST NANCE RD N 1631 1139 983 FLACK AVE 3700 1536 1447
3 E 18TH ST EMERSON AVE STATE HIGHWAY 2 9 604 512 9
4
B Map layers U Railroad
C 8374 H Water Area F 0 .15 .3 .45 I N 728 C Miles K
A 4548 3027
V
E E 10TH ST 2263 6776
3368 6382
4734 BLACK HILLS AVE E 8TH ST 2489 1546 xxxx Future Model Traffic Volumes 819 3116 3971 2664
E 3RD ST S 8907 T 9989 9567 621 A 9619 T 3495 E 404 H IG POTASH AVE H W W CODY AVE A
3423 Y 2
40 91 W KANSAS ST 1177 852 706
Transportation 39 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN Alternative Transportation Elements Summary Aviation The Alliance Municipal Airport, opened in the 1940’s, is publicly owned and operated by the City of Alliance. Commercial airline service to Denver, CO is provided by Great Lakes Airlines. The airport site is comprised of approximately 3,500 acres located three miles south-east of the City of Alliance. The Alliance Municipal Airport contains three asphalt paved runways. A total of 15,000 aircraft operations were recorded at the airport for the 12 month period ending on May 31, 2007.
Railroads BNSF Railway Company is headquartered in Ft. Worth Texas and operates one of the largest rail networks in the U.S. with 35,000 miles of rail lines operating through the 28 most western states for over 150 years. The BNSF mechanical division operates eight locomotive maintenance facilities that perform preventive maintenance, repairs and servicing of equipment. The largest of these facilities are located in Alliance, Nebraska and Topeka, Kansas. The mechanical division also controls 46 additional facilities responsible for car maintenance and daily running repairs.
The major BNSF facility in Alliance is located south of Highway 2 (3rd Street) and north of Kansas Street. It is at the junction of three main track lines that converge from the north, south and east. These track lines are adjacent to Highway 385 and Highway 2 in the vicinity of Alliance.
It is important for the growth of any community to consider the elimination of under used at-grade crossing locations and to evaluate grade-separation opportunities where expected vehicular and train conflicts will increase. Fortunately for Alliance, all major crossings are already separated and the recent 10th Street viaduct is an example of a positive amenity for the community. The current 3rd Street underpass is planned for reconstruction in the 1 and 6 year plan.
Transit There is currently a rural public transportation system provided in the City of Alliance. The Box Butte County Handi Bus service is available in Alliance and Hemingford Monday through Friday from 7:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This service is open to the general public, elderly, and disabled. There is no set fare for this service, but contributions are appreciated. As the community grows, potential options for other transit and/or shared services should be evaluated pending the needs of increasing elderly population and other transportation options.
Trails Alliance’s existing trail system is moderate and consists primarily of the beautiful Snake Creek Trail. This is a two mile paved trail that connects Central Park to Laing Lake Park. There are also several other sidewalk connections that allow for access in and around several of the other park areas. This is an area that was deemed important in several of the focus groups and new trail connections should continue to be identified as development occurs and/or opportunities to replace existing sidewalks become necessary. The ability to provide safe routes for pedestrian activity in the Alliance community with the positive park system that currently exists is an asset that should be promoted and kept in mind as infrastructure projects move forward.
Transportation 40 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN Recommended Long-Range Transportation Plan The recommended Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) for the City of Alliance is presented in this section. The recommendations discussed in this section focus primarily on roadway improvements. The recommended improvements are based on the results of the traffic analysis and transportation modeling conducted as part of the project, discussion with City staff and stakeholders, as well as input received from the public through survey responses and public outreach meetings.
The goal of the plan is to identify transportation improvements that serve the needs of the community. Annually, the projects identified in the Comprehensive Plan, as well as other new projects that have not yet been identified, should be reviewed to determine those that should be included in the City of Alliance “One- and Six-Year Plan” or the NDOR’s “One- and Five-Year Plan.” The NDOR “One- and Five-Year Plan” establishes the present and future program for improvements to the state highway system. It is important that projects, following approval from the City Council, be included as appropriate in the City and/or NDOR plans so that the City is eligible to receive state or federal funding for such projects.
Future Functional Classification Map The recommended future functional classification map for the City is illustrated in Figure 18. Changes to the functional classification of several roadways is recommended based on projected land use changes, increasing traffic volumes and the intended future function of the roadway. These changes include:
Nance Road (Highway 2 to Emerson Avenue) – upgrade to urban minor arterial 25th Street (Box Butte to Flack Avenues) – upgrade to urban minor arterial 18th Street (Buchfink to Box Butte Avenues) – downgrade to urban minor arterial Sweetwater Avenue (10th to 25th Streets) – upgrade to urban collector Flack Avenue (18th to 25th Streets) – upgrade to urban principal arterial Race Track Road (Kansas Street to Highway 2) – upgrade to urban collector
The roadway functional classification categories used by the NDOR in the existing functional classification map have been maintained in the future functional classification map.
Transportation 41 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Figure 18: Recommended Future Classification
Transportation 42 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Recommended Roadway Improvements Recommended roadway improvements have been identified and divided into short-term (0 – 5 years), mid-term (6 – 15), and long- term (15+ years) time frames. These improvements, which are not prioritized within each timeframe, are summarized in Tables 13, 14, and 15, and illustrated in Figures 19, 20, and 21. Note that there are numerous recommendations regarding implementation of future roadway improvements. While traffic volumes may not warrant such improvements for many years, it is important that these improvements be included in the Long-Range Transportation Plan for right-of-way preservation purposes and to provide important planning information to the community.
It is important to note that further study will be required in the future to evaluate and define transportation deficiencies and potential solutions as the community grows, land uses change and transportation issues evolve. As any improvements are evaluated that would have more regional transportation implications, or are outside of the current City limits, the implementation of such projects would require close coordination between the City of Alliance and other agencies including Box Butte County and NDOR.
Table 13. Short Term Recommendations (0-5 years)
Project Number Location Project Description
Implement transitional speed limits near City limits 1 Highway 385 between the current 45 mph to 65 mph. Implement improved pavement markings, lane 2 Highway 2/3rd Street designations, signing, etc. through City limits Various locations throughout Alliance (ex. Improve wayfinding and street name signing 3 Cody Ave & Hwy 2, Cody Ave & Kansas Ave, (intersection signing, mastarm signing, etc.) 10th St and Box Butte Ave) Improve pavement markings north and south through 4 Flack Avenue the City limits Continuation of the planned projects (paving 5 10th Avenue improvements) in the 1-6 year plan.
Update the Traffic Signal with new hardware, 12” bulbs, 6 Box Butte Avenue and 4th Street etc. or consider study for removal 7 Highway 2/3rd Street Widen underpass to 5 lanes
Transportation 43 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Table 14. Mid-Term Recommendations (6-15 years)
Project Number Location Project Description
Implement turn lanes for the North and South directions 8 Highway 385 & 25th Street/Nance Road and add Southbound fly-by lane due to limited stacking with the railroad tracks
Implement consistent 5-lane roadway section through 9 Highway 2/3rd Street Corridor the entire east/west corridor Improve the sidewalk/pedestrian provisions on both 10 3rd Street – near underpass sides of the street east/west Re-stripe as a 3-lane section as further development 11 Rambling Road and access occurs
12 Sweetwater Avenue Pave urban section between 18th and 25th Streets.
Transportation 44 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Table 15. Long Term Recommendations (16+ years)
Project Number Location Project Description
Extend sidewalk from the development area to Potash 13 Kansas Ave Avenue to allow access to the Business District, Bower Park, etc.
Replace/widen the Potash Railroad bridge to make it 14 Potash Avenue Railroad Bridge more pedestrian friendly and allow safe 2-lane section for vehicle underpass
Widen to 3-lane urban section from 3rd Street to 18th 15 Highway 87/Flack Avenue with sidewalk provisions Extend sidewalk/trail east of Flack Avenue to the YMCA, 16 10th Street skate facility, residential area, etc. Replace skewed intersection with a roundabout to 17 10th Street and Emerson Avenue improve traffic flow and safety 18 Highway 385 and 3rd Street Install a traffic signal as warranted Implement urban section with sidewalks between 19 25th Street/Nance Road Sweetwater and Emerson Avenues Implement urban section with sidewalk from 18th to 25th 20 Emerson Avenue Streets. 21 18th Street Extend roadway section to the east to Flack Avenue
Transportation 45 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
RecommendationsFigure 19: Recommended Short Term Roadway– Near Improvements Term
Transportation 46 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
RecommendationsFigure 20: Recommended Mid Term Roadway – Mid Improvements Term
Transportation 47 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
RecommendationsFigure 21: Recommended Long Term Roadway – Long Improvements Term
Transportation 48 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
In addition to the specific roadway improvement recommendations provided, the following general transportation system recommendations are also provided:
Corridor preservation should be a priority for all future roadways classified as collector or above to ensure adequate right- of-way is reserved for future roadway construction and/or widening. Typically 80-100 feet of right-of-way should be preserved for arterial roadways and 60-80 feet of right-of-way for collector roadways. This will provide adequate width for the roadway, sidewalks/trails, utilities, and green space. Additional right-of-way may be required on the approaches of major intersections for additional turning lanes.
Access management should be a priority along all major highways and arterial roadways. Every effort should be taken to improve existing access management deficiencies. Refer to the Access Management section of this chapter for specific access management recommendations.
A continuous collector roadway network should be developed to supplement the arterial roadway system. In undeveloped areas, a collector roadway master plan should be developed to ensure dedication of right-of-way when development occurs and the ability to maintain continuity throughout the community. It is critical that a planned roadway system is envisioned prior to development so that it may guide development, rather than the roadway system being implemented in a piecemeal fashion as individual developments are planned and constructed.
Traffic signals may be warranted at additional intersections in Alliance based on projected future traffic volumes. It is important to keep in mind that signalization typically increases overall traffic delay at an intersection and may also increase the accident rate or frequency of certain types of accidents. A thorough traffic signal warrant evaluation, in accordance with the requirements of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) should be conducted prior making decisions regarding future traffic signal needs.
Roundabouts are an excellent alternative to traditional forms of traffic control (i.e., two-way stop, four-way stop, and traffic signals). For similar traffic conditions, roundabouts typically offer greater capacity and substantially fewer accidents. It is recommended that roundabouts be considered, as appropriate, for future intersections where 4-way stop control or signalization is being considered. Roundabouts would likely work well for the volume conditions existing or projected for many intersections in Alliance, although further studies would be required to evaluate deficiencies and improvement opportunities at specific intersection locations.
The City of Alliance and the Nebraska Department of Roads should continue to conduct traffic counts (daily roadway volumes and peak hour intersection turning movement volumes) in Alliance on a regular basis so that accurate traffic count data is available to update traffic signal timing plans and conduct traffic operations and safety studies at key locations, as needed.
Transportation 49 ALLIANCE LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Funding Evaluation
Various federal, state, and local funding sources could be considered for implementation of transportation improvements in Alliance. Possible funding sources are discussed below:
Federal Surface Transportation Program (STP) dollars. This program returns federal gas tax dollars to states on an annual basis. These funds can be used for improvements to any public roadway. The Nebraska Department of Roads allocates these funds to cities and counties and retains some for state use.
State Highway Dollars. The Nebraska Department of Roads collects state gas taxes for funding of improvements to the state highway system. These funds could be used for improvements to state highways in Alliance such as Highways 2, 87 and 385.
Grade-Separation Dollars. The Nebraska Department of Roads collects a train-mile tax from railroads in the state. These funds are used to fund new grade-separation structures.
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Dollars. Railroads such as Burling Northern Santa Fe have provided funding in the past to communities for closing at-grade highway-rail intersections.
State and Federal Airport Dollars: Funding generated from airport use taxes is available for airport maintenance and improvements.
State and Federal Highway Safety Dollars: Funding is available for improvements at hazardous intersection and roadway locations.
Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Dollars. Federal and state funds are frequently set aside for ITS projects to improve traffic and transit operations. These funds are administered by both FHWA and FTA. Some state and local areas have obtained Congressional “earmarks” for specific ITS projects or programs.
Transportation Enhancement Dollars: Federal programs exist for transportation enhancements such as trails.
City Sales or Other Tax Dollars. The City has traditionally used some of its city taxes for transportation maintenance and operational improvements.
Bonding Dollars. Many communities have used bonding to fund transportation improvements. A source of funding to repay the bonds is required.
The number of potential improvement projects likely exceeds the funding that may be available for these improvements. Thus, it is critical that a recommended transportation plan be adopted so that available funding sources can be explored and appropriate projects included in the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and the State’s Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
Transportation 50 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ousing Housing Introduced
The Merriam-Webster To many, houses represent The future growth of Alliance An accurate assessment dictionary defines a house dreams. To others, homes is uniquely intertwined with of existing conditions yields as a, “building that serves as represent their most significant the ability of the community a usable and appropriate living quarters for one or a few investment. While housing forms to provide a diverse supply of housing action plan. This action families.” While this perfunctory vary greatly, the functions of affordable and quality housing. plan will be used to alleviate definition adequately details homes are more consistent. We Every community faces existing issues and proactively and describes a home, a gather, sleep, celebrate, raise different housing challenges. determine future needs. house serves as much more families, mourn, and entertain Assessing local housing than a living quarters. within our homes. Houses are conditions, projecting future not merely walls, windows, housing needs, examining the doors, and rooms. Homes are housing and jobs balance, and places you can truly call your identifying available housing own. programs are key components of the housing chapter.
Housing 1 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Housing Assessed
The Housing Assessed section A housing affordability The outline of the Housing Assessed section includes: of the Housing chapter assessment follows. Alliance • National Housing Trends evaluates housing assessment housing demographics are • Alliance Affordable Housing Inventory information. National, regional, then compared to county • Alliance/Box Butte County/Nebraska Housing Demographics city, and census tract housing and state levels. A peer information is assessed, community comparison looks • Comparable Community Demographics although the emphasis of this to see how Alliance’s housing • Census Tract Demographics section is on local housing characteristics contrast to other • Housing Suitability Analysis data. The Housing Assessed area communities, including section opens with a brief Hemingford, Scottsbluff, review of national housing and Chadron. A detailed trends. Highlights include assessment of Alliance’s a review of how changing housing demographics national demographics affect follows. The Housing Assessed household growth and an section closes with census explanation of how housing tract assessment data, which characteristics and market includes a housing suitability expectations have changed analysis, census tract profiles, over the past four decades. and census tract housing demographic data.
