WARD 1 Master Plan • Cleveland, Ohio

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480 WARD 1 Master Plan

Prepared for Harvard Community Services Center 18240 Harvard Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44128 (216) 991-8585

by the Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative 1309 Euclid Avenue, Suite 200 Cleveland, Ohio 44115 (216) 357-3434

June 2013 CONTENTS

1 Master Plan Goals ...... 1

2 Summary ...... 1

3 The Context for Planning

Purpose and Goals of the Plan ...... 2

Planning Process / Community Engagement ...... 4

Previous Studies ...... 5

4 Existing Conditions

Commercial Corridors ...... 11

Residential Neighborhoods ...... 18

5 Lee Road Corridor Recommendations

Streetscape Improvements ...... 21

Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Transit Improvements ...... 26

Power Lines and Utilities ...... 32

Lee/Harvard Intersection ...... 34

Lee/Miles Intersection ...... 38

6 Community Assets: Schools ...... 40

7 Community Assets: Parks and Green Spaces

Overview...... 51

New Recreation Center ...... 53

Green Space Network ...... 56

Green Connections ...... 58

Miles Island Vacancy and Beautifi cation Strategy ...... 66

8 Community Priorities for Implementation

From Plan to Action...... 68

1. MASTER PLAN GOALS

The goals of the Ward 1 Master Plan are to: » Enhance street edges and create a seamless transition between Cleveland and neighboring Shaker Heights » Create a clear and consistent identity for the neighborhood » Improve wayfi nding and signage in ways that connect residents and visitors with assets and amenities » Improve retail access and visibility » Make pedestrian and bicycle improvements » Highlight neighborhood assets and amenities » Create and enhance playgrounds and green spaces for existing residents and future residents » Promote health and active living » Identify a preferred location for a new recreation center » Attract appropriate development to prime sites

2. SUMMARY

The planning process for the Ward I Master Plan Update began in May of 2012, and fi nished in June of 2013. A Steering Committee was established to guide the planning process and three community meetings were convened to engage residents and community stakeholders in the planning process. Recommendations of the plan include:

Physical character and appearance » Adapt the planned streetscape design for Lee Road in Shaker Heights to extend into Cleveland for a seamless transition between the communities » Invest in improvements to bus shelters and the transit waiting experience, especially at the heavily used Lee/Harvard intersection » Encourage the installation of landscape features in the over-sized parking lot at the Lee Harvard shopping center, in order to reduce the amount of pavement, establish a more attractive identity for the shopping center, and improve pedestrian access to and through the shopping center for neighborhood residents and high school students

Healthy and active living » Include bike lanes and sharrows on Lee Road » Link Kerruish Park to other green sites in the neighborhood, to establish a green space network of parks and wetlands » Construct a new recreation center at one of the three sites identifi ed in this plan, with further input from neighborhood residents as to the fi nal location and features of the new center.

Development opportunities » Maximize development opportunities for the benefi t of existing residents and to attract new residents and businesses to the neighborhood. » Include green space, amenities, and a new recreation center.

1 3. THE CONTEXT FOR PLANNING

PURPOSE & GOALS OF THE PLAN Ward 1 is characterized by well-maintained, single- The goals of this plan seeks, as identifi ed by the family homes, a stable population, and the one community, include: of the highest per capita income levels in the City » Enhance street edges and create a of Cleveland. The quality and character of the seamless transition between Cleveland and residential areas is not matched by the commercial neighboring Shaker Heights corridors (Lee Road, Miles Avenue, and Harvard » Create a clear and consistent identity for Avenue) that run through the neighborhood. In the neighborhood contrast to the reinvestment and pride that is evident » Improve wayfi nding and signage in ways in the residential areas, the commercial corridors that connect residents and visitors with have numerous under-utilized properties and a lower assets and amenities overall standard of property maintenance. While there are many successful businesses, numerous » Improve retail access and visibility; churches, and several prominent green spaces along » Make pedestrian and bicycle the commercial corridors, the overall impression of improvements the commercial corridors undermines the character » Highlight neighborhood assets and of the residential neighborhood. amenities This planning document is intended to guide » Create and enhance playgrounds and community investments and improvements, based green spaces for existing residents, and to on the priorities of residents and community attract new residents stakeholders. It will also be presented to the » Promote health and active living Cleveland City Planning Commission for adoption. » Identify a preferred location for a new There are several previous and current plans recreation center which impact the neighborhood. Those plans » Attract appropriate development to prime are considered in this plan and referenced sites where necessary, as this document shall serve as a reference point for further studies in the neighborhood and beyond. There are also many economic factors and constraints to consider in the context of this plan. The on-going eff ects of the foreclosure crisis have impacted the neighborhood. While the Ward I area has fared well in terms of overall foreclosures, particularly as compared to the city as a whole, a renewed focus on maintenance and retention of existing housing and commercial buildings is a priority for the neighborhood. The community’s priorities also include major infi ll projects, as noted in this plan, including new housing development,

2 Housing conditions vary throughout Ward 1, but are in a generally well kept state.

The Lee-Harvard Shopping Plaza serves as the neighborhood’s retail anchor.

Healthy and active living is a community priority.

3 PLANNING PROCESS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT This master plan update re-examines the issues and priorities of previous neighborhood planning eff orts and refl ects the community’s new priorities for Ward I. With input from key local advisors and stakeholders, a series of community meetings were held to determine the neighborhood’s needs and discuss development options. The community meetings included: » Presentation of existing conditions, including elements from the previous master plan to gain important issues in the community. » Conceptual design alternatives for important issues identifi ed by the steering committee and public. » Plan refi nement and implementation priorities for the community to determine the best possible course of action. The plan recommendations were then compiled into this fi nal report for adoption by the city and use by the Harvard Community Center, whose staff will lead the implementation eff orts.

Councilman Terrell Pruitt and community residents were actively involved in this planning process.

4 PREVIOUS STUDIES In 2000-01, the CUDC developed a plan for the Lee a. Place new and redeveloped buildings Road/Harvard Avenue intersection that built on within 10’-15’ of street (urban setback). the major reinvestment being made at that time b. Relocate parking to rear of commercial in the Lee-Harvard Shopping Center. An initial structures and to central parking areas. streetscape plan evolved into a more expansive c. Create a uniform signage strategy that redevelopment strategy for the shopping center emphasizes the pedestrian experience. and the surrounding blocks. This plan proved too d. Promote aesthetically-pleasing landscape ambitious for existing market conditions. Many strategies along the corridor, especially residents were also concerned about the increase where suburban setbacks exist. in rental units proposed in the plan, since Lee- Harvard’s stability and long-term viability is tied, 3. Implement urban design elements and vacant to a large extent, to the high proportion of owner- lot strategies that create a more attractive, occupied single family houses in the neighborhood. cohesive and distinguishing character along Although many ideas in the earlier plan have not Harvard Avenue. been implemented, there remains a strong interest a. Public art along frontage of community in the neighborhood in maximizing the positive center and schools economic and aesthetic impact of the shopping b. Banners on utility poles collaboratively center reinvestments, and extending this impact created with school students further into the neighborhood. c. Pedestrian-scale solar street lamp fi xtures In 2007, the CUDC developed a plan for the Lee d. Street trees Road and Miles Avenue corridors, which was e. Electronic bulletin board in front of updated in 2009 to include recommendations Harvard Community Center to announce for Harvard Avenue and other parts of the neighborhood events neighborhood. 4. Integrate elements that connect the Northern In 2011, Neighborhood Progress Inc. facilitated the and Southern portions of the target area and development of a Target Area Plan (TAP) for the Lee make a more pedestrian friendly environment Miles area. This plan includes specifi c, small-scale along Harvard Avenue. actions to enhance and defi ne the identity of Lee- a. Dedicated or shared bike lanes along the Miles and attract new residents and visitors to the Corridor neighborhood. Recommendations include: b. Attractive and generous crosswalks that encourage pedestrian exploration of the 1. Redevelop two-family homes along Harvard target area and beyond Avenue into market-rate single family and condominium units. This will add housing 5. Investigate neighborhood opportunities diversity to the neighborhood and could adjacent to Kerruish Park. incentivize employees from regional a. Stabilize housing companies to live in an area, nearer their work. b. Celebrate community connections/ 2. Improve adjacent retail areas (outside the entrances target area) to create a pedestrian-friendly c. Propose Reimagining Cleveland projects destination.

