Opportunity for Strengthening or Reinforcement
The majority of blocks within the study area are worthy of reinforcement efforts (see Center City Neighborhood Development Direction map on previous page) because they have maintained more of their character and fabric than other areas in the neighborhood. As such, redevelopment in these area will require more renovation and rehabilitation than in other areas. This may mean that renovation assistance will be necessary for existing property owners rather than substantial property acquisition. The following objectives should be used to direct efforts within the areas identified on the Development Direction map as being opportunities for strengthening or reinforcement. There are approximately fifteen such blocks, several with substantial anchors (first Presbyterian Church, Cathedral and Catholic Charities, St. John's Episcopal Church, Inter-Faith, etc.) that already reinforce the area.
-
Maximize retention of existing structures.
-
Target property stabilization/code enforcement efforts.
-
Prioritize infill site opportunities.
-
Develop site- and area-specific development guidelines.
Transition Areas Needing Clarification
Areas identified as transition areas on the Center City Neighborhood Development Direction map are home to uses, such as surface parking, that in their current state, are not necessarily consistent with neighborhood development goals. Many of these areas, however, have functioning and successful commercial uses on them that do contribute to the economic vitality of the neighborhood. As such, the retention of those uses should be partnered with strategies for improving property/aesthetic conditions. For example, surface parking could be screened in a manner that minimizes the visibility of the asphalt/concrete and cars and reintroduces a 'street wall' to the neighborhood fabric. Utilizing the following objectives, these transition areas can be repositioned:
-
Develop corridor guidelines for Main and Broadway (uses, siting, parking, scale, massing, etc.)
-
Provide appropriate edges that are neighborhood-sensitive.
-
Mitigate use and design conflicts with streetscape enhancements.
-
Consider facade program to improve appearances/compatibility.