Housing 2 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
National Housing Assessed According to the Joint Center this claim. According to loans are now accounting National housing trends will for Housing Studies of Harvard data obtained in 2002-2003, for a higher percentage of have a significant affect on University approximately the Joint Center estimates mortgages than in previous Alliance’s housing and real 1.37 million new households that 17 percent of first-time years. LoanPerformance, a estate market. This section are formed yearly. Much of homebuyers and 15 percent of leader in providing mortgage of the Housing chapter the household growth can apartment renters were foreign information and analytics, highlights important national be attributed to a large in born. The growth of minority estimates that interest-only housing trends and reveals migration of immigrants. As a households within the United loans represented nearly 20 how changing demographics comparison, approximately States cannot be understated. percent of all mortgage loans are affecting household 12.6 million households have The Joint Center claims that in 2005. been added over the past the large increase of minority growth and homeownership The subprime lending market 10 years. Looking forward, households has prevented rates. Factors that contribute has grown significantly since the Joint Center predicts that the overall total number of to housing affordability 2001. In 2001, subprime loans approximately 14.6 million homeowners under the age of challenges are also discussed. totaled $210 billion. In 2005, households will be created 40 from decreasing. Finally, this section includes subprime loans totaled $625 within the next 10 years. details that describe how Homeownership billion. The benefits of subprime housing characteristics (i.e, Baby boomers are having a Homeownership rates have lending is that it allows size, exterior wall materials, significant affect on the age steadily increased over the households with tarnished number of bathrooms, number distribution of households. past 10 years. Several notable credit histories qualify for of bedrooms) have changed Although the number of trends which have contributed mortgages. Obtaining credit over the years. household heads in their 50s, to the homeownership rate and attaining homeownership Household Growth 60s, and 70s will increase due include mortgage product would be challenging, for Several important to a longer life expectancy, innovation, sub-prime lending these households, without demographic trends over these seniors will not contribute growth, and home equity access to these funds. the next ten years suggest to a net gain in households due gains. However, subprime loans often favorable conditions for the to mortality rates. According have higher interest rates to The mortgage lending industry overall housing industry, which to the Joint Center young cover for anticipated higher has broadened the number includes home builders, real adults (those who are between delinquencies. Home equity of innovative loan packages estate agents, and mortgage the ages of 20 and 39) will helps provide homeowners available to home buyers. lenders. These demographic represent all anticipated with insulation and protection These products offer greater trends include extensive household growth. in the event of a foreclosure. flexibility and are designed to According to the Joint Center, household growth, a shifting Foreign born residents help additional households in 2005 only 3 percent of age structure, and minority represent a significant portion qualify for mortgages. Interest- homeowners had an equity gains. of young adult growth. Recent only loans, payment-option stake of less than 5 percent. housing statistics validate loans, and low-documentation
Housing 3 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Housing Characteristics In 1970 the average square household in 2004 was 2.5 new single-family homes had 1 The National Association of footage of a new single-family persons. If we divide the total ½ bathrooms, 36 percent had Homebuilders indicates that home was 1,500 square feet. number of square feet of a two bathrooms, 33 percent the average square footage of This represents a 52 percent new house in 2004 by the had 2 ½ bathrooms, and 26 a new single-family home has increase in home size since average number of household percent had three bathrooms increased significantly since 1950. The average size of a residents we find that a new or more. 1950. Information obtained household in 1970 was 3.11 home in 2004 averaged 939 from the U.S. Census indicates persons. If we divide the total square feet per person. In 1977, 11 percent of new that the average household number of square feet of a single-family homes had two size has experienced a steady new house in 1970 by the As our homes have grown bedrooms or less, 66 percent decline. Combined, these average number of household larger, so too has our demand had three bedrooms, and 23% factors indicate that the residents, we find that a new for additional bedrooms and had four bedrooms or more. average square footage per house in 1970 averaged 482 bathrooms. The average In 1987, 19 percent of new household person has climbed square feet per person. number of bedrooms and single-family homes had two from 290 square feet per bathrooms has steadily bedrooms or less, 58 percent person in 1950 to 939 square In 1990 the average square increased in new single-family had three bedrooms, and 23 feet per person in 2004. footage of a new single-family homes since 1950. percent had four bedrooms home was 2,080 square feet. or more. In 1997, 13 percent Since 1950, the average square This represents a 38 percent In 1977, 30 percent of new of new single-family homes footage of a new single- increase in home size since single-family homes had 1 ½ had two bedrooms or less, 56 family home has increased by 1970. The average size of a bathrooms or less, 47 percent percent had three bedrooms 1,366 square feet. In 1950, the household in 1990 was 2.63. If had two bathrooms, and 23 or less, and 31 percent had average square footage of a we divide the total number of percent had 2 ½ bathrooms. four bedrooms or more. In new single-family home was square feet of a new house in In 1987, 17 percent of new 2006, 12 percent of new single- 983 square feet. The average 1990 by the average number single-family homes had 1 ½ family homes had 2 bedrooms size of a household in 1950 of household residents we bathrooms, 45 percent had or less, 49 percent had three was 3.38 persons. So, not only find that a new house in 1990 two bathrooms, 26 percent bedrooms, and 39 percent had were houses smaller, but they averaged 790 square feet per had 2 ½ bathrooms, and 12 four bedrooms or more. also contained more residents. person. percent had three bathrooms If we divide the total number or more. In 1997, 9 percent of of square feet of a new 1950 In 2004 the average square new single-family homes had 1 house by the total number footage of a new single-family ½ bathrooms, 41 percent had of household residents, we home was 2,349 square feet. two bathrooms, 33 percent find that a new 1950 house This represents a 12 percent had 2 ½ bathrooms, and 17 averaged 290 square feet per increase in home size since percent had three bathrooms person. 1990. The average size of a or more. In 2006, 5 percent of
Housing 4 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Average House Size Average Number of Bathrooms
1977 1987 1997 2006 Legend 1 ½ baths or less 30% 41% 36% 2 baths The average square footage of a new single-family home. 45% 17% 9% 5% 2 ½ baths 47% 12% 33% 3 baths or more 23% 17% 26% 26% 33%
1950 983 sq. ft. Source: U.S. Census Bureau 290.8 sq. ft. per person Average Number of Bedrooms
1977 1987 1997 2006 Legend 2 bedrooms or less 49% 3 bedrooms 1970 1,500 sq. ft. 66% 19% 56% 13% 12% 11% 58% 4 bedrooms or more 482.3 sq. ft. per person 23% 23% 31% 39%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
1990 2,080 sq. ft. Exterior Wall Material 790.9 sq. ft. per person 1977 1987 1997 2006 Legend 8% Brick 31% 19% Wood 41% 18% 21% 22% 21% Stucco 38% 16% 6% 7% 17% Vinyl siding 11% 18% 12% 15% 9% 36% 2% 30% Aluminum siding 2004 2,349 sq. ft. Other Source: U.S. Census Bureau 939.6 sq. ft. per person
Source: National Association of Home Builders (Housing, Facts, Figures, and Trends for March 2006)
Housing 5 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Affordable Housing Assessed According to the U.S. bracket. This is determined by assume that 20 percent of the household would be worth Department of Housing and comparing the inventory of house purchase price would between $30,000 and $36,000. Urban Development (HUD), available homes for sale by be paid with cash and that the Alliance’s area median income the amount that each income remaining 80 percent would A recent property listing review (AMI) is $50,500. AMI is defined category is able to buy. be financed with a mortgage, indicates that 66 residential by HUD as, “the midpoint in an affordable house for a Low homes were for sale in April the income distribution within The HUD program defines an Income household would be of 2008. The least expensive a specific geographic area. affordable housing allowance worth between $108,000 and home available in Alliance By definition, 50 percent of to be 30 percent of the total $114,000. was $24,900 and the most households earn less than household monthly income. expensive home available the median income, and Therefore, a household A household that earns in Alliance was $299,000. Of 50 percent earn more. AMI that earns Alliance’s AMI between 30 percent and 50 the available inventory, 54 is used to determine the of $50,500 should spend 30 percent of Alliance’s AMI of the 66, or 81.8 percent of eligibility of applicants for both percent or less of its $4,208.33 could qualify for a $54,000 the homes are considered federally and locally funded monthly income ($1,052.08) to $59,000 mortgage. If we affordable for Alliance housing programs.” Alliance on housing. According to Dee assume that 20 percent of the households who earn the households that earn between Lewis, a mortgage broker house purchase price would AMI, 65.2 percent or 43 of 50 percent and 80 percent with TradeWinds Capital, a be paid with cash and that the the homes are considered of the AMI are categorized household that earns $50,500 remaining 80 percent would affordable for Low Income as “low Income,” Alliance a year could qualify for a be financed with a mortgage, Alliance households, 30.3 households that earn between $115,000 to $120,000 mortgage. an affordable house for a Very percent or 20 of the homes 30 percent and 50 percent of If we assume that 20 percent Low Income household would are considered affordable the AMI are categorized “very of the house purchase price be worth between $64,800 and for Very Low Income Alliance low income,” and Alliance would be paid with cash and $70,800. households, and 6.1 percent households that earn 30 that the remaining 80 percent or four of the homes are percent or less of the AMI are would be financed with a A household that earns 30 considered affordable for categorized “extremely low mortgage, an affordable percent of less than Alliance’s Extremely Low Income Alliance income.” house for a household that AMI could qualify for a $25,000 households. earns the AMI is worth between to $30,000 mortgage. If we It should be noted that total The purpose of this assessment $138,000 and $144,000. assume that 20 percent of the “ownership cost” of a house is to first identify the value house purchase price would does include taxes, insurance, of homes each income A household that earns be paid with cash and that the neighborhood association classification is able to afford between 50 percent and 80 remaining 80 percent would dues, etc... Due to major and then determine if the percent of Alliance’s AMI be financed with a mortgage, variability, these factors are not housing availability in Alliance could qualify for a $90,000 an affordable house for included in most affordable is affordable for each income to $95,000 mortgage. If we an Extremely Low Income housing analysis.
Housing 6 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Provision of Affordable Housing H.5
Area Median Income Low Income Very Low Income Extremely Low Income AMI 50% to 80% of AMI 30% to 50% of AMI 30% or less of AMI
Yearly Income $50,500.00 $40,400.00 $25,250.00 $15,150.00
Monthly Income $4,208.33 $3,366.67 $2,104.17 $1,262.50
Affordable Housing Allowance $1,052.08 $841.67 $526.04 $315.63
Available 1-3 Bedroom Units 64 49 23 4
Available 4+ Bedroom Units 7 4 2 0
Available Single Story Units 54 43 18 4
Available Split Level Units 10 5 2 0
Available Two-Story Units 7 5 5 0
Available Single Family Units 62 46 20 3
Available Multi-Family Units 5 4 4 0
Available Townhome / Condo 2 2 0 0 Units
Available Mobile Home Units 2 1 1 1
Housing 7 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Housing Availability (For-Sale) Assessed A stated in the previous section, the intent of the Area Median Income Low Income Very Low Income Extremely Low Income affordable housing assessment AMI 50% to 80% of AMI 30% to 50% of AMI 30% or less of AMI is two-fold; identify the value Yearly Income $50,500.00 $40,400.00 $25,250.00 $15,150.00 of homes each income classification is able to afford Monthly Income $4,208.33 $3,366.67 $2,104.17 $1,262.50 and to determine if the housing availability in Alliance Affordable Housing Allowance $1,052.08 $841.67 $526.04 $315.63 is affordable for each income bracket. This is determined by Available 1-3 Bedroom Units 64 49 23 4 comparing the inventory and price of for-sale and rental Available 4+ Bedroom Units 7 4 2 0 properties available with the monthly housing allowance Available Single Story Units 54 43 18 4 of each income bracket. Through segmentation of the Available Split Level Units 10 5 2 0 housing market into size (# of bedrooms), type, and style a Available Two-Story Units 7 5 5 0 detailed inventory of available and affordable housing within Available Single Family Units 62 46 20 3 each income bracket is created. Available Multi-Family Units 5 4 4 0
Available Townhome / Condo The adjacent graphic provides 2 2 0 0 Units a detailed breakdown of for- sale housing units available to Available Mobile Home Units 2 1 1 1 each income bracket by size, type, and style.
The graphic on the adjacent page provides a similar breakdown for rental properties.
Housing 8 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Housing Availability (Rental) Assessed
Area Median Income Low Income Very Low Income Extremely Low Income H.5 AMI 50% to 80% of AMI 30% to 50% of AMI 30% or less of AMI
Yearly Income $50,500.00 $40,400.00 $25,250.00 $15,150.00
Monthly Income $4,208.33 $3,366.67 $2,104.17 $1,262.50
Affordable Housing Allowance $1,052.08 $841.67 $526.04 $315.63
Available 1-3 Bedroom Units 33 33 26 7
Available 4+ Bedroom Units 2 2 0 0
Available Single Family 20 20 12 0 (House) Units
Available Apartment Units 12 12 12 7
Available Duplex Units 1 1 1 0
Available Townhome Units 0 0 0 0
Available Mobile Home Units 2 2 1 0
Housing 9 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Alliance / Box Butte County / Nebraska Housing Assessed Nebraska Homeownership Rates Source: U.S. Census Bureau 73% The percentage of homeown- ership is identified on the y-axis and the year is identified on 70% the x-axis. Homeownership is 68.4% 67.4% defined as the percentage of 67% 66.4% 66.5% occupied housing units that are occupied by the unit’s 64.8% owner. In 1900 Nebraska’s 64% homeownership rate was 56.8 percent. This means 56.8 61% 60.6% percent of Nebraskans in 1900 59.1% owned a house. Nebraska’s 58% homeownership rate increased 56.8% 57.4% slightly in 1910 but then fell slightly in 1920 and 1930. 55% 54.3% Homeownership in Nebraska reached its lowest level in 1940
H om e o w n e r Ra t e 52% when only 47.1 percent of Nebraskans owned their own home. The homeownership 49% rate has increased significantly 47.1% since 1940 and in 2000 67.4 46% percent of Nebraskans owned their own home. 43%
40% 1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000
Housing 10 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
H.7 Units in Housing Structure Alliance Box Butte County Nebraska Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 The percentage of total hous- 75% ing units is identified on the 71.9% 69.7% y-axis and the type of housing 70% structure is identified on the 66.4% x-axis. The U.S. Census Bureau 65% identifies two primary types of single-family housing units: 60% 1-unit detached and 1-unit attached. The overwhelm- 55% ing majority of housing units in Alliance, Box Butte County, 50% and Nebraska are single- family 1-unit detached hous- ing structures. Approximately 45% 66 percent of housing units in Alliance, 69 percent of housing 40% units in Box Butte County, and 71 percent of housing units in 35% Nebraska are defined as 1-unit detached housing structures. 30% The percentage of multi-family units, which are grouped by 25% size, are relatively consistent in Alliance, Box Butte County, P e r c e n t a g e o f T o t a l H o u s i n g U n i t s 20% and Nebraska. Approximately 9 percent of Alliance’s to- 15% tal housing units are mobile 11.4% homes. Alliance contains 10% 9.4% nearly twice the percentage of 5.2% 6.1% 4.9% 4.5% 4.9% 5.1% mobile homes than the state of 5% 3.7% 4% 3.8% 4.1% 3.6% 3% 3.5% 3% 2.9% 2.6% 2.6% 2% Nebraska. 1.5% 0.1% 0% 1-unit 1-unit 20 or more Boat, RV, 2 units 3 or 4 units 5 to 9 units 10 to 19 units Mobile home detached attached units van, etc S i n g l e – F a m i l y M u l t i – F a m i l y
T y p e o f H o u s i n g U n i t
Housing 11 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
H.8 Year Built Alliance Box Butte County Nebraska Source: U.S. Census Bureau The y-axis identifies the per- 30% centage of total housing units 28.9% and the x-axis lists eight date 27.7% ranges. Alliance’s largest 28% housing construction boom occurred between 1970 and 26% 25.3% 25.6%
1979. The homes constructed 24.5% during this time period account 24% 23.9% for 28.9% of Alliance’s housing 22.7% stock. Older homes (those that 22% were constructed in 1939 or earlier) account for 24.5 per- 20% cent of Alliance’s total housing 18.9% stock. This means that nearly 18.6% one-fourth of Alliance’s homes 18% are at least 69 years old. New home construction has waned 16% since 1989. Homes constructed between 1990 and March of 14% 2000 represent only 6.8 percent 13.4% of Alliance’s housings stock. 12% Comparatively, Alliance’s 10.3% home construction patterns 9.5% are fairly similar to both Box 10% Butte County and Nebraska. 8.5% The notable exception to this s t i n U g n i s u o H l a t o T f o e g a t n e c r e P 8% 7.5% 7.7% is that Alliance and Box Butte 6.2%
County have lagged behind 6% 5.4% Nebraska in the percentage of total housing units constructed 4% 3.5% 3.6% between 1990 and March of
2000. 2% 2% 1.6% 1.7% 1.7% 1.5%
0% 1939 or earlier 1940 to 1959 1960 to 1969 1970 to 1979 1980 to 1989 1990 to 1994 1995 to 1998 1999 to 3/2000
Housing 12 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
H.9 Monthly Owner Costs 1,200 The percentage of owner-oc- 1,075 cupied housing units is identi- 1,000 fied on the y-axis and seven monthly mortgage home own- er cost ranges are depicted on 800 the x-axis. Nearly 22 percent of Alliance home owners with a 600 mortgage spend $700 to $999 per month on household own- 390 ership costs, about 14 percent 400 spend $500 to $699 per month 243 183 on household ownership costs, 200 116 and 8 percent spend $300 to 82 $499 per month on household ownership costs. Nearly 13 per- 0 < 15% 15% to 19% 20% to 24% 25% to 29% 30% to 34% 35 % or more cent of Alliance home owners with a mortgage spend $1,000 to $1,499 on household owner- ship costs. Comparatively, over 17 percent of Nebraska home owners with a mortgage spend $1,000 to $1,499 a month on household ownership costs. The percentage of Alliance home owners with a mortgage who spend $1,500 to $1,999 on household ownership costs (2.1 percent), is significantly lower than the Nebraska average (5.2 percent).
Housing 13 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
H.10 Monthly Rental Costs Alliance Box Butte County Nebraska Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 The percentage of rental-oc- 65% cupied housing units is de- picted on the y-axis and seven monthly rental cost ranges are 60% depicted on the x-axis. Nearly 47 percent of Alliance renters 55% spend $300 to $499 per month on housing costs, 23.3 percent spend $500 to $749 per month 50% on housing costs, and 12.7 46.8% percent spend $200 to $299 45% 44.7% per month on housing costs. Box Butte County’s monthly rental cost breakdown is similar 40% to Alliance’s. However, signifi- cant differences exist between 35% 34.6% the rental cost range percent- 32.9% ages between Alliance and the state of Nebraska aver- 30% ages. The monthly rental cost range of $750 to $999 offers the 25% 23.3% most striking difference. Only 22.7% 1.3 percent of Alliance renters 20% pay $750 to $999 per month on housing costs. Comparatively, 8.3 percent of Nebraska renters 15%
P e r c e n t a g e o f R e n t a l – O cc u p i e d U ni t s 12.7% spend $750 to $999 per month 12.6% on housing costs. 10% 8.3% 7.7% 8.4% 8.1% 6% 5% 2.8%
1.4% 1.5% 1.3% 0.6% 0.5% 1.3% 1% 0% Less than $200 $300 $500 $750 $1,000 $1,500 $200 to $299 to $499 to $749 to $999 to $1,499 or more M o n t h l y R e n t a l C o s t s
Housing 14 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
H.12 Tenure By Household Size Owner-Occupied Housing Units Alliance Box Butte County Nebraska Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 39% The percentage of owner- 37.7% occupied housing units is 37.4% depicted on the y-axis and 36% 35.3% seven household sizes are de- picted on the x-axis. Approxi- 33% mately 35 percent of Alliance’s owner-occupied housing units are inhabited by two-person 30% households, 21.6 percent of Alliance owner-occupied 27% housing units are inhabited by one-person households, and 16.8 percent of Alliance 24% owner-occupied housing units 21.6% are inhabited by three-person 21% 20.7%20.9% households. Only 7 percent of Alliance’s owner-occupied 18% housing units are inhabited 16.8% 16.2% 16% by five-person households, 2.3 15.3% 15.4% 15.1% percent of owner-occupied 15% housing units are inhabited by six-person households, and less 12% than one percent (0.9%) of Alli- ance owner-occupied housing units are inhabited by seven-or- 9% more person households. When 7% 7% 7.3% we compare Alliance’s tenure 6% of owner-occupied housing Pc e rn t a go ef O w n e r – O c c u p i e d H o u s i n g U n i t s units by household size to Box 3% 2.4% Butte County and the state 2.3% 2.3% 1.1% 1.2% of Nebraska, we find that the 0.9% statistics are very similar. 0% 1-person 2-person 3-person 4-person 5-person 6-person 7-or-more person household household household household household household household H o u s e h o l d S i z e
Housing 15 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
H.13 Tenure by Household Size Renter Occupied Housing Units Alliance Box Butte County Nebraska Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 52% This graph identifies the tenure of renter-occupied housing units by household size in Alli- 48% ance, Box Butte County, and 46.2% the state of Nebraska. The per- 44% 43.5% centage of renter-occupied 41.4% housing units is depicted on the y-axis and seven house- 40% hold sizes are depicted on the x-axis. Alliance is depicted in 36% dark blue, Box Butte County is depicted in yellow, and Nebraska is depicted in light 32% blue. With 46.2 percent of the renter-occupied housing units, 28% 27.2% one-person households occupy the highest percentage of 23.6% 24% renter- occupied housing in Al- 24% liance. The two-person house- hold size contains the second 20% highest percentage of renters in Alliance. This group occu- 16% pies 23.6 percent of Alliance’s 14.1%13.9% 14% renter-occupied housing units.