5 (LEFT) Proposal for removing existing barrier between Cleveland and Shaker Heights and creating a new bike boulevard at East 173 Street/ Avalon Road

(BELOW) Existing and proposed bike connections in Ward 1

LEE ROAD CORRIDOR

E. 173RD BIKE BLVD

HARVARD AVE BIKE LANES E. 154TH ST. NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTOR

NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTOR TO JOHNSTON MILL TRAIL

6 (TOP) Design guidelines for redevelopment (2001 Lee/Harvard Plan) (BOTTOM) Recommendations for the intersection of Lee Road and Miles Avenue (2006 Lee Road and Miles Avenue Corridors Plan)

7 unique districts Lee-Miles Lee-Miles - Focus on improving deteriorated Connecting Cleveland 2020 Citywide Plan - Development Opportunities conditions in adjacent neighborhoods ConnectingSHAKER BL Cleveland 2020 Citywide Plan - Retail District Strategies 4.P.10 Fredrick Douglas Park - upgrade existing park 4.P.11 Kerruish Park - upgrade existing park, adding trails and a nature center 4.P.9 Miles Heights Park - upgrade existing park 4.R.6 Lee & Miles – opportunity for mixed-use (retail/housing) development

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Economic Development Opportunities Housing Opportunities: New Construction Housing Opportunities: Infill/Rehab Retail Opportunities Recreation Opportunities School Opportunties Arts Opportunities

Retail district strategies within Ward I and the adjacent Context of development strategies within Ward I. Source: areas. Source: Cleveland 2020 Plan Cleveland 2020 Plan

The Lee-Harvard plan recommended new development that pushed buildings closer to the street to encourage a town center feeling for the major intersection in the neighborhood. Lee-MilesHampstead Hampstead

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Proposed Land Use - Year 2020 Dubin Federal SINGLE / TWO FAMILY Highview Preibe MIXED USE: DOWNTOWN Myrtle TOWNHOUSE MULTI FAMILY Kollin MIXED USE: RESIDENTIAL + RETAIL/OFFICE Mc Cracken MIXED USE: LIVE-WORK Greenhurst

OFFICE

x e RETAIL R COMMERCIAL SERVICES LIGHT INDUSTRY HEAVY INDUSTRY INSTITUTIONAL RECREATION/OPEN SPACE/LANDSCAPE TRANSPORTATION / PUBLIC UTILITIES PARKING (DOWNTOWN ONLY) LEE-MILES BOUNDARY WATER

A goal of this Master Plan update is to connect the numerous institutional and residential uses to recreational and green spaces, in a way that is consistent with the Cleveland 2020 Plan. Source: Cleveland 2020 Plan TARGET AREA PLAN (TAP) for Lee-Miles identifi es specifi c strategies for improving neighborhood conditions and attracting new residents. (2011)

10 4. EXISTING CONDITIONS

COMMERCIAL CORRIDORS Ward 1 consists of a variety of distinct areas and properties, and automotive uses. Billboards are corridors, distinguished by variations in building prevalent in this section of Lee Road. types, land uses, and vegetation. The following is a From Miles Avenue to Seville Road, Lee Road brief summary of existing neighborhood conditions. is primarily industrial, with several large scale LEE ROAD The northern section of Lee industrial businesses in operation, as well as some Road, from the Shaker Heights border to Lotus smaller industries. Between Seville Road and Drive, has the most signifi cant concentration of Highview Avenue, Lee Road becomes primarily retail businesses in the neighborhood, anchored by residential, anchored by the western edge of the Lee-Harvard Shopping Center. This area is home Kerruish Park. Residents of this area expressed a to numerous local businesses, as well as many strong interest in small-scale convenience retail national franchises. development. The Lee-Harvard Shopping Center is quite a distance from this part of the neighborhood, The intersection of Lee Road and Harvard Avenue and residents are looking for some retail businesses is anchored by the Lee-Harvard Shopping Center. to provide basic necessities within walking distance. The shopping center was developed in 1949 and has long served as the commercial heart of South of Highview Avenue, there are several the neighborhood. In 2001, the shopping center large vacant properties which are prime received a $26 million renovation, which resulted opportunities for new development, in proximity in many new businesses and a substantial increase to the I-480 interchange. The 29-unit, market- in commercial activity. Immediately east of the rate Sunny Glen development was recently shopping center is a concentration of institutional constructed in this area, and the 114-acre uses, including a public library, a fi re station, John F. Cleveland industrial park was also developed in Kennedy High School, and a recreation center. The proximity to the I-480/Lee Road interchange. The connections between the institutional uses and the potential for new commercial development also commercial uses are not strong. exists, although I-480 has only a westbound exit and eastbound entrance at Lee Road. Many of the tenants in the shopping center are national franchises. Across from the shopping HARVARD AVENUE includes a mixture of center, on the west side of Lee Road, there is a residential, commercial, and institutional land uses. higher percentage of smaller, locally owned retail Buildings and landscapes along the corridor are business. Many of the neighborhood’s strongest generally well-maintained, although the corridor local businesses are located in close proximity to lacks a distinctive, cohesive visual character. There the shopping center. are no major blighted areas, although a stretch of two-family units on the north side of Harvard, The section of Lee Road From Lotus Drive to Miles just east of Lee Road, were identifi ed in a previous Avenue is a transition zone, between the retail plan as being prime properties for reinvestment or area along the northern part of Lee Road and the redevelopment as condominium units. The four- more industrial section of Lee Road south of Miles lane roadway has an average daily traffi c volume Avenue. This area has some retail and commercial of 15,000 vehicles plus several RTA bus routes. businesses, but less of a traditional retail character The street has dedicated bike lanes, which is an than the northern stretch of Lee Road. Retail uses important amenity given the traffi c volumes and are interspersed with pockets of housing, vacant

11 The Lee-Harvard Shopping Plaza serves as the retail and services anchor for the neighborhood.

Traditional retail storefronts near the Lee-Harvard Shopping Plaza.