When we compare Alliance’s 12% 11% 9.6% tenure of renter-occupied 9.1% housing units by housing size to 8% Box Butte County and the state P e r c e n t a g e o f R e n t e r – O c c u p i e d H o u s i n g U n i t s of Nebraska, we find that the 4.8% 4.9% 4.9% statistics are very similar. 4% 1.4% 1.9% 1.2% 0.9% 1.2% 1.1% 0% 1-person 2-person 3-person 4-person 5-person 6-person 7-or-more person household household household household household household household H o u s e h o l d S i z e
Housing 16 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
H.14 Building Permits This graph depicts the break- Single Family Multi Family Commercial Source: City of Alliance 10 down of building permits granted in Alliance between 2000 and 2007. Single family 9 permits are displayed in dark blue, multi-family permits are 8 displayed in yellow, and com- mercial permits are displayed 7 7 in light blue. The number of single family permits peaked 6 6 in 2007 when six were granted. 6 The number of multi-family permits peaked in 2004 when 5 seven were granted. The number of commercial permits 4 4 4 peaked in 2001 when two were granted. 3 3 N u m b e r o f P e r m i t s I s u e d 2 2 2 2 2 2
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Housing 17 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
H.15 Home Value Alliance Box Butte County Nebraska Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 The y-axis identifies the 65% percentage of total housing units and the x-axis lists eight price ranges. More than 3/4 60% of Alliance homes are worth 56.3% less than $100,000. Sixteen 55% 53.8% point two percent of Alliance’s homes are worth between 50% $100,000 and $149,999 and 4.3 percent of Alliance homes 45% are worth between $150,000 42.8% and $199,999. Comparatively, the value of Box Butte County 40% homes is similar and consistent with Alliance home values. 35% There are small discrepancies in value between Alliance 30% homes and Nebraska homes. Nearly 1/4 of Nebraska homes 25% are worth between $100,000 23.4% 23.4% 21.9% and $149,999. Only 16.2 percent of Alliance homes are 20% 18.6% 16.9% worth between $100,000 and 16.2%
$149,999. Another notable P e r c e n t a g e of T o t a l Ho u s in g U n i t s 15% difference exists within the $200,000 to $299,999 price 10% range. The median value of an 8.3% existing single family home is 4.9% $72,700, $71,700, and $88,000 5% 4.3% 4.3% 1.6% for Alliance, Box Butte County, 1% 1.2% 0.4% 0.3% 0.3% 0.1% and Nebraska respectively. 0% Less than $50,000 $100,000 $150,000 $200,000 $300,000 $500,000 $1,000,000 $50,000 to $99,999 to $149,999 to $199,999 to $299,999 to $499,999 to $999,999 or more V a l u e o f H o m e
Housing 18 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
H.16 Tenure by Age of Owner Oc- cupied Housing Units Alliance Box Butte County Nebraska Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 28% This graph identifies the tenure of owner-occupied housing units by age of householder 26% 25.4% 25.3% in Alliance, Box Butte County, and the state of Nebraska. 24% 23.7% 23.7% The percentage of owner- 22.5% 22.4% occupied housing units is 22% depicted on the y-axis and age cohorts are depicted on the x-axis. Alliance is 20% depicted in dark blue, Box Butte County is depicted 18% in yellow, and Nebraska is depicted in light blue. With 16% 25.4 percent of the owner 15.2% occupied housing units, the 45 14% to 54 age cohort occupies the 13.4% 13.5% 12.7% 12.7% highest percentage of owner 12.1% occupied housing in Alliance. 12% 11.9% The 35 to 44 age cohort 10.8% 10% 10% 9.9% contains the second highest 10% 9.7% percentage of home owners in Alliance. This group occupies 8% 23.7 percent of Alliance’s owner occupied housing units. The tenure by age allocation 6%
breakdown is consistent across P e r c e n t a g e o f nwO re – O c c u p i e d H o u s i gn U n i t s Alliance, Box Butte County, 4% 3.2% and the state of Nebraska. 2.4% 2.9% 3% Only minor discrepancies exist. 2% 2% 1.5%
0% 85 years 15 to 24 years 25 to 34 years 35 to 44 years 45 to 54 years 55 to 64 years 65 to 74 years 75 to 84 years and over A g e o f H o u s e h o l d e r
Housing 19 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
H.17 Tenure by Age of Renter Occu- pied Housing Units Alliance Box Butte County Nebraska Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 28% This graph identifies the tenure 27.5% of renter-occupied housing units by age of householder 26% in Alliance, Box Butte County, and the state of Nebraska. The 24% 23.2% percentage of renter-occupied 22.9% housing units is depicted 22% on the y-axis and eight 21.4% age cohorts are contained 20.5% 20.3% on the x-axis. Alliance is 20% depicted in dark blue, Box 18% Butte County is depicted 18% in yellow, and Nebraska is depicted in light blue. With 16% 16% 15.9% 23.2 percent of the renter- 15.4% occupied housing units, the 14.1% 14% 25 to 34 age cohort occupies 13% the highest percentage of renter-occupied housing in 12% Alliance. The 35 to 44 age cohort contains the second 10% highest percentage of renters in Alliance. This group occupies 8.1% 8% 7.5% 7.4% 20.5 percent of Alliance’s 6.7% 7.1% renter-occupied housing 6% 6% 5.5% 5.7% units. The tenure by age of 5.6% 4.8% renter-occupied housing units s t i n U g n i s u o H d e i p u cc – O r e t n e R f o e g a t n ec r e P 4.2% 4% allocation breakdown is fairly 3.2% consistent across Alliance, Box Butte County, and the 2% state of Nebraska. Only minor discrepancies exist. 0% 85 years 15 to 24 years 25 to 34 years 35 to 44 years 45 to 54 years 55 to 64 years 65 to 74 years 75 to 84 years and over A g e o f H o u s e h o l d e r
Housing 20 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Comparable Communities Assessed Newly Authorized Housing Units (2005) H.18 The y-axis displays the number authorized zero housing units 22 of authorized housing units in 2005, Scottsbluff authorized permitted in 2005 and the 19 housing units in 2005, and 20 x-axis contains the names of Chadron authorized 6 housing 19 the comparable communities. permits in 2005. Alliance authorized 2 housing 18 units in 2005, Hemingford
16
14
12
10 z e d H o u s i n g U n i t s ( 2 0 0 5 ) 8
6 6
4 N e w l y A u t h o r i 2 2
0 0 Alliance Hemingford Scottsbluff Chadron
Source: DataPlace
Housing 21 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Homeowner Vacancy Rate H.19 The y-axis displays the homeowner vacancy rate 3.9% homeowner vacancy rate than the state of Nebraska, and the x-axis contains the which has a homeowner 3.6% names of the comparable vacancy rate of 2.1 percent. communities. The U.S. Census Comparatively, Hemingford Bureau defines the homeowner has a homeowner vacancy 3.3% vacancy rate as, “the number rate of 2.9 percent, Scottsbluff of vacant housing units has a homeowner vacancy 3.0% 2.9% offered for sale only divided rate of 2.7 percent, and 2.7% by the total number of owner Chadron has a homeowner 2.7% housing units, expressed as a vacancy rate of 0 percent. Of percentage. The numerator the comparable communities, does not include vacant units Hemingford has the highest 2.4% 2.3% that are offered either for rent homeowner vacancy rate (2.9 2.1% or sale.” With a homeowner percent) and Chadron has the 2.1% 2.0% vacancy rate of 2.3 percent, lowest homeowner vacancy Alliance has a slightly higher rate (0 percent). 1.8%
1.5%
1.2% H o m e o w n e r V a c a n c y R a t e t a R y c n a c a V r e n w o e m o H
0.9%
0.6%
0.3%
0% Alliance Hemingford Scottsbluff Chadron Nebraska
Source: DataPlace
Housing 22 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Rental Vacancy Rate The y-axis displays the rental rate of 17.3 percent, Alliance 19% vacancy rate and the x-axis has a significantly higher rental contains the names of the vacancy rate than the state of 18% comparable communities. Nebraska, which has a rental 17.3% The University of New Mexico vacancy rate of 7.8 percent. defines the rental vacancy Comparatively, Hemingford 17% rate as, “the percentage has a rental vacancy rate of 16% relationship of the number 16 percent, Scottsbluff has 16% of vacant units for rent to a rental vacancy rate of 7.2 the total rental inventory. percent, and Chadron has a 15% It is computed by dividing rental vacancy rate of 13.1 the number of vacant units percent. Of the comparable for rent by the sum of the communities, Alliance has the 14% renter-occupied units and the highest rental vacancy rate 13.1% number of vacant units for (17.3 percent) and Scottsbluff 13% rent.” With a rental vacancy has the lowest rental vacancy rate (7.2 percent). 12%
11% R e n t a l a V n a c c y R a t e 10%
9%
8.1% 8% 7.2% 7%
6% Alliance Hemingford Scottsbluff Chadron Nebraska Source: DataPlace
Housing 23 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Homeownership Rate a homeownership rate of H.21 The y-axis displays the 69 percent, Alliance has a 70.0% homeownership rate and the higher homeownership rate x-axis contains the names of than the state of Nebraska, the comparable communities. which has a homeownership 69.5% The homeownership rate is rate of 67 percent. defined by the U.S. Census Comparatively, Hemingford 69.0% Bureau as, “the proportion has a homeownership rate of households that own their of 73 percent, Scottsbluff has 68.5% housing units. The rate is a homeownership rate of 58 calculated by dividing the percent, and Chadron has 68.05% 67.98% number of households that a homeownership rate of 57 68.0% are owners (owner-occupied percent. Of the comparable housing units) by the total communities, Chardon has the 67.5% number of households (total lowest homeownership rate (57 occupied housing units). percent) and Hemingford has The owner or co-owner the highest homeownership 67.0% must live in the unit.” With rate (73 percent). e t Ra p i h s r e n w O e m o H 66.5%
66.0%
65.5% 2000 2007
Housing 24 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Percent of Housing Built Before 1970 H.22 percent of Scottsbluff’s housing 67% The y-axis displays the 66.7% percentage of housing units units were built before 1970, built before 1970 and the and 64.3 percent of Chadron’s 66% x-axis contains the names of housing units were built before the comparable communities. 1970. Of the comparable 65% With 55.8 percent of its homes communities, Scottsbluff has built prior to 1970, Alliance’s the highest percentage of 64.3% housing stock is slightly younger housing units built before 1970 64% 63.5% than Nebraska’s housing stock. (66.7 percent) and Alliance has the lowest percentage of Comparatively, 63.5 percent 63% of Hemingford’s housing units housing units built before 1970 were built before 1970, 66.7 (55.8 percent). 62%
61%
60%
59%
58%
57% P e r c e n t a g e o f H o u s i n g B u i l t B e f o r e 1 9 7 0 56% 55.8%
55%
54.2% 54% Alliance Hemingford Scottsbluff Chadron Nebraska
Source: DataPlace
Housing 25 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Average Home Loan Amount H.23 The y-axis displays the average average house loan amount $90,000 house loan amount and the in Chardon is $84,750. Of the x-axis contains the names of comparable communities, $88,000 the comparable communities. Alliance has the lowest With an average house average house loan amount loan amount of $70,343, the ($70,343) and Chardon has the $86,000 average house loan amount highest average house loan $84,750 in Alliance is lower than the amount ($84,750). $84,000 state of Nebraska average of $108,982. Comparatively, the average house loan amount $82,000 in Scottsbluff is $73,537 and the $80,000
$78,000
$76,000
$74,000 $73,537
$72,000 $70,343 $70,000 A v e a r g e o H u s e L o n a A m o n u t ( 0 0 2 5 )
$68,000
$66,000
N/A $64,000 Alliance Hemingford Scottsbluff Chadron
Source: DataPlace
Housing 26 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Percentage of Households with Cost Burden H.24 The y-axis displays the Comparatively, 35.6 percent 56% percentage of households of Hemingford households with a cost burden and the have a housing cost burden, 54% 53.7% x-axis contains the names of 47.6 percent of Scottsbluff the comparable communities. households have a housing 52% The U.S. Census Bureau states, cost burden, and 53.7 percent “A household has a housing of Chadron households have cost burden if it spends 30 a housing cost burden. Of the 50% percent or more of its income comparable communities, on housing costs.” In Alliance, Hemingford has the lowest 48% 47.6% 41.7 percent of the households percentage of households have a housing cost burden. with a housing cost burden This means that over 1/3 of all (35.6 percent) and Chadron 46% Alliance households spend has the highest percentage of 30 percent or more of their households with a housing cost 44% income on housing costs. burden (53.7 percent). 42% 41.7%
40%
38%
36% 35.6%
P e r c e n t a g e o f H o u s e h o l d s w i t h C o s t B u r d e n 34%
32%
30% Alliance Hemingford Scottsbluff Chadron
Source: DataPlace
Housing 27 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Percent of Households with H.25 Severe Cost Burden less than the Nebraskan 28% The y-axis displays the state average of 18 percent. percentage of households Comparatively, 18.6 percent 27% with a severe cost burden of Hemingford households 26.3% and the x-axis contains the have a severe housing cost 26% names of the comparable burden, 22.3 percent of communities. The U.S. Census Scottsbluff households have a Bureau states, “A household severe housing cost burden, 25% has a severe housing cost and 26.3 percent of Chadron burden if it spends 50 percent households have a severe 24% or more of its income on housing cost burden. Of the housing.” Seventeen percent comparable communities, of Alliance’s households Alliance has the lowest 23% have a severe housing cost percentage of households with 22.3% burden. Alliance’s percentage a severe housing cost burden 22% of households with a severe (17 percent) and Chadron housing cost burden is slightly has the highest percentage 21% of households with a severe housing cost burden (26.3 percent). 20%
19% 18.6%
18%
17% 17% P e r c e n t a eg o f H o su e oh l sd w i t h S e ev er C o s t B u r ed n 16%
15% Alliance Hemingford Scottsbluff Chadron
Source: DataPlace
Housing 28 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Percent of New Loans by Sub- H.26 prime Lender 15% The y-axis displays the Alliance has a slightly higher percentage of new loans by subprime lending percentage subprime lenders and the x-axis than the state of Nebraska. 14% contains the names of the Comparatively, 12.2 percent 13% comparable communities. The of new loans were financed by 13% U. S. Department of Housing subprime lenders in Scottsbluff, 12.2% and Urban Development and 4 percent of new loans 12% describes subprime lending were financed by subprime as, “…loans for persons with lenders in Chadron. Of the blemished or limited credit comparable communities, 11% histories. The loans carry a Alliance has the highest higher rate of interest than percentage of new loans 10% prime loans to compensate financed by subprime lenders for increased credit risk.” (13 percent) and Chadron has With 13 percent of new loans the lowest percentage of new 9% financed by subprime lenders, loans financed by subprime lenders (4 percent). 8%
7%
6%
5%
4% 4% P e r c e n t o f N e w L o a n s b y S u b p r i m e L e n d e r ( 2 0 0 4 ) 4 0 0 2 ( r e d n e L e m i r p b u S y b s n a o L w e N f o t n e c r e P 3%
N/A 2% Alliance Hemingford Scottsbluff Chadron
Source: DataPlace
Housing 29 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Percent of Refinancing by Sub- H.27 prime Lender in Chadron were financed 39% The y-axis displays the by subprime lenders. Of the percentage of refinanced comparable communities, 36% loans by a subprime lender Alliance has the highest and the x-axis contains the percentage of refinancing by 33% names of the comparable subprime lenders (30.3 percent) communities. With 30.3 percent and Chadron has the lowest 30.3% of refinanced loans by a percentage of refinancing 30% subprime lender, Alliance has by subprime lenders (17.6 a higher subprime refinancing percent). 27% percentage than the state of Nebraska. Comparatively, 21 percent of refinanced loans 24% in Scottsbluff were financed 21% by subprime lenders and 17.6 21% percent of refinanced loans 18% 17.6%
15%
12%
9%
6% P e r c e n t o f R e f i n a n c i n g b y S u b p r I m e L e n d e r ( 2 0 0 4 ) 4 0 0 2 ( r e d n e L e m I r p b u S y b g n i c n a n i f e R f o t n e c r e P 3%
N/A 0% Alliance Hemingford Scottsbluff Chadron
Source: DataPlace
Housing 30 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Alliance Census Tracts Assessed
Census Tract 9512 Profile Census Tract 9512 Map H.a Census Tract 9512 encompass- es much of northern Alliance. The tract is generally bounded by 10th Street on the south, and the city limits on the east, west, and north. While census tract 9512 is much larger than 25th Street the area included within Alli- ance city limits, nearly 1,150 acres of the census tract are within the city boundaries. The tract has a residential housing density of 1.96 dwelling units 18th Street per acre. Tract 9512 has the 16th highest rental vacancy rate of any census tract in Ne- braska.
Issues and concerns in tract 9512 include a high percent- age of households with a 10th Street Street Flack housing cost burden or severe housing cost burden. The tract is also very racially homog- enous.
The census tract does have a higher than average median household income and a low homeowner vacancy rate. [ Also, the tract includes several community parks, recreational facilities, and schools.
Housing 31 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Census Tract 9513 Profile Census Tract 9513 Map H.b Census Tract 9513 includes much of southern Alliance. The 10th Street tract is generally bounded by Street Flack 10th Street on the north, High-
way 38 on the west, Kansas 38 Highway Street on the south, and the city limits on the east. Census tract 9513 is also much larger than the area included within Alliance city limits. About 1860 acres of tract 9513 fall within Alliance city limits. The tract has a residential housing density Kansas Street of 1.1 dwelling units per acre. Tract 9513 ranks 46th highest on percentage of Hispanic/Latino population of any census tract in Nebraska.
Issues and concerns in tract 9513 include a lower than average median household income, high poverty rate, and a significant number of hous- ing structures built before 1970. Also, the tract has very high percentages of households with a housing cost burden or a severe housing cost burden.
The census tract includes [ several community parks and schools. Also, the tract includes a police and fire station.
Housing 32 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Total Population This map depicts the total has 4,529 persons. While tract population by census tract 9512 is smaller in size (acres), for both tracts within the City it contains more housing units of Alliance corporate limits. and a greater housing density. Total population is the number Another factor that may affect of person living within each total population is existing census tract. land use. The primary land use within tract 9512 is residential, Tract 9512 With a total population of 5,019 while tract 9513 includes 5,019 Persons persons, census tract 9512 has a considerable amount of a slightly higher population commercial development. of census tract 9513, which
Tract 9513 4,529 Persons
Total Population 9512 5,019 Persons
9513 4,529 Persons
*The Total Population for the City of Alliance is 8,950 Perons*
Housing 33 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Percent Caucasian This map depicts the Tract 9513, 80.4 percent percentage of individuals who Caucasian, is the more racially selected Caucasian (White) diverse of the two census tracts as their basic race category within Alliance. Tract 9512 on the 2000 Census form. The is 91.8 percent Caucasian. concept of race, as used in The state of Nebraska is 87.4 the decennial census, reflects percent Caucasian and the self-identification by people City of Alliance is 86 percent Tract 9512 according to the race or races Caucasian. 91.8% with which they most closely identify.