A fence between John F. Kennedy High School and the Lee-Harvard Shopping Center is an eff ort to limit pedestrian traffi c between the two sites.

12 Utility poles and harsh concrete edging dominate the Lee Road landscape

The northern section of the Lee Road corridor has a high concentration of retail businesses, interspersed with churches and small green spaces.

13 the fact that the Harvard Community Services Center, John F. Kennedy High School and Recreation Center, and several other major community destinations are located along the corridor.

MILES AVENUE Industrial uses and salvage yards dominate Miles Avenue, but there are also pockets of housing, some commercial uses, several churches, and a large public park. The intersection of Miles Avenue and Lee Road has seen signifi cant recent development, including a new senior Tremco Manufacturing Company facility. housing complex and commercial businesses. The eastern section of Miles Avenue has active industries, the largest of which is the Tremco Manufacturing Company. The Miles Avenue corridor is a viable location for industry due to the Erie Railroad line that runs just south of Miles Avenue and the area has convenient access to Interstate 480. The eastern section of Miles Avenue also has numerous under-utulized industrial properties, many of which are in poor condition. Interspersed between industrial uses are small pockets of housing. Many homes along Miles Avenue seem isolated from the surrounding neighborhood and from retail opportunities and park spaces. On the north side of Miles Avenue, Industrial uses at the eastern end of Miles Avenue. immediately east of East 167th Street, there is a long stretch of vacant properties that are platted and zoned for residential use. The possibility of a residential development of these properties is strong, particularly in connection with a new senior housing complex on the adjacent property. Unlike Lee Road, where the tree lawns are intermittent and largely paved over, Miles Avenue has a continuous tree lawn that varies in width from ten to fi fteen feet. The tree lawn runs almost the entire length of the street and, for the most part, is planted with grass and street trees.

Pockets of housing between industrial uses

14 (LEFT) Harvard Avenue retail business: existing conditions

(BELOW) Harvard Avenue retail business with storefront improvements, parking lot fencing and landscaping, and banners in the public right-of-way.

(LEFT) Harvard Avenue multi-family housing; potential redevelopment area

15 PARKING The diagram on the next page shows the distribution of parking spaces along Lee Road, Ward One’s primary commercial corridor. The Lee- Harvard Shopping Plaza and most of the franchise restaurants on the street have parking lots that greatly exceed the number of parking spaces required by the city’s zoning code. Most of the freestanding retail and commercial buildings along the street have parking spaces that meet the zoning code standards. The parking shortages (shown in red on the diagram on page 14) occur mostly at the multi-tenant commercial storefront buildings, where off -street parking is often limited or non- existent, and on-street parking is intermittent. It may be worthwhile to pursue a shared parking strategy among tenants of commercial buildings who have excess capacity to serve businesses whose parking capacity is limited. A broader parking strategy may also emerge, helping to curtail the intermittent lots and on- street facilities. More on street parking should be encouraged to facilitate better traffi c fl ow, which would also encourage more businesses to build their building to the edge of the sidewalk, as opposed to placing a lot towards the front of their property, which would further encourage a pedestrian retail environment.

LEE ROAD PARKING ASSESSMENT Red areas indicate properties where available parking is Surplus Parking less than what is required per the city’s zoning Adequate Parking code. Yellow areas indicate properties where Parking Shortage the available off -street parking exceeds zoning Head-in Parking Parallel Parking code standards.

16 Lee Road has a variety of commercial types, with The Miles Island area of the neighborhood has mixed character and varying degrees of vacancy. multiple vacancies and dead end streets, but the condition of the neighborhood is generally pleasant and well-maintained.

The Miles Avenue area consists primarily of light A variety of commercial types as well as residential industrial and warehouse uses, and heavy rail runs are located along the Harvard Avenue corridor. parallel to Miles Avenue

17 RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS Residential neighborhoods in Ward 1 are stable the area. A new CMHA senior housing facility, and and well-maintained, with a high percentage of newer condominiums at J. Gilbert Commons and in owner-occupants, especially as compared to other the surrounding area provide a more dense housing neighborhoods in the city. The neighborhood typology in the neighborhood along Lee Road. has historically attracted families who value the dot the ward due to the foreclosure quiet streets, many schools, and nearby parks. VACANCIES crisis of recent years, but the eff ects have not been However, the housing stock lacks some of the as devastating as in other areas of the city. Certain features typically found in new housing. With fewer areas of the neighborhood, particularly around the bedrooms and bathrooms, and smaller garages Lee-Seville/ Miles Island area have already begun than many of today’s home buyers are looking for, taking care of some these lots, turning them into the neighborhood may have a hard time attracting communal assets to produce a courtyard type families, it’s primary market niche. However, the eff ect. Other suggestions for such sites include lot- neighborhood is experiencing a modest increase in splitting, rain gardens, community gardens, and population, perhaps parked by recent investments playgrounds. Creating better connections to park in neighborhood schools and parks. spaces and schools in the surrounding areas for The Lee-Seville, Lee-Miles, Lee-Harvard, and pedestrians should also be seen as a priority. portions of the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood are serves as the primary east-west all part of Ward I proper. A variety of land uses HARVARD AVENUE arterial in the neighborhood, connecting to both occur throughout the neighborhood, although I-271 to the east, and I-77 to the west. Single family it is predominantly a residential neighborhood. housing can primarily be found along the stretches Commercial anchors such as the Lee-Harvard of Harvard east and west of Lee Road. Closer to this shopping plaza with amenities such as Dave’s intersection are retail, commercial, and institutional Supermarket serve both a local and regional uses. Commercial lots along Harvard, in particular base. With over 30 tenant spaces, the Lee-Harvard could benefi t from enhanced streetscapes, edging Shopping plaza is one of the city’s largest strategies, and consistent identity pieces to shopping centers. encourage customers, and bolster the character of LIGHT INDUSTRY is located primarily along the the neighborhood. Traveling eastward, the Chagrin Miles Avenue corridor, and through the Lee-Seville Highlands, provide access to green recreational and Miles Island area of the ward. The 114 acre activities, University Hospitals, and associated Cleveland Industrial Park helps to sustain jobs in amenities along the highway. To the west, Harvard the community. Some vacancies line the corridor, Avenue provides access to Broadway Avenue, which and should be considered for alternative uses, leads straight to downtown, and I-77 and I-490. particularly if near residential neighborhoods. Miles To the northern edge of the ward lies the Avenue also provides access to I-480 to the east intersection of and the Randall Park Mall area and its associated UNION AVENUE AND KINSMAN with quality housing stock, and a more amenities. ROAD, dense housing typology. This neighborhood off ers Due to the fact that the neighborhood developed in connections to Shaker Heights and to downtown the 1940s and 1950s, the ward is primarily suburban Cleveland, but suff ers from multiple vacancies, in form, as most housing stock throughout the including the former Robert Fulton Elementary neighborhoods are single family housing. There School, for which a use has yet to be determined, is an 82% single family homeownership rate in but is outlined in this plan.

18 Ward I has a relatively stable vacancy rate in comparison with much of the city. Source: Cleveland State University

The number of housing units has remained relatively stable, with some small growth in certain areas. Source: Cleveland State University.

19 Source:CityofCleveland LEE RD

HARVARD AVE

MILES AVE

Vacant lots in the Ward. Source: City of Cleveland.

Source:CityofCleveland LEE RD

HARVARD AVE

MILES AVE

Land Bank Properties in the Ward. Source: City of Cleveland.

20 5. LEE ROAD CORRIDOR RECOMMENDATIONS

STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS businesses, fast food restaurants, gas stations, and the like, and generally contain larger The character of Lee Road varies throughout the building footprints and parking requirements corridor, supporting a mixture of business, housing, than other areas in the corridor. This area serves and institutional purposes, while also serving as automobiles well. the neighborhood’s primary north/south arterial. Most development along the corridor is geared » The RESIDENTIAL CORE stretches from south toward the automobile, with little consideration to of Sorrento Avenue to Miles Avenue. While pedestrians or bicyclists. Given the desire to create there is only a small amount of housing along a seamless transition between Shaker Heights and the corridor, the majority of it is contained Cleveland, similar treatments are proposed to those in this stretch, so streetscape improvements found in the Lee Road Traffi c Study & Corridor Plan. should refl ect the more residential environment. Recommendations for the space between the curb Larger projects, such as the new senior housing and the property lines are contingent upon the development should be seen as anchors of the character of the type of development throughout area, and should be given accommodation in the corridor. the streetscape sections. The six corridor areas along Lee Road are as follows: » The MILES INDUSTRIAL CORE provides access to larger trucks from the highways and » The BUSINESS RETAIL GATEWAY extends elsewhere, and like Harvard, is an east-west from the Cleveland municipal line to connector street. Appropriate directional and Glendale Avenue. This area welcomes visitors wayfi nding signage should be considered, as and residents to the neighborhood and is well as the development sites at the corners of dominated by single story masonry retail the intersection. frontage. Some on street parking exists in this area, but is mostly surface parking at the front » The southern GATEWAY AND GREENWAY of the lots. A new dollar general is proposed CORE defi nes the southern boundary of the along the eastern side of the street near the neighborhood extending to I-480, and defi nes border. a gateway for those coming from the highway, and municipalities beyond Cleveland. The » The PEDESTRIAN COMMERCIAL CORE neighborhood and city identity can be defi ned extends from Glendale Avenue south to Judson at this point through wayfi nding, landscaping, Drive, just beyond the Lee-Harvard Shopping and identity signage. Additionally, there is a Plaza. This area contains the most potential vast amount of green space, connecting to for development into a pedestrian-friendly amenities such as the proposed Johnston core, which could conceivably serve as a “town Mill run Trail, which should allow for ease of center” type of character. Along this stretch, connectivity and wayfi nding through urban there are multiple retail frontages which design strategies. extend to the sidewalk and accommodate on-street parking. This creates a sense of A variety of issues are considered in each boundary and safety for pedestrians, which segment of the corridor, outlined below. Signage, could be further enhanced with pedestrian utility burial, stormwater runoff , development scale lighting, legible and consistent signage, patterns, bicycle amenities, pavement materials, and landscaping buff ers to defi ne the and parking needs should all be considered as boundary between the street edge and the development or road improvements are made. sidewalk. Public art or small plazas are also Pedestrian scale development, which currently encouraged to enhance the character of the exists primarily in the pedestrian commercial core, space, particularly around the Lee-Harvard provides the most opportunity for streetscape intersection. character development. Encouraging pedestrian- friendly development and use of the City’s » The BUSINESS SERVICES CORE extends Storefront Renovation Program would enhance from Judson Drive south to Sorrento Avenue. the vibrancy of the pedestrian commercial core. This area contains a variety of services and institutions, including churches, auto service

21 Shaker Heights plan for Lee Road Source: Lee Road Traffi c Study & Corridor Plan • Reduction to two travel lanes width and a center turn lane • 6’-0” bike lanes North/South • Three 12’-0” travel lanes • 10’-0” tree lawn • 6’-0” sidewalk either side • Dedicated bike lanes in both directions • Installation of countdown pedestrian signals • At Scottsdale Boulevard, reduce crossing distance • Provide bike connection east of Avalon Road

22 CLEVELAND/SHAKER HEIGHTS LINE LEE RD.

BUSINESS RETAIL GATEWAY

A-A

HARVARD AVE. PEDESTRIAN COMMERCIAL CORE LEE RD.

B-B

BUSINESS SERVICES CORE

MILES AVE. RESIDENTIAL CORE

D-D MILES INDUSTRIAL CORE

C-C GATEWAY & GREENWAY CORE

S. TO I-480

23 Most of the Lee Road corridor is within a Business Improvement District. Source: Cleveland City Planning

24 Recommendations for the pedestrian commercial core, just south of Cloverside Avenue, include pedestrian scale lighting, sconce fi xtures, green infrastructure, consistent signage, and awnings. Signage should be design to be visible and appealing to drivers and pedestrians. Facade and building rhythm can enhance a street’s character, and make a more pleasant walking experience.

Lighting, signage, awnings, and landscaping to improve the appearance of the street and the pedestrian experience.

25 BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, AND TRANSIT IMPROVEMENTS to take into account existing/potential future bus The community’s desire to create a seamless routes. Transit-waiting environments may also transition from Shaker Heights into Cleveland, in be enhanced in key locations, or in cases of high terms of streetscape character, must be assessed by ridership, particularly around the Lee-Harvard a traffi c engineer, as this would entail reducing the shopping plaza and John F. Kennedy High School. number of vehicle travel lanes. In order to align with the roadway confi guration in Shaker Heights, the The reduction in vehicle travel lanes would allow for four current lanes of traffi c (two in each direction) on road bicycle facilities,reconfi gured/repurposed would be consolidated to one northbound travel parking, and/or green infrastructure depending on lane, one southbound travel lane, and one two-way the section of the corridor. left turn lane. Currently, bicycle facilities and neighborhood Bus Route 40 (Lakeview-Lee) travels Lee Road, while connectors exist running east-west along Harvard the number 19 (Broadway-Miles) travels along Avenue, towards the south along Seville Road, and Miles Avenue, and the number 15 (Union-Harvard) running north-south, along E. 155th/154th and at E. likewise travels west-east on Harvard Road. Any 173rd Street. roadway or traffi c reconfi guration would also have

26 General street condition with bicycle lanes, one north bound lane, one south bound lane, and a two way left turn lane, if the Shaker traffi c pattern were to continue into Cleveland.

General street condition with on street parking on one side, if the Shaker traffi c pattern were to continue into Cleveland.