Tract 9513 80.4%
Percent Caucasian 9512 91.8%
9513 80.4%
*The City of Alliance is 86% Caucasian*
Housing 34 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Median Household Income This map depicts Median The City of Alliance does have Household Income for each a significant disparity in median census tract within the City of household income between Alliance. In decennial cen- the two census tracts. Census sus data, household income tract 9512 has a median house- includes the income of the hold income of $42,454, nearly householder and all other indi- 15% higher than census tract 9513. Census tract 9513 has a viduals 15 years old and older Tract 9512 in the household, whether they median household income of $42,454 are related to the householder $37,115. or not. This statistical may indicate or influence available housing types within each cen- sus tract.
Tract 9513 $37,115
Median Household Income 9512 $42,454
9513 $37,115
*The City of Alliance has a Median Household Income of $39,408*
Housing 35 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Total Housing Units This map depicts the total Census tract 9512 has 2,257 number of housing units found units, while census tract within each census tract. Total 9513 has 2,048 units. Total housing units is a measure of housing units is the common all total individual living units denominator in determining within the census tract. This persons per household. Tract statistical measure is also used 9512 has an average of 2.23 persons per household. Tract in determining housing density Tract 9512 and persons per household 9513 has an average of 2.21 2,257 Units within each tract. persons per household.
Tract 9513 2,048 Units
Total Housing Units 9512 2,257 Units
9513 2,048 Units
*The City of Alliance has 4,050 Total Housing Units*
Housing 36 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Vacancy Rate This map depicts vacancy The national vacancy rate rate as a percentage within is 9 percent and the state of each census tract. Vacancy Nebraska vacancy rate is 7.8 rate measures total vacant percent. Both census tracts housing units as a percent of within the City of Alliance have total housing units within each comparably high vacancy census tract. The housing rate. Tract 9512 has a 12 vacancy rate is the proportion percent vacancy rate, while Tract 9512 of housing inventory that is tract 9513 has a 12.1 percent 12% available for “sale” or “rent.” vacancy rate. Of the 4,050 This statistical measure is a housing units in the City of common indicator in available Alliance, nearly 506 units are housing and housing market currently vacant. viability. High vacancy can have adverse economic Tract 9513 impacts on communities. 12.1%
Housing Vacancy Rate 9512 12%
9513 12.1%
*The City of Alliance has a 12.5% Vacancy Rate*
Housing 37 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Homeownership Rate This map depicts the Hom- Both census tracts within the eownership Rate as a percent- city have homeownership age found within each census rates above 68 percent. Com- tract. The homeownership parably, homeownership rate rate is owner-occupied hous- in both census tracts is higher ing units as a percent of total than the national and state occupied housing units. Ho- average. meownership rate is a strong Tract 9512 indicator of community and 68.9% housing sustainability. Increas- ing homeownership is a priority in all communities nationwide.
Tract 9513 68.6%
Homeownership Rate 9512 68.9%
9513 68.6%
*The City of Alliance has a 68.7% Homeownership Rate*
Housing 38 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Housing Units Built Before 1970 This map depicts the percent consistent with county and of housing units built before state averages, but higher 1970 within each census tract. than the national average. “Year Structure Built” is a cen- However, disparity in this cat- sus statistical category that re- egory between the two census fers to when a building was first tracts is significant. In census constructed, not remodeled, tract 9513, 71.4 percent of the expanded, or converted. This housing units were built before Tract 9512 statistical measure is a housing 1970. In census tract 9512, only 41.5% sustainability indicator. 41.5 percent of the housing units were built before 1970. It Within the entire City of Al- is important to recognize that liance, 55.8 percent of the housing age is not necessarily housing units were built prior to an indicator of housing quality. 1970. This percentage is very Tract 9513 71.4%
Percent of Homes Built Before 1970 9512 41.5%
9513 71.4%
*55.8% of homes in The City of Alliance were built before 1970*
Housing 39 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Households with Cost Burden This map depicts the More than 40 percent of percentage of households that households in the City of have a “housing cost burden.” Alliance qualify as cost burden If a household spends 30% or households. This is less than more of its income on housing the national average of 51%, cost, they are considered to but great than the state have a housing cost burden. average of 40 percent. In Only households whose income census tract 9512, 38.6 percent Tract 9512 is 0-80 of the area median of households qualify as cost 38.6% income are considered. This burden households. In census statistical measure is a housing tract 9513 45.5 percent of sustainability indicator. households are cost burden households.
Tract 9513 45.5%
Percent of Households with Cost Burden 9512 38.6%
9513 45.5%
*41.7% of households in The City of Alliance qualify as Cost Burden Households*
Housing 40 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Households with Severe Cost Burden This map depicts the Within the entire City of percentage of households Alliance, 17% of households that have a “severe cost qualify as severe cost burden burden,” within each census households. This is lower than tract. If a household spends 50 both the national and state percent or more of its income average. However, there is a on housing cost, they are significant disparity between Tract 9512 considered to have a housing the two census tracts. In 13.1% cost burden. Only households tract 9512, 13.1 percent of whose income is 0-80 percent households qualify as severe of area median income are cost burden households. In considered. This statistical tract 9513, 23.8 percent of housing measure is a housing households qualify as severe sustainability indicator. cost burden households. Tract 9513 23.8%
Percent of Households with Severe Cost Burden 9512 13.1%
9513 23.8%
*17.0% of households in The City of Alliance qualify as Severe Cost Burden Households*
Housing 41 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Housing Enriched
Objective OBJECTIVE STRATEGIES # Primary Strategies Secondary Strategies Identify achievable Work with local banks, homeownership rate for 2010 developers, and builders to Create a city-initiated housing establish a cooperative first- program to acquire, 1 Increase Homeownership rate every five years. time buyer program rehabilitate, and distribute Develop a housing vacant or deteriorated rehabilitation sub-committee housing Work with BBDC and BNSF to Develop a host a “rental develop a catalog of property” management available rental units workshop to educate throughout the community 2 Reduce the vacancy rate of rental housing. property managers about Circulate rental properties appearance and upkeep catalog to all BNSF employees during high vacancy periods and surrounding communities
Identify potential housing Initiate a city housing project Stabilize housing inequalities between northern amenity “areas” such as by location (southside) to 3 parks, trails, and public ensure continued and equal Alliance and southern Alliance. services on the south side of attention to housing issues in Alliance all parts of the community
Develop a mixed use Housing Action Plan Review zoning code to ensure “curriculum” to educate Encourage mixed used development in residential the allowance of mixed use citizens on the advantages of development in 4 zoning districts as a means to encouraging a variety mixed use development predominantly residential of housing types and styles. (connectivity, activity centers, areas walkable, tax efficient, etc…)
Develop a concept plan for Yearly review by housing Provide all types of housing including duplexes, the rehabilitation of the Good committee of Area Median 5 Samaritan Village Income vs. available housing townhomes, and assisted / senior living units. Create a Housing as a tool to monitor available Implementation Committee housing to all income groups
Housing 42 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Objective OBJECTIVE STRATEGIES # Primary Strategies Secondary Strategies Develop and distribute survey Work with a local r developer to existing and incoming BNSF to build one loft-style “model” employees about alternative for public viewing 1 Increase marketability of Downtown Neighborhood. (loft, studio) living options in Organize a community wide Downtown event in downtown that Work with BBDC to develop a highlights the advantages of “downtown living” newsletter downtown living Work with BBDC to generate an amenity guide for the Continue to acquire property neighborhood that highlights Increase marketability of the Northside and extend trail system into the library, pool, high school, 2 the northern neighborhoods Neighborhood. and parks Distribute guide to local realtors and property owners Acquire property for Identify “prime” southward extension of the redevelopment areas of community trail system vacant lots and / or Develop educational 3 Increase marketability of Southside Neighborhood. deteriorated and abandoned “workshop” on property housing units in a catalog for maintenance and pride of distribution ownership Develop a concept and Work with landowners to development plan for the promote available land for gateway areas as identified in Increase marketability of West Gateway new residential development the future land use map 4 Work to connect Hal Murray Neighborhood. Promote diversification of
Housing Action Plan Action Housing complex to greater housing style within the community trail system neighborhood Explore possible annexation of Develop a concept plan for the golf course / airport area Increase marketability of East Gateway the rehabilitation of the Good for new residential 5 Samaritan Village development Neighborhood. Work with landowners to Develop an entryway promote available land concept plan for the gateway Explore the possibility of Review zoning code to allow extending community trail for residential adaptive system east and west Increase marketability of Central Core redevelopment Work with BBDC and BNSF on 6 Promote central location and Neighborhood. identifying available rental proximity to schools, parks, and for sale properties for downtown, library, and pool railroad employees
Housing 43 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN eighborhoods Neighborhoods Introduced
Communities are essentially a of place, pride of community, ages and socioeconomic lev- and restoration of environ- collection of neighborhoods. A opportunity for social interac- els. These neighborhoods are mental resources also provide neighborhood can be defined tion, and recognizable com- also successful because they more value for residents. Public as a network of individuals, munity character. Existent and contain ample open space spaces or civic buildings like families, and households that functional neighborhoods cre- and are located on intercon- libraries, schools, community share several characteristics. ate stronger communities with nected and pedestrian-friendly activity centers, or post of- These include geographic distinct character. streets. fices can give the neighbor- location, cultural dynamics, hood definition and character. activity patterns, organizational Successful neighborhoods can The fabric and composition of Interconnected streets with relationships (HOA), jurisdic- be defined by the diversity of today’s neighborhoods contain attractive landscapes provide tional boundaries (voting housing types, styles, and price different characteristics than pedestrians with an inviting and wards), social interests, public ranges. Many communities neighborhoods of the past. pleasant streetscape. Success- facilities and services, schools have established neighbor- However, successful neighbor- ful neighborhoods also include and parks. Neighborhoods are hoods located near the original hoods of any era commonly ample green spaces. Green the social foundations of every downtown. As a result, these include a variety of consis- spaces include block parks, community. The social fabric neighborhoods are built upon tent themes. Rich and diverse school playgrounds, biking of all communities is directly the existing grid street pattern. neighborhoods result from trails, and linear trails. Ideally, intertwined and dependent These classic neighborhoods the preservation, restoration, these green spaces connect upon neighborhood strength are successful because they of- and use of historic and clas- and link neighborhoods to- and vitality. Neighborhoods fer a variety of housing choices sic structures. Neighborhoods gether. provide residents with a sense that appeal to people of all that embrace the conservation
Neighborhoods 1 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Types of Neighborhoods N.1 There are three types of neigh- of life, parks, commercial ame- borhoods: nities, transportation access, and connectivity. While direct Block Neighborhood contact with all members of This kind of neighborhood is de- this neighborhood may be fined as two sides of one street difficult, Residential Neighbor- between intersecting streets. hoods definitely create and The primary focus of a Block emit a sense of place and Neighborhood is interpersonal pride among its members. relationships and small-scale change. Residents know others Institutional Neighborhood within the neighborhood on a This kind of neighborhood is a “first-name” basis. larger social unit which car- ries some kind of official status Residential Neighborhood within the greater community. This kind of neighborhood is Examples include census tracts, focused on neighborhoods as voting wards, and military places to live. It is made up of bases. Institutional Neighbor- several Block Neighborhoods hoods may encompass several and serves as a direct link to Residential Neighborhoods or the greater community. Prima- segments of different Residen- ry concerns within a Residential tial Neighborhoods. Neighborhood include quality
Block Residential Institutional
Neighborhoods 2 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Alliance Neighborhood Map N.a
Alliance Neighborhoods Downtown Neighborhood Southside Neighborhood Eastern Edge Neighborhood Northside Neighborhood West Gateway Neighborhood Central Core Neighborhood
Buchfinck Ave. o ut Ave. Butte Box
10th Street
Flack Street
3rd Street
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Neighborhoods 3 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Neighborhoods Assessed
Downtown Neighborhood Boundaries street angled and parallel potential for second-story character, and image of the The Downtown Neighborhood parking. The area follows a or loft-style residential units. City of Alliance. This face- is generally bounded by 6th traditional grid pattern but Adding residential units block neighborhood should Street on the north, 2nd Street does include a substantial within the district will increase continue to remain a focal on the south, 4th and Laramie number of one-way streets. residential density and point within the community. streets on the northwest, and The roadways are in good generate a larger base of A continued emphasis on 4th and Niobrara streets on condition and clearly delineate potential consumers. attracting residents to shop, the northeast. The area is the neighborhood. Roadways live, and work in the district more clearly defined within in this neighborhood do not Uses and Functions only serves to benefit the entire the Downtown Neighborhood currently require any serious The area is dominated by community. Boundary Map. maintenance or improvements. niche retail and public A 20 mph speed limit is service employment. The Landmarks and Activity Synopsis enforced throughout the conglomeration of locally- Centers The strength of a small Downtown Face-Block owned retail, coupled with The Downtown Neighborhood community is often measured Neighborhood. some entertainment and is home to a number of through the vibrancy, image, recreational opportunities, notable community landmarks and usage of its downtown. The neighborhood is generates an active such as Box Butte County Downtown Alliance projects a dominated by public and retail downtown atmosphere. The Courthouse, City Hall, and the positive and strong image but uses, and has small setbacks centrality of city and county Newberry Building. The movie can continue to be improved that create a pedestrian- public employment provides a theatre, pocket park, and by refurbishing aging buildings oriented environment. A consistent base of pedestrians Fireside Grill serve as downtown and full occupancy of empty wide and consistent sidewalk in the district. activity centers. buildings and vacant lots. A network supports the united effort among downtown pedestrian environment very There is a limited amount of business owners to create well. The sidewalks are in good open space in the district, a standardized downtown condition. Well maintained but the area does contain a “brand” would help attract streetscapes create a pleasant pocket park. Vacant lots and residents, visitors, and future street-level environment. empty buildings also create businesses. an opportunity for future Housing development. Streets and Roadways While the primary functions The Downtown Neighborhood and uses within the Downtown The entire face-block is marked by wide, brick Neighborhood are not neighborhood contributes roadways that support on- residential, the district possesses significantly to the economy,
Neighborhoods 4 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Downtown Images Downtown Boundary Map N.b N.2 N.3
N.4 N.5
N.6
Neighborhoods 5 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Northside Neighborhood Boundaries an irregular pattern. The newer are within the Northside Neigh- the library, and the municipal The Northside Neighborhood “suburban” styles of neighbor- borhood. The newness of the pool are all contained within is generally bounded by 14th hoods produce a less predict- units contributes significantly the neighborhood and are Street on the south, corporate able and more curvi-linear to the very good condition of connected through the linear limits on the north and east, street network. Roadways in the housing stock. Wood panel community trail system. These and Buchfinck Street on the the neighborhood are consis- siding on some of the homes recreation areas also connect west. The area is more clearly tently wide and allow for on- built in the 1960s and 1970s will with the high school, providing defined within the Northside street parking. The conditions begin to show their age. residents opportunities for both Neighborhood Boundary Map. of the streets are generally passive and active recreation. good and do not require any In terms of diversity, this neigh- A progressive attitude regard- Synopsis improvements at this time. borhood does not include as ing northward expansion of Newer homes, attractive rec- much lower income housing. the linear park and trail system reation areas, and connected Sidewalks within the Northside Wider and larger lots, attached should be maintained. uses all effectively describe the Neighborhood are consistent garages, and generally larger Northside Neighborhood. The throughout and connect land- homes project a far different The area near the library and quality of development, both marks, activity centers, and image than the rest of Alliance. municipal pool is a particularly public and private, is comple- parks. The Northside Neigh- The neighborhood may benefit attractive section of the neigh- mented by beautiful natural borhood, because it contains from additional multi-family borhood. The area possesses areas to produce a lovely newer subdivisions, has con- units. natural and seamless transitions neighborhood. Alliance High sistently larger setbacks than between uses and functions. School and Laing Park serve any other neighborhood in the Uses and Functions as transitional uses between community. The Northside Neighborhood Landmarks and Activity Cen- older Alliance and newer Al- is predominantly a residential ters liance. While the community While the neighborhood is district. The area does contain The community library, pool, has continued to expand and not completely deficient of limited neighborhood retail high school, and Laing Park all interject newer development streetscape elements, it lacks and professional services. The serve as local landmarks and techniques and styles in the any memorable or prominent neighborhood also contains activity centers of the North- Northside Neighborhood, it has streetscape corridors. As the municipal employment areas side Neighborhood. also remained connected and area ages, its streetscapes will such as the library, high school, cognizant of historic Alliance. develop more character. and municipal pool.
Streets and Roadways Housing The area contains many of The streets and roadways in the Many of the community’s the premier recreational uses Northside Neighborhood follow newest homes, built after 1960, in the community. Laing Park,
Neighborhoods 6 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Northside Images Northside Boundary Map N.7 N.c
N.8
N.9
Neighborhoods 7 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Southside Neighborhood Boundaries the Southside Neighborhood streetscape elements. Strong recreational uses. Transitions The Southside Neighborhood generally follow a traditional and natural streetscapes between functions within the is generally bounded by 3rd grid pattern with the exception create more inviting neighborhood are generally Street on the north, Flack Street of 1st Street, which winds neighborhoods and increase poor. Residential units are on the east, the railroad tracks around the railroad. Most of pride in ownership. located next to industrial and on the west, and corporate the roadways are consistently commercial areas, many times limits on the south. The area wider, which allows for on- Housing on the same street, with limited is more clearly defined within street parking. The existing The Southside Neighborhood buffer uses. the Southside Neighborhood condition of roadways within is marked by middle to low Boundary Map. this area is inconsistent. Some income housing units, many Landmarks and Activity streets, such as 1st Street, of which appear to be Centers Synopsis are gravel or in very poor aging or deteriorated. The BNSF Railway and the adjoining BNSF Railway is the train that condition and would benefit residential density within the employment center are drives the Alliance economy. from immediate improvements. neighborhood is moderate significant landmarks within the The Southside Neighborhood However, other streets within given the high number of community. BNSF has a staff of has failed to capitalize on the the area are in good condition. vacant lots. An abundance of nearly 1,800, which also makes positive economic impacts vacant lots and abandoned this neighborhood a major of BNSF. The current state Inconsistent setbacks units project a low pride of activity center. of the district is fair at best, negatively impact the ownership and a lack of and requires the continued continuity and overall image ongoing maintenance. The attention of the community of the neighborhood. The overall condition of housing in in economic development area does have a consistent the area is best described as efforts. Improved housing, sidewalk network, often times poor. consistent street networks, on both sides of the street. and more compatible Major street corridors, such Uses and Functions uses and functions can be as 3rd Street and portions The Southside Neighborhood achieved through creative of Box Butte Avenue, serve contains a variety of uses and and innovative thinking. The as commercial areas, functions. While the primary use Southside Neighborhood employment centers, and is residential, the area contains can and should be a more activity hubs. the largest employer in Alliance formidable presence within the (BNSF Railway) and a number community. of retail areas on 3rd Street Streets and Roadways The neighborhood is and Box Butte Avenue. The Streets and roadways within substantially deficienct in area also contains park and
Neighborhoods 8 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Southside Images N.10 Southside Boundary Map F.d
N.11
N.12
Neighborhoods 9 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
West Gateway Neighborhood Boundaries follow a traditional grid-like Housing are typically located along 3rd The West Gateway Neighbor- pattern, while others follow an Housing in the West Gateway Street. The neighborhood also hood is generally bounded irregular pattern. Streets and Neighborhood is mostly local- possesses a variety of employ- by Nebraska Highway 385 on roadways in the neighbor- ized to the northwest segment ment uses, including industrial, the west, corporate limits on hood are generally wide, many of the area. Subdivisions are retail, and service employment the north, and the railroad serving as major transportation predominantly made up of uses. tracks on the south and east. corridors within the community. single-family units and mobile The area is more clearly de- The conditions of the streets are residential units. The condition Large tracts of vacant land fined within the West Gateway generally good. of the manufactured homes serve as transition areas be- Neighborhood Boundary Map. is generally poor, while the tween uses and functions. This neighborhood has a consis- condition of single-family units There is certainly a clear delin- Synopsis tent and connected sidewalk is generally fair. eation between uses, mostly The West Gateway Neighbor- network. The neighborhood due to lack of development hood is best described as an lacks continuity among set- In terms of diversifying hous- in select areas. This neighbor- eclectic mix of uses and func- backs along the main transpor- ing value, the neighborhood hood also contains Hal Murray tions. As the primary gateway tation corridors, specifically 3rd contains housing best suited Softball Complex as an active into the community, the over- Street. As the primary gateway for lower incomes, but also recreational use. arching theme of the area is into the city, this area lacks contains some middle income difficult to grasp. The lack of recognizable or memorable housing stock. The age of units Landmarks and Activity Cen- continuity between uses de- streetscape design. The City within the district is inconsis- ters tracts from the initial impression of Alliance should consider tent and difficult to deter- The area does not contain any of the community. Design stan- gateway design regulations mine through a visual survey. significant community land- dards that mandate building on signage, setbacks, and Residential density seems to marks or activity centers. material, setback, and signage streetscapes to ensure a more be higher than other neighbor- would promote more aestheti- dynamic “first impression” of hoods. cally pleasing structures and the community. The neighbor- more predictable develop- hood contains 3rd Street, 10th Uses and Functions ment. Street, and Highway 385 which The West Gateway Neighbor- are all major transportation hood contains a variety of Streets and Roadways corridors in the community. uses and functions, none more The streets and roadways of predominant than another. the West Gateway Neighbor- Residential uses are primarily lo- hood follow an inconsistent cated in the northwest portion pattern. Some of the streets of the area, while retail uses
Neighborhoods 10 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
West Gateway Images West Gateway Boundary Map N.13 F.e
N.14
N.15
Neighborhoods 11 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
East Gateway Neighborhood Boundaries continuity, and road networks As the eastern gateway into dition to commercial uses, The East Gateway Neighbor- produce streets that end the city, an emphasis must be heavy industrial uses provide hood is generally bounded by abruptly. Street widths also are placed on the beautification various employment oppor- 14th Street on the north, Flack inconsistent. City roadways are and presence of streetscapes tunities within the neighbor- Avenue on the west, corporate typically wider and allow for within the area. hood. Although the area lacks boundaries on the south, and on-street parking, while private a community park, it is near the Airport Road on the east. roadways in mobile-residential Housing the golf course, trap shooting The area is more clearly de- areas are narrower and unim- The East Gateway Neighbor- area, and drive-in theater. It fined within the East Gateway proved. The overall condition hood contains some of the also contains the YMCA and Neighborhood Boundary Map. of roadways within the district community’s most substandard Carhenge. A functional and is poor, and the neighborhood housing. The overall condition usable open space area would Synopsis contains a significant amount of housing within the neighbor- benefit the residents of this As the eastern gateway into of non-paved and unimproved hood is poor, with some areas neighborhood. The transitions the community, this area roadways. appearing rundown. Many of between uses and functions should contain some of the the residential units within the are smooth. Commercial and most prominent and memora- As with street pattern and area are mobile residential, as- industrial uses are located ble streetscapes, signage, and width, setbacks and sidewalk sisted living, or public housing. along Flack Avenue and High- directional wayfaring. Existing provision are also inconsistent. Good Samaritan Village, a high way 2, while residential uses conditions within this neighbor- The variance in housing type density assisted-living complex, are located throughout the rest hood portray a different envi- and style contributes signifi- suffers from deteriorated condi- of the area. ronment. The area is marked cantly to inconsistent setbacks, tions. The diversity of housing by poor housing and inconsis- while unimproved and incon- value and style is limited and Landmarks and Activity Cen- tencies in roadways and pe- sistent roadways contribute to is typically reserved for lower ters destrian infrastructure. The East poor sidewalk networks. Major income residents. The presence The east water tower, Car- Gateway Neighborhood would transportation corridors within of the golf course just outside henge, and cemetery all serve benefit greatly from design the neighborhood include the area may be a future cata- as prominent community standards, a community park, Flack Avenue and Highway 2. lyst for higher income housing. landmarks in the East Gateway and housing rehabilitation. Neighborhood. The YMCA The East Gateway Neighbor- Uses and Functions serves as a community activity Streets and Roadways hood is deficient in streetscape The East Gateway Neighbor- center. The pattern of roads within the elements. The combination of hood is predominately resi- East Gateway Neighborhood all these factors produces poor dential uses but does contain is very inconsistent. Vacant pedestrian infrastructure and limited highway commercial lots contribute to a lack of uninviting residential areas. and some local retail. In ad-
Neighborhoods 12 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
East Gateway Images East Gateway Boundary Map N.16 F.f
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Neighborhoods 13 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Central Core Neighborhood Boundaries streets are wider and allow confusing for visitors. and “New Alliance” can be The Central Core Neighbor- for on-street parking. Despite seen on the northern and west- hood is generally bounded the age of the infrastructure, Housing ern edges of this area. by 14th Street on the north, street conditions are good and The Central Core Neighbor- 3rd Street on the south, Flack require little maintenance at hood contains many of the Uses and Functions Avenue on the east, and the this time. oldest and finest homes in The neighborhood is predomi- railroad tracks on the west. The the community. Classic and nantly residential but does area is more clearly defined Shorter setbacks and a consis- historic Alliance homes line contain limited commercial within the Central Core Neigh- tent sidewalk network are traits Box Butte Avenue and sur- and employment on Box Butte borhood Boundary Map. that make the Central Core rounding streets. These homes, Avenue and 3rd Street. Cen- Neighborhood inviting and combined with a linear park tral Park, Bandshell Park, and Synopsis pedestrian-friendly. Major street and trail system, produce a the liner trail system highlight The Central Core Neighbor- corridors, such as Box Butte Av- memorable residential charac- the excellent recreational uses hood should be considered enue, Flack Avenue, and 10th ter area. The condition of the within the area. The parks and the “heart” of Alliance. The Street, serve as commercial ar- housing within the neighbor- trail system connect schools location, classic ambiance, eas, cultural areas, and activity hood is generally good. Some and neighborhoods, helping and Central Park create and centers. Subdivision speed limits units within the area are begin- to make this neighborhood the project a distinct character (25-30 mph) throughout the ning to deteriorate. heart of the community. The and image. The neighborhood neighborhood help maintain a City of Alliance has converted serves as a natural transition safe environment for vehicles The diversity of housing styles, once topographic constraints area between downtown Alli- and pedestrians. Over time, sizes, and price points within (floodplain, floodway) into ance and newer Alliance. The the natural elements of the the area is broad. Units located dynamic park and recreation well-designed park and trail area have matured, creating on or near main corridors are uses and functions. system connects and links com- strong streetscapes. Additional typically larger and in better munity landmarks and activity streetscape improvements condition, while other areas Landmarks and Activity centers. The importance of this have been made along Box contain smaller homes and Centers neighborhood to the commu- Butte Avenue, which also en- smaller lots. The density of the Significant community land- nity cannot be overstated. hance the neighborhood. neighborhood is generally marks and activity centers higher than other areas due, within the area include Central Streets and Roadways The area has a significant in large part, to smaller and Park and the new museum. The streets and roadways amount of one-way streets. narrower lots, which allows a within the Central Core Neigh- While these one-way streets greater number of dwelling borhood follow a traditional move traffic very efficiently, units per acre. The transition grid pattern. Generally, the they also can be incredibly between “Classic Alliance”
Neighborhoods 14 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Central Core Images Central Core Boundary Map N.19 F.g
N.20
N.21
Neighborhoods 15 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Neighborhoods Enriched
Objective OBJECTIVE STRATEGIES # Primary Strategies Secondary Strategies Initiate a downtown Work with BBDC and streetscape Master Plan interested stakeholders to Maintain, strengthen, and revitalize the Downtown Work with BNSF railroad to explore use of Tax Increment 1 develop a distribute a housing Financing to develop Neighborhoods. survey to all employees about affordable “urban” housing their housing interests Develop a downtown “brand” to promote regionally Identify areas for trail Form a develop-builder- expansion in the Northside neighborhoods committee for neighborhood Establish connectivity between the central core and design, development, and Require new subdivisions to 2 location of new residential Northside neighborhood. include public green space developments within walking distance (½ mile) of all houses Work with neighborhood Work with BNSF to improve representatives to form a safety around the rail Rehabilitate and revitalize the Southside neighborhood association operations 3 Establish a neighborhood Develop a sidewalk Master Neighborhood improvement district Plan for the southside area Rezone vacant and that explores private-public underutilized properties cost sharing Develop a plan to connect Develop a concept plan for Hal Murray Softball complex the eastern and western with other activity centers Promote redevelopment within the East and West gateways that link and Neighborhoods Action Plan Initiate a Master Sidewalk Plan 4 connect surrounding uses and Gateway neighborhoods. for the East Gateway enhance community image neighborhood that emphasizes ADA accessibility
Work with BBDC to identify Review and update zoning funding mechanisms that Build upon the existing assets to further stabilize the code to allow for attractive encourage residential 5 redevelopment in the Central Central Core Neighborhood adaptive reuse in existing Core neighborhoods
Neighborhoods 16 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN and Use Land Use Introduced
The Land-Use chapter is a vital cannot be overstated. The land-use analysis becomes growth plan. The preferred component of the Alliance chapter is comprised of three the foundation for all future growth plan will be developed Comprehensive Plan. This major components; existing projections. out of several alternative section of the comprehensive land use analysis, future growth scenarios. The intent plan inventories existing uses, land use descriptions, and Future Land-Use Descriptions of this subsection is to develop analyzes development trends alternative build-out scenarios. This subsection of the chapter the most desirable and and patterns, and projects details and describes all responsible growth plan for the future uses and placement. Existing Land-Use Analysis future land use categories. City of Alliance. This “blueprint” for growth will The existing land-use subsection Future land-use categories will serve as a guide for zoning categorizes all existing uses, emphasize form and density. In More than any other changes, future land uses, calculates total acreage for other words, this subsection will comprehensive plan redevelopment opportunities, all uses, and analyzes past identify and describe the types chapter, the land-use and potential acquisition and existing development of future uses encouraged chapter incorporates several areas. It defines where and trends and patterns. within the City of Alliance. All types of input. Objective how future development is to This subsection identifies future uses should enhance and measurable data is occur. The components of this incompatible adjacent uses community image and combined with subjective chapter will help to facilitate and concentrations of vacant minimize growth costs. community input to develop the desired growth pattern for land or buildings. In addition, an individualized growth plan Alliance. an in-depth examination of the Preferred Growth Concept most appropriate for Alliance. Central Business districts occurs The final output of the land- The relevance of this chapter in this subsection. The existing use chapter will be a preferred
Land Use 1 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Land Use Assessed
L.1 Existing land-use is a description the City of Alliance are of how each parcel of land is single-family residential, BNSF Alliance Existing Land Use Acres % Total currently being occupied or Railroad, public right-of-way, utilized (A Planner’s Dictionary, and vacant and undeveloped Agriculture / Rural Residential 270.23 9.17% 2003). The Existing Land-Use land. The growth pattern Map and corresponding table within the City of Alliance is Single Family Residential 613.06 20.80% highlight the previous and not unlike most cities of similar Multi-Family Residential 63.54 2.16% existing growth pattern within size. Alliance is primarily a the City of Alliance. The table community of residences, a Mobile Residential 71.16 2.41% summarizes the existing land major-employer, and uses Commercial / Retail 65.73 2.23% use patterns and provides which best support that an acreage approximation employer. Alliance is unique Office 7.02 0.24% and percent of total land use however, in the community’s Hotel 11.75 0.40% within the City of Alliance. The exceptional amount of open map and table only include space and park acreage, Recreation 24.55 0.83% land-uses within the current including its linear park system. Light Industry 108.06 3.67% corporate boundaries. The active and functional park and open spaces School 29.56 1.00% The City of Alliance contains highlight a dense and concise Public 10.88 0.37% approximately 2,947 acres. development pattern around The predominant uses within the Central Business District. Hospital 15.22 0.52% Church 38.16 1.29% Park / Open Space 99.418 3.37% Vacant / Undeveloped 307.67 10.44% Parking 4.46 0.15% Railroad 549.36 18.64% Unidentified Uses 83.11 2.82% Right – of - Way 574.33 19.49%
TOTALS 2947.28 100%
Land Use 2 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Alliance Existing Land Use Map L.a Existing Uses
SF Residential Public MF Residential Hospital Mobile Residential Agriculture Commericial / Retail Park / Open Space Office Church Hotel AG Tourism Recreation Railroad Light Industrial Parking School Vacant / Undeveloped City Limits
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Land Use 3 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Existing Land Use Conflicts, Issues, and Concerns Non-Compatible Uses ensure the provision of more these areas can become Fortunately for redevelopment, Historically, land-use plans transitional or buffer uses identified “redevelopment” or these areas are serviced by have strongly encouraged the between the railroad property “improvement” areas within existing infrastructure. Thus, separation of residential and and adjacent pedestrian- the city. Many times, increased the initial cost of development non-residential land-uses. In the oriented uses. This may be as interests, creative thinking, and in these areas is much lower past, many non-residential uses simple as better and more development incentives can than expansion into areas (commercial and industrial) secure fencing in many places. serve as catalysts for future without public service. were more offensive and In other places, the City and development in such areas. Increased emphasis on these not suitable to be next to BNSF should work together redevelopment areas would residential uses. Many of these with land owners to ensure the The City of Alliance has greatly benefit the entire same uses are now clean, safety of the general public. four areas that suffer from community. efficient and compatible near concentrations of vacant residences. In addition, mixing Concentrations of Vacant land and buildings. As the several types of uses with Buildings and Land adjacent map displays, Area an emphasis on form rather Areas that contain high One is located just south of the than function is now standard concentrations of vacant Central Business District and and encouraged planning buildings or land can become contains 23 vacant parcels. practice. significant land-use concerns Area Two and Area Four if not properly or promptly are prominently located on However, some uses are still addressed. Areas which community gateways. Area inappropriate near residences. contain high concentrations Two has 133 parcels, almost 64 Railroad and rail-related uses of unimproved land or acres, of concentrated vacant should provide a significant buildings can attract crime land. Area Four has 21 parcels, amount of natural or built and unwanted activity. totaling more than 100 acres, buffer space from more Areas negatively contribute of concentrated vacant land pedestrian-oriented uses. to the overall image of the and buildings. In the north part Rail-related uses are not community and surrounding of town, Area Three has 59 compatible as adjacent uses uses. parcels, totaling over 14 acres, for several reasons including of concentrated vacant land. noise, function, and the In many cases, the In all, these four areas account potential for fatal injury. redevelopment of such areas for nearly 190 acres of vacant is encouraged and more and undeveloped land within The City of Alliance should work affordable than expansion into the city limits. closely with BNSF Railroad to new growth areas. Essentially,
Land Use 4 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Vacant Concentrations Map L.b Vacant Concentrations kjkj Area 1
kj kj 23 Parcels kj 2.1 Acres kj kj Area 2 kj 133 Parcels kj 63.7 Acres kj Area 3 kj 59 Parcels kj 14.3 Acres kj Area 4 kj 21 Parcels kj 109.2 Acres
kj kj
kj Z
Land Use 5 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Examination of Central Business District L.2 A thriving central business The central business district district is many times the within the City of Alliance is Alliance Central Business District Parcels Acres best indicator of community- much like other communities wide sustainability. In smaller of its size. The area is Commercial 53 7.061 communities, the ability to predominantly commercial maintain active sidewalks uses, nearly 67% of the parcels Office 7 0.521 and occupied storefronts in within downtown. As with the central business district other central business districts, Public 4 1.848 has become increasingly downtown Alliance includes Park / Open Space 1 0.149 important. Central business several prominent public districts or “downtowns” are buildings, some office spaces, Vacant / Undeveloped 8 0.679 more than just commercial and a small pocket park. areas in smaller communities. Downtown Alliance is also Office 7.02 0.24% These areas possess a much beginning to see increased Hotel 11.75 0.40% more intangible element. interests in more urban living Community pride is often options, such as second-story rooted in the confines lofts and adaptive residential TOTALS 79 11.28 of downtown area and reuse. manifested through storefronts, banners, sidewalk sales, and parades. Thus, the future vitality of these areas is important.