27 Along the Lee Road corridor, a variety of Section B-B in the Business Services Core: Burial improvements can be made to enhance the of utility lines may be considered here, but is not experience of all who use the street. Some highly recommended, due to the dominance of the improvements may be consistent throughout the automobile, and auto-focused businesses (such as corridor, such as the type of street tree to be used, fast food restaurants) in this sector. Updated LED while others may be specifi c to the character of the street lamps should also be considered for safety. section, such as the burial of utility lines, or signage Encouraging a stronger street edge (and enforcing regulations. A cohesive strategy and phasing for current zoning requirements of landscaping for the corridor may enable cost savings, due to an businesses) through augmenting landscaping integrated approach of scheduling, which would features such as ornamental trees and shrubbery eliminate certain redundancies in construction. which do not block business signage, and fencing which provides an edge. Shown here are proposed street sections for what the streetscape may look like along certain areas of Section C-C in the Gateway and Greenway Core: the corridor. Some street trees exist here, but are out of scale with the breadth of the street and building Section A-A in the commercial core: Types of setbacks. Encouraging larger tree plantings on businesses and street frontage vary in this area. A private property, such as at the new CMHA senior strategy of intermittent stormwater bioswales with housing complex would help create a more green on-street parking on both sides could help defi ne and pedestrian friendly environment. Directional a “slow” boundary between the fast auto traffi c and wayfi nding signage should also be considered and the sidewalk. Buried utilities and pedestrian in this area to orient visitors from the highway scale street fi xtures should be considered as an to amenities in the neighborhood. Again, street option here to enhance businesses presence, and lighting upgrades and green infrastructure to help foster a pedestrian character. Various paving improvements are encouraged in this sector. alternatives may also be considered here. Replacing overhead sodium vapor cobra head street lamps with effi cient LED street lamps may help reduce glare, and reduce maintenance costs. Bicycle lanes on either side should also be considered throughout the corridor, as part of the forthcoming Complete and Green Streets initiative through the city.

Examples of street trees which tend to fare well in a variety of weather conditions, and can generally tolerate power lines, due to thinner branches towards the crown.

28 Existing Lee Road streetscape (above) is dominated by pavement and power lines. Street trees, landscaping, and pedestrian-scale SECTION A-A lighting will create a more welcoming appearance, along with the burial of power lines, if funding is available.

29 SECTION B-B

Oriented for the automobile with large signs and large building setbacks, this area can be enhanced by a continuous fencing and landscaped edge, which does not block visible access to the businesses.

30 SECTION C-C

Encouraging larger plantings along the corridor where large setbacks occur, as well as retaining and fi lling street trees where necessary would help enhance the character for institutional and residential uses.

31 POWER LINES & UTILITIES In order to create a more aesthetically pleasing improvements bury the utilities underground. This urban environment, the community is considering is hardly the case throughout the city, due to the burying their utility lines throughout the Lee Road associated costs of doing so. Complications may corridor, either throughout the entire length, or at also arise when multiple providers share the same certain strategic locations. The burying of utilities utility lines. A single pole may share telephone lines, has occurred in a number of destination places and multiple electrical providers such as Cleveland in the city, such as at Gordon Square in Detroit Public Power and the Illuminating Company. Shoreway, on Lorain Avenue in Kamm’s Corner, and If utility burial throughout the entirety of the in the University Circle area. corridor, it is recommended that consideration There are multiple considerations in the burial of be given to areas where street character is highly utilities, due to the high cost of doing so. While important, such as in the “commercial core” around there is an ordinance in the city of Cleveland, dating the Lee-Harvard intersection. back to 1914, stating that all subsequent utility

Source: Ending the Blight Above: Undergrounding Utilities in Cleveland. COST OF BURYING UTILITIES TELECOMMUNICATIONS: $120/LINEAR FT. EACH SIDE OF THE STREET ELECTRICAL:$160/LINEAR FOOT ONE SIDE OF STREET $100/LINEAR FOOT FOR ADDITIONAL SIDE OF STREET, IF NO LIGHTING. $280/LINEAR FOOT IF HIGH VOLTAGE FEEDER REQUIRED 50$/LINEAR FOOT TO RAISE SERVICES OUT OF VIEWSHED

1914 ORDINANCE IN THE CITY OF CLEVELAND REQUIRES SUBSEQUENT UTILITIES TO BE BURIED UNDERGROUND

32 Entire Length 2 sided burial with lighting (left): 11,750’=$6,580,000* Entire Length 2 sided burial, 1 side lighting (right): 11,750’=$5,170,000*

North & South Gateway Burial (left): 3,300’=$1,848,000* Commercial Corridor 2 sided Burial (right): 2,300’= $1,288,000* *Preliminary estimates based on 2005 study of underground utilities prepared by the CUDC and Frank D. Brook, P.E. 33 LEE ROAD & HARVARD AVENUE INTERSECTION Serving as the anchor retail center in the neighborhood, the Lee-Harvard Plaza provides many amenities for local residents, including Dave’s Supermarket, Walgreens drug store, banking options, various and sundry retail outlets, and the Harvard- Lee Branch Library. Given its central location in the neighborhood, it lacks a coherent street presence,or plaza-like public gesture, and off ers little visibility of the retail stores within the plaza from the major roads. In order to off er a more public presence, at the corner, and to orient visitors better a variety of urban hfdd design treatments may be considered at all four corners of the intersection. » Street edge: Zoning code standards for commercial buildings, which require a landscaped and/or fenced edge for commercial sites. Stronger enforcement of these zoning requirements will help defi ne the corners better, giving visitors a sense of place. » Identity/Wayfi nding signage: Signage can orient visitors to surrounding amenities as well as the plaza itself. » Greening strategy: The parking lot of the Lee-Harvard shopping center is large and under-utulized. Through a simplifi ed circulation pattern, and better pedestrian refuges, a minimum of parking would have to be sacrifi ced. Green islands may also help reduce stormwater runoff tax, due to the large amount of impervious treatment currently on site. » Material variation: Stamped asphalt, or brick pavers in the crosswalks would enhance the visibility of a pedestrian presence, as well as give a defi ned center to the intersection and plaza, creating it as an identity piece and stopping point in the neighborhood. » Transit waiting environments: Improvements to major bus stops, including seating in the plaza space at the corner of Lee and Harvard will improve the transit experience.

Identity and wayfi nding signage

34 LEE /HARVARD INTERSECTION Currently, the major activity at the shopping center is set back from the street and the public sidewalk by a large parking lot. ...

35 » Pedestrian linkage: Many students from Fire John F. Kennedy High School cut through Stn. the parking lot to reach the bus shelter on Lee-Harvard. Providing a safe route for pedestrians reinforces the plaza’s identity JFK High School as a communal amenity.

Shopping Center

Potential pedestrian linkage from the High School to the shopping center.

Zoning focused around the Lee Road Corridor. Source: City of Cleveland.

36 Larger trees, various plantings, public art, enhanced transit-waiting environments, identity markers, and various paving materials could all enhance the character of the Lee-Harvard intersection

Reconfi guring the over- sized parking lot at the Lee Harvard shopping center would improve the appearance of shopping center and dramatically improve pedestrian access.