Land Use 6 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
L.3 L.4 Existing Uses
Commericial / Retail
Office
Public
Park / Open Space
Parking
5th Street Vacant / Undeveloped
4th Street
L.5 Box Butte Avenue
3rd Street
Z
Land Use 7 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Population Projections Population forecasting is sometimes known as the Over the next ten years, it is future land use determination, significantly influences baseline rate, is based solely on anticipated that several BNSF is Scenario “A.” community planning efforts. natural increase (births-deaths) employees (up to 500) will A community’s growth rate over the planning period. As retire, thus having a choice to affects school enrollment, the title states, this assumes remain living in Alliance upon housing needs, and the no in or out-migration during retirement. In addition, BNSF will scheduling of infrastructure the planning period. While hire new employees to fill these upgrades. Planning to this scenario is highly unlikely, positions. This allows for the accommodate population it does provide a community possibility that Alliance could growth or decline is an growth baseline. see future population more important component of closely resemble the No Net the planning process. The In the case of Alliance, Migration totals rather than the allocation of future land uses there are two other possible projected totals. To achieve is very much intertwined with scenarios for growth. Scenario the projected population population projections. Future “B” shows a decrease in of 9,361 in 2030, Alliance will population growth or decline population over the planning need to add between 200 directly affects future land use. period. At this rate, the and 250 new households population of Alliance in 2030 to the current population. Historic population trends, birth would be 6,727. This reflects Scenario “A” represents a the and death rates, and migration 20 year trends in migration, possibility of Alliance retaining patterns are all contributing births and deaths in the city of a percentage (25%) of the factors in projecting future Alliance. railroad retirees as Alliance population. To ensure the most residents, as well as providing accurate projections for the Generally, larger healthy living opportunities for new City of Alliance, these factors cities cans support about one (100) railroad employees and were included to develop a percent annual growth over their families to live within Projected Population Rate an extended period of time, Alliance. This projection is and a No Net Migration Rate. while surrounding suburban largely dependant on BNSF Each projection used the 2000 cities can support higher rates. railroad replacing all retiree census population of 8,959 as a Alliance is unique in that, while positions. starting point. it is not in close proximity to a larger metropolitan area, it All three scenarios provide a Scenario “C” represents the does contain a large regional very different 2030 Alliance. The “No Net Migration Rate,” which employer in BNSF railroad. projected rate, or rate used for
Land Use 8 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Alliance Population Projections
9,500 9,361 L E G E N D
Scenario “A” 9,000 8,757 Scenario “B”
8,500 Scenario “C”
2000 Population = 8,959 8,000
7,500
7,000 6,727
6,500
6,000
5,500
5,000 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030
Land Use 9 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Land Use Enriched
Redevelopment Areas A redevelopment area is District, western gateway, and of the ongoing Streetscape explore all Alliance has to offer. typically an area designated the Flack Street corridor. The Improvement Plan on Box Butte by a local government adjacent map provides more Avenue between 3rd and as a primary target for accurate visual descriptions. 5th streets. The streetscape Flack Street Corridor redevelopment to take place. While each area was identified project will serve as a specific The Flack Street corridor, Many times, redevelopment for unique reasons, the intent redevelopment plan for this formerly the Highway 385 areas have access to special of a redevelopment area area upon completion. corridor, has seen a slow tax benefits or other types is to ensure that continued deterioration of condition and of incentive to encourage attention is placed on the Western Gateway storefronts since the Highway redevelopment. health and vitality of the The Western Gateway of 385 bypass on the west side existing communities. These Alliance can be generally of town. Prior to the bypass, After designating an area areas are prominent character described as the intersection Flack Street was full of highway as a redevelopment area, areas within Alliance and must of Highway 385 and Highway commercial and industrial the city develops a basic be preserved and enhanced. 2. The purpose of the uses. The designation of Flack conceptual plan for the area. redevelopment designation Street as a redevelopment This concept plan serves as Identification of the for this area is to encourage area is in large part based possible alternative for future redevelopment is the essential the development of a more on its potential to again be a development and can be used first step towards creating prominent and attractive prominent commercial corridor as a tool to attract a developer new and revitalized areas. The entrance into the city of in Alliance. The proposed to invest in the area. Upon results of the recommendations Alliance. The intersection concept plan (page 13) commitment from a developer within a redevelopment plan of two prominent state shows a tree-lined corridor to redevelop the area, a should attract new businesses highways can and should with 10 foot sidewalks and a specific redevelopment and residents, spark capital be an attractive place for pedestrian plaza. This area plan must be developed improvement expenditures, commercial development. The would include commercial, and approved through due draw local and regional proposed concept plan (page retail, and industrial uses and process. tourists to the area, and instill 13) shows the gateway as an complement downtown additional community pride in attractive tree-lined corridor Alliance. With input from city staff, Alliance residents. with commercial land uses. This advisory committee, and concept plan highlights the the general public, three Central Business District proposed entryway park in the redevelopment areas have The Central Business District future land use plan. The full been identified within the city redevelopment area can be development of this gateway of Alliance. The three areas seen on the adjacent map. The area will encourage vehicular include the Central Business designation was made in light traffic to stop in and potentially
Land Use 10 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN L.c
Land Use 11 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Existing Western Gateway Existing Flack Street Corridor
Z Z
Land Use 12 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Western Gateway Concept Plan Flack Street Corridor Concept Plan
Land Use 13 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Future Land Use Plan The future land use plan was residential (3-acre lots), build- poses rural residential uses be This designation encourages developed through staff input, through-acreage develop- located in the northwest part the formation of more tradi- advisory committee feedback, ments, or clustered residential of the community between tional style neighborhoods that and a public meeting. The Al- with minimum open space re- 18th and 25th streets and west place an emphasis on the pe- liance Preferred Development quirements. Utilization of public of Emerson Street. destrian environment and over- Concept is a recommended services would be negotiated all form. Other allowable uses future land use plan that is on a case-by-case basis with Medium to High Density Resi- include parks and recreation, designed to accommodate the City of Alliance. dential public uses, religious-related the changing needs of Alliance Summary / Description uses, and neighborhood com- residents. The recommenda- Encouraged Uses and Func- This land use designation also mercial uses. The formation tions contained within the Alli- tions incorporates all housing styles of these uses should be such ance Preferred Development Uses and functions are to be and types with a preferred that higher density and more Concept are congruent with primarily residential. Build- housing density between five intense residential uses are community goals and values through-acreage and clus- and 0 units per acre. Areas with nearer to neighborhood activ- and highlight an increased tered residential developments this designation are encour- ity centers or neighborhood emphasis on preservation of are strongly encouraged to aged to incorporate a mix cores. These developments existing features and redevel- allow for higher future housing of lots sizes, house sizes, and must also accommodate opment of identified areas. densities. In the case of build- housing styles. This designation changes in scale between uses through-acreage develop- encourages well-connected and provide appropriate transi- Predominant Themes and Key ments, original plat submittals neighborhood-style devel- tions in size and landscape. All Features must include ghost platting opment that includes parks, uses should be complimentary Rural Residential for future development. Clus- public spaces, and neighbor- and compatible with residen- Summary / Description tered residential developments hood commercial. These areas tial functions. The Rural Residential land use should provide at minimum should be inviting and condu- category is very different from 50 percent designated open cive to pedestrian activity. Location in the future land use the agricultural designation. space. Other allowable uses plan Every community must offer and functions include open Encouraged Uses and Func- The future land use plan pro- variety in housing type, size, space and recreation, self-suf- tions poses medium-to-high density and style to remain attrac- ficient gardening, and eques- Uses and functions are to be be located along Flack Street tive to existing and potential trian activities. primarily residential in this land between 14th and 18th Streets. residents. This use designation use designation. Allowable uses allows Alliance to offer an alter- Location in the future land use include single family homes, native rural living option. Rural plan townhomes, duplexes, multiple residential can be large lot The future land use map pro- family units, and apartments.
Land Use 14 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
L.d
Land Use 15 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Residential Mixed Use include single-family homes, of these commercial areas in- Location in the future land use Summary / Description townhomes, duplexes, mul- clude larger setbacks, internal plan The Residential Mixed Use land tiple family units, apartments, street systems, individual pad- The future land use plan pro- designation incorporates a retail, and office. Other allow- sites, and an overall emphasis poses general / service com- variety of land uses includ- able uses include parks and on auto mobility. These com- mercial be located just north- ing residential, live-work units, open spaces, public uses, and mercial areas should still be west of the Highway 385 and retail and office. This designa- religious-related uses. Ideally, designed to incorporate local Highway 2 interchange. tion is designed to mix uses in higher intensity residential uses character and enhance the a particular area. These areas and commercial-oriented uses pedestrian environment. Site Parks and Recreation should promote walkability, should create a neighborhood design should be cognizant of Summary / Description connectivity, and a diversity of activity center in the core of scale, noise, lighting, and traf- The parks and open space uses. The combination of these these areas. Uses and functions fic implications on surrounding land use designation is the elements should help to create within this designation should residential areas. driver of many future land use self-sustaining neighborhoods promote sociability. decisions. Parks, open spaces, with several housing styles and Encouraged Uses and Func- and recreational areas help types, commercial areas, and Location in the future land use tions improve community health, places of work all connected plan Primary uses in this designation increase land valuation, en- through linked streets, side- The future land use plan pro- include more auto-oriented hance the pedestrian environ- walks, and green spaces. Hous- poses residential mixed use commercial, retail, office, and ment, and improve the overall ing density should be between between Flack Street and service-related business. These image of Alliance. The loca- 7 and 10 units per acre within Sweetwater Street and 18th include general retail, drive- tion of this designation should this designation. and 25th streets. through and sit-down restau- capitalize on existing natural rants, “big box” retail, and fuel features such as creeks, flood- Encouraged Uses and Func- General / Service Commercial stations. Other allowable uses plains, hills, and habitats. Also, tions Summary / Description include parks and open spac- park and open space areas Uses and functions are to be The General / Service Com- es, public spaces, and offices. should be connected to each primarily residential in this land mercial land use designation Site function should include other, community activity use designation. Between incorporates mostly auto- pedestrian access when avail- areas, and schools. Ideally, the 70-80% of the total site area mobile oriented commercial able. development of a connected should be allocated residen- businesses and services. These park and trail system will de- tial in this designation. The commercial areas are de- crease dependence on au- remainder of the site should signed to be located at major tomobiles for intercommunity be retail, office, and neighbor- interchanges or along major transit. hood services. Allowable uses arterials. Typical characteristics
Land Use 16 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Encouraged Uses and Func- division south of Highway 2. Location in the future land use tions plan All active and passive parks, Protected (Non-Buildable) Land Through a suitability analysis, open spaces, and outdoor rec- Use the future land use plan pro- reation uses and functions are Summary and Description poses protected land use on encouraged within this desig- The protected (non-buildable) the south end of Alliance, and nation. The creation of usable, land use designation is de- intermittently throughout north- visible, and connected public signed to protect and pre- ern Alliance. In most cases, spaces is the goal. This land use serve environmentally and these proposed land uses are category should also be used ecologically sensitive areas. A irregular shapes as they follow within new residential develop- soil suitability analysis identifies soil and topographic patterns. ments. The development of areas, based on soil properties, parks and opens spaces should deemed not suitable for par- occur at the beginning of the ticular types of development. development and growth pro- Thus, these areas are identified cess. Other allowable uses and as protected and non-build- functions include golf courses, able to ensure future environ- arboretums, outdoor class- mental and ecological bal- rooms, and cultural resource ance in the community. These areas. areas can also serve as natural open space areas adjacent to Location in the future land use residential developments. plan The future land use plan pro- Encouraged Uses and Func- poses an entryway / gateway tions park northwest of the Highway These areas are meant to be 385 and Highway 2 intersec- preserved and protected in tion. Another proposed park is their natural state. In some located within and adjacent to cases, very low impact agri- the proposed rural residential cultural functions and passive area in the northwest side of recreation may be permissible. town. The third proposed park is located in southeast Alliance within the currently vacant sub-
Land Use 17 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Annexation Plan
Annexation Priority City Low Medium High City Limits
Z Land Use 18 Land Use Enriched
Objective OBJECTIVE STRATEGIES # Primary Strategies Secondary Strategies Create an “available Identify “prime” sites that properties” handbook for Pursue the assemblage of vacant lots for include adequate potential developers that 1 infrastructure and favorable details “prime” sites and redevelopment. regulatory and land use provides all necessary controls information for new and re- development Update subdivision and Amend subdivision regulations Conduct a thorough review of city codes, zoning ordinances to reflect to include dedications for subdivision regulations and zoning ordinances and land use plan and new park land 2 recommendations within this Perform an annual revise all ineffective, obsolete, or inconsistent plan comprehensive plan review requirements and definitions Update zoning ordinance to and “reality check” on support clustered residential strategies Develop a bonus program (in Initiate a streetscape Master the form of increased density, Encourage revitalization and redevelopment of Plan for Box Butte Avenue reduced development fees, 3 areas showing signs of decline and / or Initiate a redevelopment or streamlined process) in the disinvestment Master Plan for Flack Avenue zoning code for “prime” redevelopment areas
Work with local public Develop an educational agencies to create brochure for community Land Use Action Plan Action Use Land Minimize the city cost burden for development on development policies that residents highlighting the cost 4 shift cost to private developer of unplanned growth the fringe or outside existing city limits Develop a concept plan for Educate local developers potential annexation of and builders about the benfits airport of mixed use development
Provide copies of the new Place poster-size copies of the Share the updated comprehensive plan and future comprehensive plan to the future land use map in several chamber, downtown business 5 land use plan with all residents, business, and locations throughout the improvement board, and governmental agencies community BBDC ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ommunity Appearance
Community Appearance Introduced
The Community Appearance commercial districts reflect ing condition assessment, and Community Appearance Chapter introduces the impor- community character through strategies for appearance Enriched tance of community design, design and appearance. Com- improvement. This section provides strategies assesses existing appearance, munities that value design for future appearance im- and provides strategies for and appearance recognize Existing Conditions Assessment provement. The intent of these community form improvement. the value in providing param- All communities should desire strategies is to further the de- While the land use chapter eters for design in the form of to become areas of distinct sign goals of Alliance, promote is very much about function, design guidelines and design character through the design high quality and cohesive the community appearance standards. Design guidelines and appearance of gateways, development, and establish chapter is very much about promote the desired appear- major corridors, historic struc- a framework for the preferred form. If land use defines where ance of any area, enhance tures, wayfinding systems, and “look and feel” of future devel- and how future development the pedestrian environment, major commercial districts. This opment. These strategies are is to occur, community ap- and create visually distinct section of the chapter assesses not intended to restrict imagi- pearance provides direction communities. areas of high visibility based on nation, innovation, or design for high quality, cohesive, and design and appearance. This variety, but rather, provide well designed structures. The The design and appearance assessment provides insight into basic parameters that promote appearance of any commu- of communities is a very promi- the existing “look and feel” of high quality and aesthetic de- nity, in a way, is the front door nent component of community the community. velopment. to residents and visitors alike. growth and sustainability. This Areas of high visibility, such as chapter is comprised of two gateways, major corridors, and major components; an exist-
Community Appearance 1 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Community Appearance Assessed
The Community Appear- What makes a great place? to come – and return. Compat- ance assessed section of the The Project for Public Spaces ible and complimentary uses chapter evaluates two pri- is a non-profit organization help create fun and cohesive mary community appearance that “is dedicated to help- places. elements; community gate- ing people create and sus- ways and prominent corridor tain public spaces that build Sociability is the final key attri- streetscapes. communities.” Public spaces bute of great places. Sociabil- include parks, civic centers, ity is the most difficult attribute Gateways public markets, gateways, and to achieve, but once attained, A community gateway is just streetscapes, among other “it” becomes an unmistakable that, a gateway or entryway things. All great places posses feature. Creating places that into the community. It serves characteristics from four key at- encourage interaction with as a first impression to visitors as tributes; Access and Linkages, friends and strangers builds they enter into a community. Comfort and Image, Uses and community character among Thus, the layout and design of Activities, and Sociability. residents and provides comfort the gateway should attract to visitors. visitors to stop, explore, and Access and Linkage is criti- eventually leave with a defini- cal in that one can judge the tive image of Alliance. accessibility of a place by its connections to its surround- Streetscapes ings, both visual and physical. A streetscape is the elements A great place is easy to get to within and along the street and through and visible from a right-of-way that define its distance and up close. character and functionality, including building material and Comfort and Image can be design, land uses, street furni- defined through perceptions ture, landscaping, trees, side- about safety, cleanliness, and walks, and paving materials. the availability of sitting places. Effective streetscapes create a The way a place “presents” memorable pedestrian experi- itself is key to its success. ence. Uses and Activities are the basic building blocks of any place. Providing activities gives residents and visitors a reason
Community Appearance 2 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Community Appearance 3 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Eastern Gateway Uses and Functions Western Gateway Uses and Functions Location At this time, the gateway lacks Location Inconsistent setbacks and uses The eastern gateway is gener- a consistent development The western gateway is gener- characterize the western gate- ally begins at the Highway 2 pattern. Industrial and highway ally located at the intersection way. The gateway includes railroad overpass. This gateway commercial uses occupy the of Highway 385 and Highway residential, highway commer- serves as an entrance into Alli- gateway. Without activity cen- 2. The gateway serves as an cial, “big-box” commercial, ance from the east. ters or community landmarks, entrance to Alliance from the and light industrial uses. As an the area will continue to have north, south, and west. entryway to the community, Image low levels of pedestrian activ- the gateway should function The gateway does not “pres- ity. Image as “bait” to attract visitors to ent” itself in a welcoming or Image and comfort of the explore Alliance. At this time, comfortable way. The roadway western gateway is suspect the lack of cohesiveness and is primarily lined with aged giving the sparse develop- poor image contribute to the industrial and commercial uses, ment pattern, non-compatible gateway functioning as a stop and surrounding neighbor- uses, and lack of identifiable – and – go rather than a stop- hoods are fair to poorly main- streetscape. While road con- and –stay area. tained. The surroundings signal ditions are good, inconsistent no clear entryway into the city setbacks and building orien- as the “Welcome to Alliance” tation contribute to a lack of signage appears prior to the character. area. Access and Linkage Access and Linkage The gateway is easily acces- Highway 2 becomes 3rd Street sible as a major interchange upon entrance into the city. between two state highways. 3rd Street serves as a primary Highway 2 (3rd Street) is a east-west thoroughfare in Alli- direct link to the central busi- ance and is well connected to ness district and other Alliance downtown Alliance. However, activity centers. Sidewalks the re-routing of Highway 385 in run along both sides of the previous years has decreased roadway creating pedestrian traffic moving toward the gate- accessibility as well. A major way on 3rd Street. concern is a lack of wayfaring signage to other parts of the community.
Community Appearance 4 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Alliance Gateways Map
Community Appearance 5 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Box Butte Avenue Box Butte Avenue and consistent development street-side activity. This area 1st to 5th 6th to 10th characterize the streetscape. can and should as a model for Street Street The pride of ownership along other Alliance streetscapes. The roadway is both in good Box Butte Avenue, between the roadway is very evident. condition and wide, allowing 6th and 10th Streets, is still char- for on street diagonal park- acterized by well maintained Box Butte Avenue ing. The brick roadway cre- brick streets. The brick roadway 10th to 14th ates a unique feeling that fits projects a comforting image Street well within the central business and naturally slows vehicular The roadway is both in good district. The brick roadway also traffic. The wide roadway al- condition and wide, allowing serves as a natural calming lows for on-street parallel park- for on-street parallel parking. agent. ing as well. Painted crosswalks, adequate vehicular lighting, and on-street Sidewalk Sidewalk wayfaring signage are all good Both sides of the street are lines Both sides of the street are characteristics of this street. by six foot sidewalks, which are lined by four foot sidewalks, generally well maintained. The which are generally well Sidewalk sidewalk does accommodate maintained. Other than irregu- Both sides of the street are high levels of pedestrian activ- larly placed trash receptacles, lined by four foot sidewalks, ity and does include pedestrian the sidewalk lacks street-side which are generally well main- lighting structures. The sidewalk furnishings. The sidewalk does tained. Sidewalks have been also includes street-side plant- accommodate high levels of enhanced by corner treat- ings, trash receptacles, and pedestrian activity, both on ments including flowers, shrubs, benches. foot and bike, and provides and small trees. Center median appropriate pedestrian light- lighting provides a safe corridor Streetscape ing. for pedestrians and vehicles. Overall, the existing streetscape is good. The Streetscape Streetscape section of Box butte Avenue Overall, the existing Overall, the existing represents the Central Busi- streetscape is good. As a streetscape is good. The ness District. This section is in prominent north-south road- streetscape is characterized the process of undergoing a way, Box Butte Avenue con- by historic, well maintained, streetscape improvement as nects the high school, library, housing units and mature street well. municipal pool, and other trees. These elements contrib- activity centers with downtown ute to a positive pedestrian Alliance. Dense, concentric, experience and high levels of
Community Appearance 6 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Community Appearance 7 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Flack Street 3rd Street / Highway 2 3rd to 12th Flack to Highway 385 Street Street The condition of the 4-lane The condition of the five-lane roadway is fair. The roadway roadway is good. The roadway does include a center turn-lane includes a center turn-lane, but and on-street parallel parking. does not offer on-street park- Limited vehicular lighting is a ing. Traffic volumes are high on safety concern for the road- this prominent east-west cor- way. ridor.
Sidewalk Sidewalk At this time, the provision of Both sides of the street are sidewalks along the street is lined with 4-foot sidewalks, inconsistent. In some areas, which are generally in fair 4-foot sidewalks are provided, condition. Because the corridor but non-ADA accessible is predominantly designed for curb cuts prohibit use for all vehicles, there are little to no residents. The area lacks street street furnishings, corner treat- furnishings and pedestrian light- ments, or planter boxes. ing. Streetscape Streetscape The overall condition of the The overall condition of the streetscape is poor. The lack streetscape is poor. A sparse of street trees and the poor development pattern marked aesthetics signal that pedestri- by vacant lots and closed busi- ans are an afterthought on this ness disrupt continuity and con- busy thoroughfare. tribute to a lack of identifiable street form. These elements reduce pedestrian activity.
Community Appearance 8 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Alliance Streets Map
Streetscape Overall Condition
- Good
- Fair
- Poor
Community Appearance 9 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Community Appearance Enriched
Objective OBJECTIVE STRATEGIES # Primary Strategies Secondary Strategies Develop a unified way-finding Initiate a gateway system that promotes Alliance redevelopment plan for both community landmarks Develop a coordinated gateway program that gateways Strategic placement of 1 Establish commercial and emphasizes design, function, and image. wayfinding signage to signage design standards for promote stop-and-stay for the gateways Alliance visitors Establish a street tree program Establish design standards for Establish a public art program all major transportation
Action Plan Design and construct memorable and sustainable that recognizes local artists corridors 2 Establish a community Establish a comprehensive streetscapes throughout the community. appearance award program planting and landscaping that recognizes outstanding plan for public sites, rights-of- Community Appearance Community streetscape improvements way, parks, and schools
Community Appearance 10 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ustainability Sustainability Introduced
The Merriam-Webster diction- is uniquely credible. However, Sustainability indicators are a Chapter of the comprehensive ary defines sustainability as, “a regardless of the approach, useful tool to assess whether a plan presents indicators that method of harvesting or using creating sustainable com- community is becoming more compare past Alliance to pres- a resource so that the resource munities requires a change in sustainable or less sustainable ent Alliance. It also compares is not depleted or permanently attitude and adjustments in the over time and are a key com- present Alliance to other com- damaged.” This definition modern way of living. ponent of the Sustainability munities. The status of each can be interpreted and ap- chapter of the comprehensive indicator will then be used to plied several different ways. A recently heightened interest plan. Indicators are grouped create an individual, action- To some, community sustain- in sustainability is largely the into three categories: socio- oriented plan designed to ability is achieved through total result of a decrease of natural cultural, environmental, and help Alliance become a more separation from a modern way resources and an increase in economic. Each indicator will sustainable community. of life to a more communal, energy consumption. To create be objective, measurable, and self-production method. To oth- more sustainable communi- based on empirical and readily ers, a sustainable community ties, community leaders will available data. These indica- is one that is developed more need to look beyond the short tors will allow Alliance to moni- compactly, designed around term economic benefits and tor sustainability levels annually. public transportation, promotes critically analyze the long term To become more sustainable, waste reduction, and minimizes environmental and social con- a community must not only energy and water consump- sequences of each proposed improve itself and compare tion. Each approach to creat- development. favorably to surrounding com- ing sustainable communities munities. The Sustainability
Sustainability 1 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Sustainability Assessed
A single indicator, in and of Home Ownership Rate Unemployment Rate tion. Alliance’s average travel itself, is a useful assessment of Home ownership Rate is con- The unemployment rate rep- time to work in 2000 was 13.6 whether or not a community is sidered an indicator of socio- resents the percentage of minutes. This decreased slightly meeting the needs of its resi- cultural sustainability for many individuals, within the available in 2007 to 13.42 minutes. dents. However, without any reasons. Home ownership rate civilian workforce, currently comparisons, it is difficult to is a measure of stable or grow- unemployed. The unemploy- Educational Attainment determine the true value of the ing populations, population ment rate is an indicator of The educational attainment metric. Is the indicator score turnover, and neighborhood economic sustainability. Like rate represents the percentage good or bad? Is the commu- continuity. These factors all job growth, the unemployment of individuals, over the age of nity improving or declining? affect the sustainability of the rate is widely used as a predic- 25, who have achieved either This component of the Sustain- community. Continual improve- tor of local economic stability. a bachelor’s, master’s, or doc- ability Assessed section com- ment and increase in home Alliance’s unemployment tor’s degree. The educational pares indicator Alliance then ownership should be a goal rate, which has consistently attainment rate is an indicator (2000) to Alliance now (2007). of all communities. Alliance’s been lower than the national of sociocultural sustainability. Historical comparative indica- home ownership rate in 2000 average, was 3.59 percent in The educational attainment tors are the first component was 68.05 percent. Alliance’s 2000. The unemployment rate rate is a measure of com- of the Sustainability Assessed estimated home ownership climbed slightly in 2007 to 3.6 munity’s ability to retain and section. rate in 2007 was 67.98 percent. percent. attract of highly educated This slight drop in the home residents. To some degree, the Population ownership rate represents a Average Travel Time to Work educational attainment rate is A stable or growing population decrease of 0.7 of 1 percent. Several factors can affect the an indicator of available and is a useful indicator of a healthy average travel time to work, types of employment located and sustaining community. Average Household Income including the proximity of local within Alliance. Alliance’s Population growth suggests Average household income employers, the condition and educational attainment rate that new homes are being is a useful socio-economic congestion of roadways, and was 13.71 percent in 2000. The built, businesses are expanding, indicator because it provides the availability of multi-modal educational attainment rate and the tax base is increasing. insight into the employment transportation options. This met- increased to 15.04 percent in According to the U.S. Census, base and the local pay rate. ric is a useful indicator because 2007. the population of Alliance Alliance’s average family of its relationship to overall in 2000 was 8,959. Alliance’s income has increased from quality of life. More time spent estimated population in 2007, $46,274 in 2000 to $57,268 in in the car means less time to according to the U.S. Census 2007. Alliance’s average family spend with family or pursuing Bureau, was 8,064. Between income has increased by 23 recreational interests. Addi- 2000 and 2007, Alliance lost 895 percent from 2000 to 2007. tional commuting time also has residents, which represents a environmental consequences 9.9 percent population loss. in the form of increased pollu-
Sustainability 2 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Population Home Ownership Rate Average Household Income Unemployment Rate S.1 S.2 S.3 S.4 10,000 70.0% $60,000 4.0%
9,500 69.5% $58,000 3.9% $57,268
9,000 8,959 69.0% $56,000 3.8%
8,500 68.5% $54,000 3.7%
8,064 68.05% 3.6% 8,000 68.0% 67.98% $52,000 3.6% 3.59%
7,500 67.5% $50,000 3.5% P o p u l a t i o n
7,000 67.0% $48,000 3.4% U n e m p l o y m e n t R a t e H o m e O w n e r s h i p R a t e $46,274 6,500 66.5% $46,000 3.3% A v e r a g e H o u s e h o l d I n c o m e
6,000 66.0% $44,000 3.2%
5,500 65.5% $42,000 3.1% 2000 2007 2000 2007 2000 2007 2000 2007 Source: US Census Bureau Source: US Census Bureau Source: US Census Bureau Source: US Census Bureau
Average Travel Time to Work Educational Attainment S.5 S.6 14.0 15.5% 15.04% 13.9 15.0%
13.8 14.5%
13.7 14.0% 13.71%
13.6 13.6 13.5%
13.5 13.0% 13.42 13.4 EducationAttainment 12.5%
13.3 12.0%
13.2 11.5% A v e r a g e T r a v e l T i m e T o W o r k ( M i n u t e s )
13.1 11.0% 2000 2007 2000 2007 Source: US Census Bureau Source: US Census Bureau
Sustainability 3 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Regional comparative indi- Crime Rate Health Insurance Coverage Racial Diversity Index cators are the second com- Crime rate relates the inci- Health insurance coverage The racial diversity index ponent of the Sustainability dence of crime to population indicates the percentage of measures the “diversity” of the Assessed section. and is typically expressed as residents with any health insur- population and translates it number of crimes per 1,000 resi- ance coverage. Health insur- into a single index number. The Home Ownership Rate dents in a given year. This sta- ance coverage is an indicator greater the index number, the The City of Alliance compares tistical measure allows uniform of sociocultural sustainability, more diverse the community. favorably to other communi- comparison of all communities as it reflects community health, For this particular index, an ties. The home ownership rate without regard to population the ability to stay healthy, and index score of 100 represents in Alliance is nearly 68 percent, size. Crime rate measures the accessibility to health-related the national average. Racial higher than North Platte (64.5 number of violent and property services. diversity is an indicator of socio- percent), Cheyenne, Wyoming crimes in a given area. Crime cultural sustainability. Studies (66.2 percent), Rapid City, rate is a sociocultural sustain- The City of Alliance compares indicate more racially diverse South Dakota (66.2 percent), ability indicator. Communities favorably to other commu- communities create greater and Middleton, Wisconsin (51.8 with lower crime rates are per- nities. The percentage of macroeconomic gains, show percent). Other communities ceived to be safer, friendlier, residents with health insurance improved creative decision such as Gering (72.5 percent), and generally more attractive coverage in Alliance is 92.5 making, and enhance the and Papillion (73.4 percent) do places to live. percent. This percentage is overall productivity of cities. have higher homeownership higher than North Platte (90.6 rates. The City of Alliance compares percent), Gering (88.5 per- The City of Alliance maintains very favorably to other com- cent), Cheyenne, Wyoming the highest racial diversity in- munities. Alliance has a low (87.6 percent), and Rapid City, dex of the compared commu- crime rate of 19, lower than South Dakota (90.1 percent). nities. The City of Alliance has North Platte (72), Gering (27), Papillion (93.9 percent) and a 42.1 index score, while North Cheyenne, Wyoming (48), Middleton, Wisconsin (95.8 per- Platte (30.0), Gering (40.9), Rapid City, South Dakota (44), cent) have a higher percent- Papillion (27.9), Cheyenne and Middleton, Wisconsin (30). age of residents with health (38.4), Rapid City (27.2), and Papillion does have a slightly insurance coverage. Middleton (32.8) are all lower. lower crime rate of 18. However, the City of Alliance is still significantly below the na- tional average score of 100.
Sustainability 4 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
S.7 Homeownership Rate Crime Rate Source: CNN / Money Magazine S.8 77% 90 Source: CNN / Money Magazine
74% 73.4% 80 72.5% 72 71% 70
68% 67.9% 60 66.2% 66.2%
65% 64.5% 50 48 44
62% 40
30 59% 30 27 ( V i o l e n t a n d P r o p e r t y C ri m e s p e r 1 0 0 0 ) H o m e O w n e r s h i p R a t e t a R p i h s r e n w O e m o H 56% 20 19 18
53% 10 51.8% C r i m e R a t e 50% 0 Alliance, NE North Platte, NE Gering, NE Papillion, NE Cheyenne, WY Rapid City, SD Middleton, WI Alliance, NE North Platte, NE Gering, NE Papillion, NE Cheyenne, WY Rapid City, SD Middleton, WI (#6 US) (#1 US) (#6 US) (#1 US)
S.9 S.10 Health Insurance Coverage Source: CNN / Money Magazine Racial Diversity Index Source: CNN / Money Magazine 100% 90
98% 80
96% 95.8% 70
94% 93.9% 60 92.5% 92% 50 90.6% 90.1% 42.1 40.9 90% 40 38.4 88.5% 32.8 30.0 87.6% 88% 30 27.9 27.2 R a c i a l D i v e r s i t y I n d e x 86% 20 H e a l t h I n s u r a n c e C o v e r a g e g a r e v o C e c n a r u s n I h t l a e H
84% 10
82% 0 Alliance, NE North Platte, NE Gering, NE Papillion, NE Cheyenne, WY Rapid City, SD Middleton, WI Alliance, NE North Platte, NE Gering, NE Papillion, NE Cheyenne, WY Rapid City, SD Middleton, WI (#6 US) (#1 US) (#6 US) (#1 US)
Sustainability 5 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Test Scores Reading Scores Divorce Rate Job Growth The test scores indicator mea- The City of Alliance compares The divorce rate is the percent- This graph illustrates the per- sures test performance as a poorly to other communities in age of individuals whose mar- centage of new jobs created percentage against the state regard to reading test scores. riage ends in dissolution before annually. A negative value rep- average. Test scores are an in- The City of Alliance was 7.3 the death of either spouse. resents jobs lost annually. Job dicator of sociocultural sustain- percent below the Nebraska Divorce rate is an indicator growth is an indicator of eco- ability. Test scores provide an state average. Only Gering, of sociocultural sustainability. nomic sustainability. New job objective measure of educa- 8.2 percent below the state Sociological studies indicate creation represents increased tion against the performance average was lower among divorce has at very least, signifi- employment opportunity for of other students statewide. compared communities. North cant short term social impacts existing and potential residents. Test scores are not the only Platte (+0.1 percent), Papil- on families. High commu- Also, this statistical measure is measure of community educa- lion (+1.5 percent), Cheyenne, nity divorce rates can lead to widely used in local economic tion, but do provide objective Wyoming (+1.1 percent), Rapid housing and family instability, forecasting. Employment op- insight into student perfor- City, South Dakota (+2.2 per- increase population turnover, portunity is directly related to mance. The statistical measure cent), and Middleton, Wis- and affect socioeconomic sta- population stability as well. is an average of all test takers, consin (+9.0 percent) were all tus within the community. therefore eliminating the ability higher. The City of Alliance compares of a small number of very low The City of Alliance compares very poorly to other commu- or very high scores to skew Math Scores favorably with other communi- nities evaluated. The City of results. The City of Alliance compares ties. The City of Alliance has a Alliance is losing employment favorably to other communities divorce rate of 11 percent. This at a 2.9 percent annual rate. on math test scores. The City is lower than North Platte (11.3 Alliance is the only community of Alliance scores 3 percent percent), Cheyenne, Wyoming in this data set with a nega- higher than the state average. (14.1 percent), Rapid City, tive job growth value. North That score is higher than Gering South Dakota (12.1 percent), Platte (1.1 percent), Gering (-6 percent), Papillion (0%), and and Middleton, Wisconsin (11.4 (0.9 percent), Papillion (18.7 Rapid City, South Dakota (-10 percent). Gering (10.5 percent) percent), Cheyenne, Wyo- percent). Alliance did score and Papillion (4.9 percent) ming (7.7 percent), Rapid City, lower than North Platte (+4 have lower divorce rates. South Dakota (8.4 percent), percent), Cheyenne, Wyoming and Middleton, Wisconsin (13.0 (+6 percent), and Middleton, percent) are all communities Wisconsin (+22 percent). with annual increases in em- ployment.