37 LEE ROAD & MILES AVENUE INTERSECTION Near the major intersection at Lee Road and Miles Avenue there is a variety of business, industrial, and residential uses. Recent development in the area, such as the O’Reilly Auto Parts Store and the CMHA senior housing facility provide a backdrop for some of the vacant sites near the intersection of Lee and Miles. The area is generally characterized by large setbacks, some institutional uses, a small retail strip, a gas station at the northwest corner of Lee and Harvard and a car wash at the southwest corner. There are development sites at the southeast corner of the intersection, as well as east near the corner of E. 167th Street and Miles Avenue There are also historic buildings of architectural signifi cance in the area, particularly along Miles Avenue, traveling east from Lee Road on the south side of Miles. Development site at the SE corner of Lee Road: Approximately a 39,000SF (.89 acre) parcel, there is currently interest in developing the site as a potential gas station. Zoned as local retail business, small shops could also occupy this site, allowing for a small civic plaza, which would fulfi ll a community need near this end of the neighborhood for small gathering spaces. Development site near the corner of Miles Avenue and E. 167th Street: Approximately a 109,000SF (2.5 AC) site, zoned for multi-family housing, this site could accommodate townhouses, possibly with an intergenerational component to complement the new CMHA housing to the north.

Utility poles dominate the landscape throughout the corridor, creating potential confl icts with street trees and blocking views to historically signifi cant buildings. 38 TO FREDERICK DOUGLASS PARK

CMHA SENIOR PROPOSED HOUSING WALKING TRAIL ROUTE

ENHANCE EDGING

GAS STATION NEW O’REILLEY’S AUTO SUPPLY PROPOSED RETAIL/COMMERCIAL

PROPOSED CAR IDENTITY TOWNHOUSES WASH SIGNAGE PROPOSED 60 DWELLING * CIVIC UNITS PLAZA Infi ll development could 1800 SF PEDESTRIAN/ help solidify the identity of RESIDENT ORIENTED RETAIL the neighborhoods create a

TO KERRUISH transitional fabric to the less PARK dense areas of the ward.

SECTION D-D

Inserting identity for the corridor can be accomplished through an aesthetically cohesive wayfi nding system, transit-waiting environments, and landscaping and paving materials. 39 6. COMMUNITY ASSETS: SCHOOLS

OVERVIEW Schools are a major asset in Ward 1, providing strategy. The site is could accommodate higher community outreach programs, after-school density housing. The shell of the current building programs, health related programming and could conceivably be converted for apartments, education, and their recreational facilities. The with new construction of townhouses at the edges treatment of these sites, and in particular those sites of the site, reserving a small amount for green which contain vacant school buildings, should be space. Or, the current school building could be commensurate with the will of the community, and demolished, and new construction developed on maximize benefi t for the community as a whole. the site. Some of the vacant school sites are being CHARLES W. ELIOT SCHOOL This middle school considered as possibilities for a new recreation serves close to 800 students in the district. Attached center, while others have plans for future private to the site is Frederick Douglass Park (colloquially development, or are currently active and in need of known as Eliot park, or Miles playfi eld). A new only minor improvements. orchard and farmer’s market are proposed for the park, which could position the school and its (Former) EMILE B. DESAUZE SCHOOL (140,000 square feet, 3.21 acres): Located fi ve blocks east facilities as a community learning center and place of Kerruish Park and south of Tarkington Avenue, of community engagement, centrally located in the Desauze school was closed by the CMSD in 2011, neighborhood. For this reason, the adjacent park is as part of a larger school closing and consolidation also being considered for a new recreation center.

Most schools in the neighborhood are concentrated towards the center of the ward near Harvard Avenue, and Lee Road.

40 New schools serve as anchors for neighborhood development (Adlai Stevenson K-8 School - Bowen Associates, Architects)

WHITNEY YOUNG SCHOOL This is one of the city’s ROBERT H. JAMISON SCHOOL The new Jamison anchor institutions for gifted high school students. Junior High School is located on the southern In 2010, it was the only Cleveland public school to side of Harvard Avenue between E. 146th and E. be recognized with the state’s highest designation 144th Streets. Built to replace the nearby Jamison of “Excellent with Distinction.” Located less than school at E. 141st and Harvard. The former site is half of a mile from John F. Kennedy High School, one of the larger school sites in the neighborhood, this school serves as a highly reputable community measuring approximately. 191,000SF, or 4.38ac. institution. While the former school site will no longer be in the 2014 ward boundary, it is still being considered (Former) ROBERT FULTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL in this plan as a potential site for a community (+/-144,000SF 3.31ac): The farthest north of any of recreation center due to its fairly centralized the schools in Ward I, this former school building location, and large site which would allow for both is currently slated for demolition. Closed in 2010, a large indoor recreational facility as well as outdoor the building sits mid-block between E. 140th and programming. E. 142nd Streets, north of Kinsman Road. The site could be developed as housing, but due to the lack JOHN F. KENNEDY HIGH SCHOOL This school is of small pocket parks and playgrounds in the area, central to the neighborhood, located along Harvard it is recommended that the site be developed as a Avenue, east of Lee Road. Serving as the primary small park space. high school for the neighborhood, its enrollment is around 900 students. Its outdoor recreational (Former) GRACEMOUNT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL facilities include a running track and football fi eld. (144,000SF 3.22 AC): This site is being proposed for There are no major plans for the site at this time. low density residential development. Located at the end of the block between Glendale Avenue, E. 161st RAMAH JUNIOR ACADEMY A private Seventh Street and Biltmore Avenue, new development Day Adventist Christian K-8 school located near should be designed in a way that is respectful the southern border of the neighborhood on Lee to surrounding housing and the neighborhood Road. Of note at this site is the Johnston Mill Run context. Trail which will pass by the school and cross over into Kerruish Park. Crosswalk enhancements and ADLAI STEVENSON SCHOOL This PreK-8 school is signalization may make access/crossing for Ramah located in a fairly new building in the northwestern students more safe. area of the ward. Currently, there are plans for a new park/community garden to be built at the southern edge of the site. Called Joann Park, the design includes a walking path, plantings, a playground, a spray basin, exercise stations, and a new vehicular access point from E. 183rd Street.

41 Desauze School could be redeveloped into housing in the neighborhood , either re-purposing the former school building, and/or using new construction.

42 New construction allows for a more dense housing stock, and alternative forms of development from single family housing.

Incorporation of a small green space on the site would allow a playground, or other small communal gathering space.

43 CHARLES W. ELIOT SCHOOL

A new community garden and orchard will serve to act as community spaces tied to the school. WHITNEY YOUNG SCHOOL

Whitney Young High School stands as a neighborhood anchor for some of the area’s brightest students.

44 FULTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

The former Fulton Elementary School site is the northernmost school site in the ward. The site could be developed in stages to provide green space as a small pocket park, which could be developed in stages as the building awaits demolition.

45 ABELL AVE

Lawn ST ST TH ST ST TH RD ND E. 139 E. 140 E. 143 E. 142

New enlarged playground

46 GRACEMOUNT ELEMENTARY

Low-density residential development at the Gracemount school site per the guidelines of the TAP study.

47 JAMISON SCHOOL

Although just beyond the ward’s boundaries, the former Jamison school site could accommodate a large recreation center.

48 JOHN F. KENNEDY HIGH SCHOOL

RAMAH JUNIOR ACADEMY

Ramah Junior Academy serves as a connection point between Kerruish Park and the proposed Johnston Run MIll Trail.