Sustainability 6 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
S.11 S.12 Reading Scores Source: CNN / Money Magazine Math Scores Source: CNN / Money Magazine +10.0% +36% +9.0%
+7.5% +30%
+5.0% +24% +22%
+2.5% +2.2% +18% +1.5% +1.1% +0.1% 0 +12%
+6% -2.5% +6% +3% +4%
M a t h T e s t S c o r e s 0% R e a d i n g T e s t S c o r e s -5.0% 0
-7.5% -6% -7.3% -6% -8.2% -10% -10.0% -12% Alliance, NE North Platte, NE Gering, NE Papillion, NE Cheyenne, WY Rapid City, SD Middleton, WI Alliance, NE North Platte, NE Gering, NE Papillion, NE Cheyenne, WY Rapid City, SD Middleton, WI (#6 US) (#1 US) (#6 US) (#1 US)
S.14 S.13 Divorce Rate Source: CNN / Money Magazine Job Growth Source: CNN / Money Magazine 18% 24%
16% 21% 18.7% 14.1% 14% 18%
12.1% 12% 11.4% 15% 11% 11.3% 10.5% 13.0% 10% 12%
8.4% 8% 9% 7.7% D i v o r c e R a t e 6% 6% 4.9% J o b G r o w t h P e r c e n t a g e g a t n e c r e P h t w o r G b o J 4% 3% 1.1% 0.9% 2% 0%
-2.9% 0% -3% Alliance, NE North Platte, NE Gering, NE Papillion, NE Cheyenne, WY Rapid City, SD Middleton, WI Alliance, NE North Platte, NE Gering, NE Papillion, NE Cheyenne, WY Rapid City, SD Middleton, WI (#6 US) (#1 US) (#6 US) (#1 US)
Sustainability 7 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Unemployment Rate Average Commute Time Residents who Walk or Bike to Long Commute Times Unemployment Rate represents Average commute time is the Work This graph illustrates the per- the number unemployed as average time (minutes) each This graph illustrates the per- centage of residents whose a percent of the civilian labor resident spends commuting to centage of residents who walk commute time is greater than force. Unemployment Rate is their place of employment. Av- or bike to work. This statistical 45 minutes. This statistical mea- an indicator of economic sus- erage commute time is an indi- measure is an environmental sure is an indicator of environ- tainability. cator of environmental sustain- sustainability indicator. A higher mental sustainability. A high ability. High average commute percentage of residents who percentage of long commute The City of Alliance compares times suggest higher ratios of walk or bike to work suggest a times suggest higher carbon poorly to other communities carbon emissions per resident. community is less auto-depen- emission associated with evaluated. The unemployment Also, commute times reflect dant. A decrease in vehicular vehicular trips and displaced rate in Alliance is 3.6 percent. proximity of employment within transit is a positive indicator of employment requiring a signifi- This is higher than North Platte each community. It should be environmental sustainability. cant commute. (3.2 percent), Gering (2.5 per- noted that larger (area) com- cent), Papillion (1.4 percent), munities will generally have The City of Alliance maintains a The City of Alliance has a simi- Cheyenne, Wyoming (3.3 greater commute times. significantly higher percentage lar percentage to other com- percent), Rapid City, South Da- of residents who walk or bike to munities evaluated. Within the kota (3.2 percent), and Middle- The City of Alliance compares work. In Alliance, 6 percent of City of Alliance, 4.4 percent ton, Wisconsin (1.5 percent). favorably to other communities residents walk or bike to work. of residents have a commute evaluated. The average com- That is higher than North Platte time greater than 45 minutes. mute time for Alliance residents (3 percent), Gering (1.8 per- This is higher than North Platte is 13.4 minutes. This commute cent), Papillion (1.7 percent), (4.2 percent), Papillion (3.9 per- time is the lowest of all commu- Cheyenne (3.0%), Rapid City, cent), Rapid City, South Dakota nities evaluated. North Platte South Dakota (2.6 percent), (3.8 percent), and Middleton, (13.8), Gering (15.7), Papillion and Middleton, Wisconsin (2.7 Wisconsin (3.6 percent). Gering (18.9), Cheyenne, Wyoming percent). (6.5 percent) and Cheyenne, (14.6), Rapid City, South Da- Wyoming (4.9 percent) have a kota (15.8), and Middleton, Wis- higher percentage of residents consin (17.1) all have greater with a commute time greater average commute times. than 45 minutes.
Sustainability 8 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Average Commute Time S.15 S.16 Source: CNN / Money Magazine Unemployment Rate Source: CNN / Money Magazine 27 4.5%
24 4.0% 3.6% 21 3.5% 3.3% 18.9 3.2% 3.2% 18 17.1 3.0% 15.7 15.8 2.5% 15 14.6 2.5% 13.4 13.8
12 2.0%
1.5% 9 1.5% 1.4% U n e m p l o y m e n t R a t e
6 1.0%
A v e r a g e T r a v e l T i m e t o W o r k ( M i n u t e s ) 3 0.5%
0 0% Alliance, NE North Platte, NE Gering, NE Papillion, NE Cheyenne, WY Rapid City, SD Middleton, WI Alliance, NE North Platte, NE Gering, NE Papillion, NE Cheyenne, WY Rapid City, SD Middleton, WI (#6 US) (#1 US) (#6 US) (#1 US)
S.17 S.18 Residents who Walk or Bike to Work Source: CNN / Money Magazine Long Commute Times Source: CNN / Money Magazine 9% 9%
8% 8%
7% 7% 6.5% > 4 5 M i n u t e s 6.0% 6% 6%
l k o r B i k e t o W o r k 5% 5% 4.9% 4.4% 4.2% 4% 4% 3.9% 3.8% 3.6% 3.0% 3.0% 3% 2.7% 3% 2.6%
2% 1.8% 1.7% 2%
1% 1% % o f R e s i d n t w h W a % o f R e s i d e n t s w h o s e C o m m u t e 0% 0% Alliance, NE North Platte, NE Gering, NE Papillion, NE Cheyenne, WY Rapid City, SD Middleton, WI Alliance, NE North Platte, NE Gering, NE Papillion, NE Cheyenne, WY Rapid City, SD Middleton, WI (#6 US) (#1 US) (#6 US) (#1 US)
Sustainability 9 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Family Income Median Family Income Family Purchasing Power There are two economic sus- The City of Alliance median The City of Alliance family tainability factors related to family income compares fa- purchasing power income also family income. The first, median vorably to other communities compares favorably with other family income, is the income evaluated. The City of Alliance communities evaluated. The that equally divides a com- has a median family income City of Alliance family purchas- munity. One half of the families of $57,268. This is higher than ing power income is $56,068. within the community have North Platte ($48,416), Gering This is higher than North Platte income greater than the me- ($47,294), Cheyenne, Wyo- ($52,683), Gering ($46,006), dian, and one half of families ming ($53,249), and Rapid City, Cheyenne, Wyoming ($51,799), within community have income South Dakota ($50,836). Only and Rapid City, South Dakota less than the median. The sec- Papillion ($83,075) and Middle- ($49,790). Only Middleton, Wis- ond factor, family purchasing ton, Wisconsin ($84,267) have consin ($85,516) and Papillion power, reflects median income higher median family incomes. ($93,448) have higher family with a cost-of-living adjust- purchasing power incomes. ment. Both of these factors are indicators of economic sus- tainability. Analyzed together, these factors offer insight into demographic makeup, em- ployment opportunities, and overall cost-of-living.
Sustainability 10 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
S.19 Family Income Source: CNN / Money Magazine $100,000 $93,448
$90,000 $86,516 $84,267 $83,075
$80,000
$70,000
$60,000 $57,268 $56,068 $53,249 $52,683 $51,799 $50,836 $49,790 $50,000 $48,416 $47,294 $46,006
$40,000 Family Purchasing Power Purchasing Family Family Purchasing Power Purchasing Family Median Household Income Household Median Median Household Income Household Median $30,000
$20,000 Power Purchasing Family Median Household Income Household Median Family Purchasing Power Purchasing Family Family Purchasing Power Purchasing Family Median Household Income Household Median Family Purchasing Power Purchasing Family Median Household Income Household Median Family Purchasing Power Purchasing Family Median Household Income Household Median Income Household Median $10,000 Alliance, NE North Platte, NE Gering, NE Papillion, NE Cheyenne, WY Rapid City, SD Middleton, WI (#6 US) (#1 US)
Sustainability 11 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Sustainability Assessed
Objective OBJECTIVE STRATEGIES # Primary Strategies Secondary Strategies Help interested citizens Support and organize establish a Community community events that Create social and economic equality and promote Development Housing celebrate the history of 1 Organization to create Alliance community diversity. housing opportunities for Use public art as a cultural particular segments of the resource to promote population community awareness Require all natural features be Establish impervious cover identified on all site plans and standards for all new Preserve and enhance environmental features in preliminary plats development 2 policy formation, community design, and new Explore the use of Create a community award development conservation zoning districts for an individual who displays Educate citizens about the awareness of community
Sustainability Action Plan Action Sustainability benefits of green building environmental issues
Sustainability 12 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ction Plan Action Plan Introduced The intent of the Alliance and little follow-through. The Comprehensive Plan is Action Plan Chapter provides • Identified action steps to Implementation Matrix to empower the City of a framework for the Alliance achieve the community This Action Plan provides eight Alliance and its citizens to community to achieve its goals vision implementation matrices to create positive and desired and implement its vision. The • Formation of an assist in moving to action. change. Each chapter Action Plan is designed to be a Implementation Committee Each matrix has four columns; of the comprehensive working document that guides • Prioritization of identified completion checkmark, action plan has identified goals, community leaders in making action steps step, priority, and responsible objectives, and strategies decisions, establishing priorities, • Delegation of responsibility party. This plan will identify that provide an opportunity and committing time and to implement action steps the action steps within each for the City to make tangible resources that will positively • Framework for updating matrix and the City of Alliance improvements to public affect the future of Alliance the City of Alliance and the Implementation facilities, transportation, and its citizens about Committee will identify the housing, neighborhoods, land Each chapter in the implementation progress other three items. A Foundation use, community appearance, Comprehensive Plan has Matrix can be found on the and community sustainability. identified strategies specific These five elements are critical following page to kick-start this The Comprehensive Plan to the theme of the chapter. to successful implementation. effort. introduced and assessed each The Action Plan chapter This Comprehensive Plan element of the community provides Foundation provides the first element, and developed individualized recommendations and gathers identified action steps, and goals, objectives, and together other chapter will assist in establishing the strategies to guide Alliance in recommendations into a remaining four. The City of future decision making and “community action workbook.” Alliance, city staff, and citizens community betterment. To successfully implement the must be energized and recommendations set forth committed to see this planning Without implementation, this within this plan, the following effort through into action. Comprehensive Plan is merely elements must be present: another community “dust- collector” with great ideas
Action Plan 1 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Implementation Legend The Responsible Party column Guidelines for updating the The Priority column of each of each action step should also Comprehensive Plan action step should have have a letter code, indicating The Comprehensive should one of the following letters responsible group, determined be updated every five years (representing timeframe for by the Implementation for the life of the plan. It is the completion) applied by the Committee. recommendation of this plan, Implementation Committee. that goals, objectives, and strategies not be changed • A – Within 30 days of official • CS – City Staff without public input. Additional plan adoption • IC – Implementation action steps can be added to • B – Within 90 days of official Committee the Action Plan as determined plan adoption • PS – Planning Staff by the Implementation • C – Within one year of • PC – Planning Commission Committee. Any changes official plan adoption • ED – Economic should be made to the original • D – Within two years of Development Staff document, but can also be official plan adoption • PW – Public Works made as an addendum or • E – Within five years of Department separate report. official plan adoption • MS – Main Street • F – To be reviewed Organization Additionally, all demographic at a later date • CC – Chamber of data and existing condition (appropriate for long-term Commerce analysis should be reviewed recommendations) • (Or any other identified and updated every three-five group as designated years, or as new data becomes by the Implementation available. Committee)
Action Plan 2 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
RESPONSIBLE PRIORITY FOUNDATION ACTION STEPS PARTY
Form a city appointed Alliance Comprehensive Plan A CS Implementation Committee
Appoint an Implementation Committee Chair Person A IC
Form implementation sub-committees (teams) based on A IC chapters of the comprehensive plan Appoint team leaders for each sub-committee to be A IC responsible for quarterly progress reports Identify quarterly meeting dates for implementation B IC committee
Create a progress report template for team leaders B IC
Assign priority and responsible party for all action steps B IC identified within the comprehensive plan Hold a public meeting to introduce implementation B IC committee and implementation plan Create a Alliance Implementation website to update C IC public on implementation progress
Initiate first comprehensive plan action steps C IC
Action Plan 3 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
RESPONSIBLE PRIORITY PUBLIC FACILITIES ACTION STEPS PARTY
Ensure all future Capital Improvement Plan recommendations are in compliance with the updated Comprehensive Plan Initiate a GIS needs assessment – Identify key stakeholders to assess GIS needs and explain benefits
Establish a process to obtain property rights for future park and trail areas
Identify areas north of 25th Street and south of 3rd Street for trail expansion Work with school district to identify an achievable student- teacher ratio Work with tourism board to develop a brochure and strategy to attract local and regional meetings and conferences to the Library and Learning Center Form a CIP Review Committee of City Staff and schedule bi-yearly meetings for review, update, and progress reports
Create an interactive GIS system on the city website
Solicit citizen input in the design, development, and maintenance of parks and open space
Initiate a citywide marketing effort to increase trail and park usage and promote healthy living
Initiate a trail expansion project that includes a redevelopment plan for the Old Tennis Courts Develop a Young Professionals Program
Action Plan 4 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
RESPONSIBLE PRIORITY HOUSING ACTION STEPS PARTY
Identify achievable homeownership rate for 2010
Create a city-initiated housing program to acquire, rehabilitate, and distribute vacant or deteriorated housing Work with BBDC and BNSF to develop a catalog of available rental units in the community Circulate rental properties catalog to all BNSF employees and surrounding communities Identify potential housing amenities “areas” such as parks, trails, and public services within the Southside Neighborhood Initiate city housing projects by location to ensure continued and equal attention to all areas of the community Develop a concept plan for the rehabilitation of Good Samaritan Village Work with local banks, developers, and builders to establish a cooperative first-time buyer program Develop and host a “rental property” management workshop to educate property managers about appearance and upkeep during high vacancy periods Develop a mixed use “curriculum” to educate citizens and developers about the advantages of mixed use development (connectivity, activity centers, etc…)
Initiate a yearly review by housing implementation committee of Area Median Income vs. available housing
Action Plan 5 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
RESPONSIBLE PRIORITY HOUSING ACTION STEPS PARTY
Develop and distribute a survey to existing and incoming BNSF employees about downtown living options
Work with BBDC to develop a “downtown living” newsletter
Acquire property and extend trail system into the northern neighborhoods Identify “prime” redevelopment areas of vacant lots and / or deteriorated housing units in a catalog for distribution Work with landowners to promote available land for new residential development Work with connect Hal Murray complex to greater community trail system Review zoning code to allow for residential adaptive redevelopment Promote central location and proximity to schools, parks, downtown, library, and pool to potential home buyers Work with a local developer to build one loft-style “model” for public viewing Organize a community-wide event in downtown that promotes downtown living Develop a concept and development plan for the gateway areas as identified in the future land use map
Promote diversification of housing styles in the West Gateway neighborhood
Explore possible annexation of golf course / airport area for new residential development
Action Plan 6 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
RESPONSIBLE PRIORITY NEIGHBORHOOD ACTION STEPS PARTY
Initiate a Downtown streetscape master plan
Require new subdivisions to include public green space within walking distance of all houses
Work with neighborhood representatives to form a Southside neighborhood association
Establish a neighborhood improvement district in the Southside neighborhood Rezone vacant and underutilized properties in the Southside Neighborhood Work with BBDC and interested stakeholders to explore the use of TIF for affordable urban housing development Work with BBDC and downtown business owners to develop a “brand” for downtown Alliance Work with BNSF railroad to improve safety around rail operations Develop a sidewalk Master Plan for the southside area that promotes private-public cost sharing Work with BBDC and local banks to identify funding mechanisms that encourage residential adaptive reuse in the existing Central Core Neighborhood
Action Plan 7 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
RESPONSIBLE PRIORITY LAND USE ACTION STEPS PARTY
Establish a process to identify potential commercial and industrial sites to “prep” for development by providing adequate infrastructure, the removal of any land use planning regulatory issues, and the resolution of any land use control issues Create an “available properties handbook” for potential developers Update subdivision and zoning ordinances to reflect the Future Land Use Plan and recommendations Work with local public agencies to create development policies that shift cost to private developer
Initiate a redevelopment Master Plan for Flack Avenue
Place poster-size copies of the future land use map in several locations around the community Develop a bonus program (in the form of increased density, reduced development fees, or streamlined process) in the zoning code for “prime” redevelopment areas Develop an educational brochure for residents highlighting the cost of new growth and its affect on existing households Educate local developers about the financial benefits of mixed-use development Provide copies of the Comprehensive Plan to all public and community agencies, boards, and groups
Action Plan 8 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
RESPONSIBLE PRIORITY COMMUNITY APPEARANCE ACTION STEPS PARTY
Develop a unified way-finding system that promotes Alliance community landmarks Strategically position wayfinding signage around gateways to promote “stop-and-stay” image for visitors rather than a “drive-through” image Establish commercial and signage design standards for identified gateway areas through an overlay district
Establish a street tree program
Establish design standards for all major transportation corridors Establish a public art program that encourages the integration of community-produced or funded art along major corridors Establish a Community Appearance award program that recognizes outstanding streetscape improvements Establish a comprehensive planting and landscaping plan for public sites, rights-of-way, parks, and schools
Action Plan 9 ALLIANCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
RESPONSIBLE PRIORITY SUSTAINABILITY ACTION STEPS PARTY
Help interested stakeholders establish a Community Development Housing Organization (CDHO) to create housing opportunities for particular segments of the population Require all natural features be identified on all site plans and preliminary plats
Explore the use of conservation zoning districts
Educate community residents, through fliers, announcements, and community meetings about the benefits of green building technologies Use public art as a cultural resource to promote cross- cultural awareness and community discussion Establish impervious cover standards for new development and explore the use of impervious surface credit transfers Create a Community Achievement Award for the individual or group who displays acute awareness of community environmental issues each year
Action Plan 10