49 STEVENSON SCHOOL

THROCKLEY AVE LANBURY AVE ST RD E. 183 WENDY DR WENDY JO ANN DR

WALDEN AVE WODA AVE SHAKERWOOD AVE ST TH

E. 177

LEE HEIGHTS BLVD HEIGHTS LEE STRANDHILL RD STRANDHILL ST ST ST ST TH TH TH TALFORD AVE TH E. 188 E. 190 E. 189 E. 186 Adlai Stevenson School GLENDALE AVE GLADSTONE AVE

GLENDALE AVE

SUNSET DR ST

TH Stevenson Fields

E. 177 E. KINGS HWY ST RD WENDY DR WENDY JO ANN DR E. 183

RIDGEWOOD AVE

Kerruish Park 0 0.25 mi N

A new playground is in development for the Stevenson School site.

50 7. COMMUNITY ASSETS: PARKS & GREEN SPACES

OVERVIEW Ward I has embedded roots in creating an active,vibrant, and healthy community. Over the past several years, the community has focused on activities and programs that encourage healthy and active living. Initiatives such as HEAL Cleveland and the Ward I Community Health Initiative have led to community gardens, free health screenings, neighborhood playgrounds, healthier food options in local retailers, an annual health fair, and other amenities in the interest of creating a safe, connected, and healthy neighborhood. Goals of the Ward I Community Health Initiative include: • Supporting healthier lifestyles • Safer neighborhood environments • A more connected neighborhood This has important design implications including creating and enhancing bike-able, walkable networks, as well as connections to schools, natural amenities, civic spaces, and events. The neighborhood has many parks, and yet many these green spaces are currently inaccessible or not readily apparent to residents. Even major green spaces such as Kerruish Park and Frederick Douglass Park lack a strong street presence. The Mill Creek and the more natural surroundings to the south of the neighborhood is an under-tapped resource, Image from the Ward I Health Fair & “Stepping out despite access to it from Kerruish Park. Additionally, Against Cancer” Walk/Run. Source: Ward I Community there are few pocket parks and small spaces Newsletter. towards the north of the neighborhood. Some of the school sites that are no longer inhabited should be considered for this purpose. High visibility areas of the neighborhood, such as Lee Road and Harvard Avenue, lack adequate trees and landscaping to facilitate a strong network of active, pedestrian-oriented streets. While diffi cult to compete with heavy traffi c on the major arterials, a greening strategy can help facilitate walkability and additional “eyes on the street.” Street lighting may also help with the perception of some of these corridors and spaces, making them accessible for more hours of the day. Additionally, vacant parcels, especially those that share adjacency should be considered for use as community gardens, courtyard spaces, and pocket parks throughout the neighborhoods.

51 52 52 NEW RECREATION CENTER A new recreation center is a priority for the » Frederick Douglass Park: The positive community. With the desire to minimize the impact aspects of choosing this site include its on existing parks, the design team studied multiple central location in the neighborhood, sites, and narrowed the options to refl ect to the few proximity to Charles Eliot School, the most viable choices. While the exact architectural possibility of including more outdoor program for the building is yet to be determined, facilities, such as a running track and a range of 40,000-60,000SF was considered to football fi eld, and a “campus” feeling for an ensure a proper size for the building footprint. In under-utilized site. Placing the rec center considering a proper site for the building, a variety here could also potentially benefi t the of criteria ought to be considered, including: orchards and farmer’s market. Additional proximity to residents, the size of the overall site, playfi elds and enhancements could also and other green spaces in the surrounding area. The be made. Connections to the bike and trail three sites considered as viable options include: network are also nearby. Drawbacks to choosing this site may mean re-planning » Kerruish Park: Kerruish Park is the largest the placement of the orchards, and the public park in the City of Cleveland. The location is less prominent than the site at positive aspects of choosing this site Kerruish Park. are its proximity to a major arterial road meaning easy access for vehicular traffi c, » Site of the former Robert Jamison School: as well as established connections to a Slated for demolition, the site of the network of green spaces--including the former Robert Jamison school at the proposed Johnston Mill Run Trail, and the corner of Harvard Avenue and E. 141st St. Mill Creek. Other recreational facilities, While this location is not within the new such as baseball diamonds, also exist on ward boundaries eff ective January 2014, this site, making it a comprehensive green it is still within close enough proximity site. Currently, a master planning process to be considered as an option to serve is on-going for the site. A larger footprint the neighborhood. Positive aspects of building would also add presence on the selecting this site include the fact that it street that lacks a strong presence and is embedded in the community, but still potentially draw more people to use both located on a main street ( Harvard Avenue). the rec center’s facilities as well as Kerruish It is also in a fairly central location, though Park. Enhanced landscaping, better it is somewhat far from the eastern most signage, and a network of pedestrian residents of the neighborhood. The site pathways into the park would improve would also not encroach on any existing visibility and accessibility to the park from public park. Drawbacks for this site include Lee Road. Drawbacks for this site include the slightly smaller site, limiting outdoor its location at the southernmost area of the recreation opportunities here, as well as neighborhood, limiting easy access for all the time lag and money investment of the in the neighborhood. demolition of the former school building.

53 Siting the building along the edge would establish a relationship between Eliot School, the playfi elds, and the surrounding housing. DOUGLASS PARK

Placing the building along Lee Road would create a landmark for visitors to both the park and recreation center. KERRUISH PARK

A smaller footprint for the building may encourage an interior courtyard space for some outdoor activities to take place, while opening views and light penetration for visitors in all directions. (FORMER) JAMISON SCHOOL 54 Potential new recreation center at Lee Road edge of Kerruish Park

Enhanced landscaping establishes a strong presence for Kerruish Park along its Lee Road (if a new recreation center is not built in this location).

55 GREEN SPACE NETWORK Ward 1 is particularly well suited to take advantage There are numerous opportunities in the of and appreciate its multiple green spaces, neighborhood to highlight more of these community gardens, and parks. Compared with assets, such as the area bound by Miles many other parts of the city and surrounding Avenue, E. 175th, Tarkington Avenue, and areas, Ward I has a notably large collection of green E. 177th Street. spaces. There are a few types prevalent throughout » Community gardens and small communal the neighborhood: spaces: There are numerous community » School facilities: These largely include gardens in the ward, and off er a communal outdoor recreational facilities, such as well as health benefi t. Vacant parcels as at John F. Kennedy High School, or which have been cared for by neighbors playgrounds at elementary schools, such as may also serve a communal benefi t at Stevenson School. by acting as small pocket parks or neighborhood greens. » Multi-use fi elds: These have some recreational components, but are also This plan aims is to provide a framework for linked to more passive recreation, such greater connectivity to the neighborhood’s green as at Kerruish Park, or to community and healthy assets. Building on this identity may amenities such as the proposed orchard at attract potential residents to the neighborhood, Frederick Douglass Park. particularly those looking for a variety of outdoor spaces for activity, communal benefi ts, and multi- » Nature trails: These include the proposed generational amenities. Johnston Mill Run Trail, and connections at the southern end of Kerruish park.

Potential wayfi nding and identity signage, highlighting particular amenities of the neighborhood, such as its shopping amenities, green network and healthy living activities. 56 A potential network of existing and proposed green spaces.

57 GREEN CONNECTIONS Given the multiple green and recreational nodes in Proposed improvements to certain green spaces the neighborhood, a network of these connected and networks are already in the works and are spaces would amount to a cohesive neighborhood briefl y outlined here: scale “Emerald necklace” of sorts, which the » Joann Park: Proposed at the Southern community could leverage in its connectivity edge of Aldai Stevenson School. to other parts of the neighborhood, the rest of Cleveland, Maple Heights, and Garfi eld Heights. This » Fulton Playground: Located at the site neighborhood network could feed into larger green of the former Fulton School, this space is space systems by connecting to the Towpath Trail, intended to be a playground. Shaker Lakes, and the Garfi eld Reservation. » Jamison Gardens: Located at the southern To build this network, a variety of steps would need edge of the new Robert Jamison School to be taken to complete these circuits. An existing » Douglass Orchards: Proposed orchards bicycle infrastructure network, such as the bicycle would serve as both a place for growing as lanes on Harvard Avenue, and the multiple bike- well as a site for a farmer’s market. friendly routes throughout the neighborhood aids in achieving this goal. » Kerruish Park: This plan would better link the northern and southern half of the One of the largest obstacles in creating a green parks across Tarkington Avenue and would space network is a lack of perception of some connect to the Johnston Mill run Trail. of these spaces as accessible, or as linked to one another. The two images at right show how the » The Johnston Mill Run Trail: Proposed Shaker Lakes network is somewhat comparable alignment shown above would connect in size to the green space amenities of the Ward through Garfi eld Heights, connecting to I neighborhood. While the connection at Shaker Arthur Johnston Park in the Miles Island area Lakes is somewhat more explicit, the amenities in of the neighborhood. It would also connect Ward I are nevertheless a cohesive network, serving to Kerruish park, crossing Lee Road by the a wide variety of residents in the neighborhood. Ramah Junior Academy. It is recommended that pedestrian crossings be enhanced at In order to better connect these spaces, this crossing, either through signage and prioritization of the types of amenities they off er markings, or a combination of signage, (such as those listed above), may help with the markings, and lighting. selection of how these connections are made. For example, prioritizing bike lanes on Lee Road would » E. 173rd Bike Boulevard: This project would provide a large benefi t in getting residents to other serve as an alternate route for cyclists regional destinations, whereas prioritizing a multi- trying to head north/south between generational loop around the CMHA senior housing Harvard Avenue, and north into Shaker complex or around Desauze School, or Frederick Heights. The proposed plan would break Douglass Park would provide a diff erent result. through concrete barriers currently Likewise, connections for recreational cyclists or separating the two municipalities, pedestrians is diff erent than for commuters or those allowing for a variety of connection without automotive transportation. Anchors such options. as a new recreational facility, or schools should also In addition, there are existing bike connector be considered when linking multiple points. routes, as identifi ed by the city, and shown in The framework provided here should provide the the diagram on the following pages The goal of community with discussion points for engaging a legible green network should be to connect a local residents as well as Maple Heights and Garfi eld variety of green type spaces and institutions such Heights for an interconnected network beyond city as schools and the proposed new recreation center, boundaries. as well as provide safe options for multiple forms of transportation.

58 Image showing proposed Johnston Mill Run Trail and surrounding green spaces. Phase 1 trail route Source: Environmental Design Group Existing off -road trail Potential alternate routes toAlternate connection Kerruish park

The Shaker Lakes green network provides ecological as well as recreational and learning opportunities.

A large collection of green spaces with a variety of functions exists in the ward, and could benefi t from wayfi nding and connective strategies. 59 Proposed improvements between the Cleveland and Shaker Heights boundary on the E. 173rd Bike Boulevard

Photos of volunteers from a recent Johnston Mill Run River Sweep (middle, bottom). Source: www.greenspacehealth.com

60 E D LEE RD. LEE RD.

HARVARD AVE. HARVARD AVE.

MILES AVE.

VACANT LOT 61 E D LEE RD. LEE RD.

HARVARD AVE. HARVARD AVE.

MILES AVE.

Proposed Green Loop with core circular routes, connections to schools, and spokes to other regional destinations.

62 GREEN LOOP CONNECTIONS

63 These vacant parcels, currently in the land bank could potentially off er ecological as well as communal benefi ts as a connective piece between (former) Desauze School, Kerruish Park, Miles Avenue and the surrounding neighborhood.

Creating bioretention swales and a riparian strategy reduces the amount of stormwater runoff and can act as a feature along paths. A variety of benefi ts can be obtained through a bioretention swale, such as reducing runoff and breaking down pollutants through carefully chosen planting and design strategies.

64 Multiple types of green spaces and connections would allow for a multitude of benefi ts, including ecological, recreational, and connectivity across the city.

65 MILES ISLAND VACANCY & BEAUTIFICATION STRATEGY While the eff ects and scale of vacant parcels throughout the ward are not as detrimental as many other areas of the city, a large concentration can be found in the south-western most part of the neighborhood situated south of Miles Avenue and north of I-480, called “Miles Island.” Here, concentrations of single family residential units are broken up by larger industrial sites, centered around the Johnston Parkway spine. An incomplete street grid creates multiple dead New construction should be encouraged end streets in the neighborhood, reducing access to increase density in strategic places; to other parts of Ward 1, but creating a sense of in other areas, vacant lots should be peaceful seclusion. The rail line running just south maintained as a communal asset. of Miles Avenue increases this sense of seclusion. As a result, the neighborhood has a quiet character, away from the heavy traffi c around Lee Road or Harvard Avenue. Well-maintained vacant lots (such as those pictured right) give the neighborhood a pleasant feel. The proposed Johnston Mill Run Trail entering at the northern end of E. 147th St. would increase the amenities in this particular area, as it would increase the ability to connect to surrounding areas by bicycle or walking. Given this area’s low density and the numerous vacant parcels, infi ll housing construction in this area should be considered in the context of keeping some vacant lots as The Miles Island Community Garden community amenities, either as neighborhood occupies a formerly vacant parcel at E. playgrounds, community gardens, or development 158th St. around a shared courtyard typology. Lot splitting, where the city deeds half of a vacant parcel to owners on either side of a lot may also build amenities for private homeowners, as well as increase the local tax base for the land, as opposed to simply holding a parcel in the land bank. Market interests for housing in this area may be based around easy access to the highway, multiple green amenities, a quiet atmosphere, and lower taxes than surrounding municipalities.

While many parcels in the Island are well cared for, some vacant sites have become under-maintained.

66 67 8. COMMUNITY PRIORITIES FOR IMPLEMENTATION

FROM PLAN TO ACTION (SECTION TO BE COMPLETED BASED ON INPUT FROM STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING 3 & COMMUNITY MEETING 3) This plan is intended to serve as a road map for future development, investment, and improvements. The community identifi ed the following priorities for implementations:

PHYSICAL CHARACTER and NEIGHBORHOOD APPEARANCE: Streetscape improvements Lee Road overhead utilities Lee Harvard Shopping Plaza:

HEALTHY and ACTIVE LIVING New Recreation Center: Bike and pedestrian improvements: Green space network: Johnston Mill Trail:

DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES School sites: Lee Road & Miles intersection: