Underwood Neighborhood Plan

Small Area Plan for Underwood Neighborhood, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

Prepared By : Jenifer Rose, Ramakrishna Billakanti, Yudhveer Kandukuri, and Ian Ondurus

Contents: 1. Introduction 2. Vision Statement 3. Study Area 1. Demography 2. Housing 3. Income 4. Economy 5. Landuse 6. Environmental Factors a. Physical Environment b. Slopes c. Soil Suitability Analysis 7. Transportation and Infrastructure 4. Development Plan a. Goals b. Objectives i. Magnolia Redevelopment Area ii. Main Street and New Berry Redevelopment Corridor iii. Tallamadge Avenue Corridor

List of Tables Table I: Population from 1980 to 2010 Table II: Male and Female Population Statistics Table III: Housing Table IV: Economics Table V: Zoning Code Table VI: Land Use Classification Table VII: Housing Stock by year built TableVIII: Vacant Parcels By land use type Table IX: Soil Types in Neighborhood Table X: Number of Possible Dwelling Units for the Magnolia Redevelopment

List of Graphs Graph I: Population from 1980 to 2010 Graph II: Male and Female Population from 1980 to 2000 Graph III: Population pyramid Graph IV: Housing by Ownership status Graph V: Average Family Income Comparison Graph VI: Details of Employed Workforce as per establishments

List of Maps Map I: Extent of Underwood Neighborhood in Cuyahoga River Area (Blue Color) Map II: Underwood Neighborhood Zoning Map III: Landuse by Parcel Type Map IV: Residential Plots in the Underwood Neighborhood Map V: Vacant Plots in the Neighborhood by Land Use Type Map VI: Vacant Plots of Schwebel’s for Development Map VII: The location of the Neighborhood with Cuyahoga River and Route 8 on the west side.

Map VIII: Slopes in the neighborhood

Map IX: Impervious Surfaces in the Neighborhood Map X: Soil Types in Neighborhood Map XI: Streets in Underwood Neighborhood Map XII: Park and School in Underwood Neighborhood Map XIII: Location of Fire Hydrants, Sewer Manholes and Pipeline.

Map XIV: Proposed Planning Zones Map XV: Magnolia Redevelopment Map XIV: Proposed Roads – Standard streets Map XV: Schwebels Redevelopment Plan Map XVI: Park ‘N’ Ride Map XVII: Proposed Railway Station

List of Figures Figure I: Post World War II houses in the Neighborhood Figure II: Attached Single Family /Suburban Lots Figure III: Civic and Public Space Figure IV: Bus Shelters Figure V: Proposed Sidewalks and Bicycle Paths Figure VI: Proposed Preston Park Redevelopment Figure VII: Community Gardens Figure VIII: Farmers Markets Figure IX: Main Street Corridor Redevelopment Figure X: Examples of Light Industries Figure XI: Trees along the railway tracks to reduce the noise pollution

I.

Introduction

The area being studied for small area plan is “ The Underwood Neighborhood” in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. The purpose of this report is to take an inventory of what currently exists in this neighborhood in terms of four broad categories: (1) population and economy, (2) environment, (3) land use, and (4) transportation and infrastructure. The first section of this report will identify the issues that need to be taken into consideration with regards to these categories when developing a plan for this area. The second part of the report will focus on what the planning team feels are some possible developments or alternatives-to-development scenarios that can be considered in the creation of the Neighborhood plan.

a. Vision Statement Vision support the Underwood Village to build a sustainable community driven by standards outlined in the LEED ND 2009 for Neighborhood Development Plan, in order to transform the built environment to respond to the important challenges of our time, including global climate change, dependence on non-sustainable and expensive sources of energy, and threats to human health. We will outline our goals and objectives that will transform the area into a more

sustainable neighborhood with new residential design standards, open space, clean industrial area for employment opportunities, and an over-all livable design.

b. Study Area (Change the text in respect to Underwood neighborhood) Underwood Neighborhood is the part of the Cuyahoga River Area in Cuyahoga Falls, Summit County Ohio. The City of Cuyahoga Falls is the second largest city in the Summit County with the population of 49.374 as per 2000 Census. The Underwood Neighborhood is the place for economic development in the Cuyahoga River Area with close proximity to commercial district and Industrial Zoned land use.

II.

State of the Neighborhood c. Population



The Underwood has the majority of white population with 99.08%. The other races comprise of less than 1 % of total population. The population is diverse with moderate density in the Cuyahoga Falls City. As per the 2000 Census the population for the Neighborhood is 2551 which is spread across 240 acres



The Population has been decreasing ever since 1980 but there is a slight increase observed in 2005. The population decreased not only in Underwood Neighborhood but is also it’s been decreasing the North East Ohio region.

Year Population

Population (%)

Growth

1980 3003 1990 2931

-2.46

2000 2551

-14.9

2005 2611

2.3

2010 2522

-3.53 Population from 1980 to 2010

Underwood population from 1980 to 2010 Male and Female Population Statistics: The population has the equal number of male and female population from 1980 to 2000 based upon the statistics.

Population

1980

1990

2000

Male

1436

1423

1310

Female

1567

1508

1241

Male and Female Population from 1980 to 2000 Population Pyramid: Population Pyramid indicates the neighborhood has the potential working place which is an big asset for the community to support the labor force. We can observe from the pyramid most of the people are aged in between 15 and 49 which indicates working class.

Population pyramid

Housing : Underwood is a good residential neighborhood with a density of 1196 houses for 240 Acres. The Average density of the neighborhood is 4.98 houses per acre.

Year

Households

1980

1199

1990

1136

2000

1150

2005

1211

2010

1211

Housing Statistics for Underwood: The average household size is 2.05 people Almost 45% are renter occupied houses The mean travel time to get to work from home is 21 minutes 40% of the houses in the neighborhoods are renter occupied since 1980

Housing by Ownership status Income : The Average income of the neighborhood resident is less than that of National average when compared. The residents have an household income of $ 47,383 per year. There are 9.6% of the families in the neighborhood which are below poverty level

Average Family Income Comparison

Economics: The neighborhood has the good potential to attract the more industries into it with working class population in the neighborhood. The establishments and the number of employees working the establishments in shown in the table below and most of the establishments are related to Accommodation and Food Services followed by Finance and Other Services.

Neighborhood has the good potential to boost economic development with vacant land available for small scale and light industries.

2009 Statistics for Establishments in Neighborhood Details of Employed Workforce as per establishments

2009 census statistics Business Type

# of # Of Businesses Employees

Accommodation and food 3 services

63

Admin support food waste 1 management

4

Construction

1

6

Finance and Insurance

2

23

Health Care and Social 3 Assistance

18

Other Services

25

Scientific Services

and

Retail and Trade

4 Technical 1 1

4 10

Land Use: The neighborhood has the mixed land use with residential, industrial and small commercial development. Majorly neighborhood is bounded by residential neighborhood on the edges of Tallmadge Avenue, Howe Avenue and Main Streets. Industrial development can be found across the Main Street Corridor which stretches from the Howe Avenue on the South to the Schwebel’s Units in the North.

Neighborhood is zoned into 3 different sectors as Zoning Code

Zoning Type

R4

Urban Density Residential

R5

Mixed Density Residential

E1

Employment District

Zoning permitted in Neighborhood R4: Permits Smaller lots residential development adjacent to walk able communities, provides high access to pedestrian connectivity R5: Permits Mixed Use Development, access to high pedestrian connectivity, lower density neighborhoods, smaller lots and different types of housing opportunities.

E1: Permits Administrative buildings, offices, research institutions, assembly, clean and light industrial uses that provide employment

Zoning Map for the Neighborhood Land Use Classification by Parcel Type: As per the statistics the parcel with more residential are more common in the neigh borhood with the majority of approximately 55 % followed by commercial, streets and government buildings. Neighborhood has more number of residential houses zoned in R4 and R5 residential districts.

Parcel Class

Acres

Percent

Commercial

28.13

11.71

Public and Semi 29.00 Public Buildings

12.07

Industrial

15.46

6.43

Residential

131.61

54.76

Undeveloped

5.02

2.09

Roads

31.09

12.94

Total

240.31

100.00

Land use by Parcel Type

Map Showing Landuse by Parcel Type Housing Type: Neighborhood has many historical houses built Post World War II. These houses are on small lots with 0.25 acres to 0.4 acres. Neighborhood has more 80% of the houses built before 1980. Neighborhood has fewer new homes which call for renovation.

Year Built

Number

1939 or Earlier

229

1940 - 1959

401

1960 - 1979

329

1980 - 1998

96

After 1999

167 Housing Stock by year built

Examples of Post World War II houses in the Neighborhood

Map Showing Residential Plots in the Underwood Neighborhood Vacant Parcels: neighborhood can accommodate more of residential development based up on the zoning Advantages of Residential Development : High Density Residential Development along the Howe Avenue can be an advantage for the neighborhood because of commercial center, schools and parks in the adjacency of the Magnolia area and Tallmadge avenue.

Industrial Development : Development can take place mostly on vacant residential plots and undeveloped plots along the Main Street and New Berry.

Type

Acres

Commercial

6.6

Residential

17.2

Undeveloped

5.02

Industrial

3.15

Vacant Parcels By land use type

Vacant Plots in the Neighborhood by Land Use Type

Vacant Plots of Schwebel’s for Development

Physical Environment: The Neighborhood has the aesthetic scenery along the Cuyahoga River which runs to the West of our neighborhood, with railroad tracks and Rt. 8 in between.

There are no riparian setbacks in our neighborhood.

The watershed runs through the South-Western corner South Side of the Neighborhood has the walkable commercial center with access to restaurants, shopping centers, malls, grocery stores etc Neighborhood has the industrial development along the main street provides opportunities for economic development Rail road have an opportunity to be converted into light rail with access to trail along the railroads.

Map showing the location of the Neighborhood with Cuyahoga River and Route 8 on the west side

Slopes : Neighborhood doesn’t have any steep slopes which can slow down economic development

Slopes in Underwood Neighborhood Impervious Surface : Neighborhood also doesn’t have any impervious surfaces which can restrict development and drainage problems. 13% of the Neighborhood has the impervious surface basically this is found in the Industrial Zones Areas alon the Main street and New Berry.

Impervious Surfaces in the Underwood Neighborhood

Soils: The Neighborhood has the urban soils mostly which cover for 84% of the entire neighborhood. These soils have more suitable for constructing houses and streets as per the soil survey standards (NCSS). These are very sever for laying septic lines. Other types are soils are very minor in the neighborhood which account for less than 14% and also they have similar characteristics of Canfield Urban Soils. Canfield, Chili Urban Land, Chili and Glenford Silt loam soil types are most reasonable for constructing houses, industries and commercial development.

Sl.No

Soil Type

Acres

Percentage(%)

1

Canfield - Urban Land

202

84.1

2

Udorthents, Land Fill

3

Wooster - Urban Land

8.05

3.35

4

Chilli - Urban Land

3.7

1.54

5

Canfield Silt Loam

1.3

0.54

6

Revenna Silt Loam

3.11

1.29

7

Glendford Silt Loam

0.008

0

Sanitary 22.01

9.16

Soils in Under Wood Neighborhood Map Showing Soils in Underwood Neighborhood Transportation Infrastructure

&

In Underwood Neighborhood, the physical system includes Highway(Route 8), Arterial Streets (Tallmadge, New Berry)and Local Streets.

Route 8 is the only highway running west side of the neighborhood where more than 100,000 vehicles travel everyday.

The total number of residential streets that are in the neighborhood are 22, in which most streets have good conditions, curbs, sidewalks and storm sewers

Streets in Neighborhood

Underwood

Traffic Concerns: Traffic congestion Newberry Street Tallmadge Avenue.

on and

The Conditions of Route 8 interchange is inferior.

Pedestrian movement is difficult on Tallmadge Avenue.

Some streets in the neighborhood are needed to Improvise road condition and provide permanent surfaces, sidewalks and storm water systems.

In addition, traffic calming techniques should be implemented.

Social Infrastructure: Water, Sewer and Storm : Neighborhood is well connected with water lines and sewer lines. Neighborhood has opened storm lines which need to be made underground for the better accessibility and providing better infrastructure.

Preston Elementary School and Preston Park: Neighborhood has a elementary school and a park to serve the needs of the population. The park lacks in the amenities and needs to be improved to attract more people to the neighborhood park.

Map showing Park and School in Underwood Neighborhood

Map Showing Fire Hydrants, Manholes and

location Sewer Pipeline

of

Development Plan

The aim of the development plan is to modify the neighborhood into an sustainable neighborhood which will encompass all the goals of livability, economy and sustainability. The following goals are adopted in order to make the community sustainable: 1.

Redevelop the Magnolia Area

2.

To include these Examples of Standards for Redevelopment For all New Construction, According to the LEED ND Community Checklist:

3.

“Smart Location”: Our intent

4.

Community Outreach and Involvement: Architectural Design & Review Board for the Development and Ongoing Improvements of the Underwood Neighborhood.

Objectives: The following are the objectives we’ve adopted for the sustainable development of Underwood Neighborhood.

Area 1: Magnolia Redevelopment Area 1. Creation of Architectural Design and Review Board 2. A mix of housing density 3. Access to Civic and Public Space:

4. Creation of New Bus Stops 5. Provide new linkages to the nearby commercial center: 6. Proposed Sidewalks, Bike Lanes and Paths for the Magnolia Area 7. Magnolia Redevelopment Area – Preston Park 8. Magnolia Redevelopment area - Preston School 9. Community Gardens for Local Food Production: Area 2: Main Street Corridor Redevelopment Area 10. Expansion of New Berry for better connectivity by providing

Small Area Plan (Underwood Neighborhood) Goal 1 : Redevelopment of Magnolia Area Goal 2 : Adopt LEED ND Standards Goal 3 : Smart Location : Our Intent Goal 4 : Community Outreach and Involvement

11.

Propose some Light Industrial Development along Main Street 12.

Tree-Lined and Shaded Streets

13.

Develop Park “n” Ride

14.

Light Rail Station for connecting Cleveland and Canton from Cuyahoga River Area Area 3: Tallmadge Avenue Redevelopment Area 15.

To improve on the accessibility

16.

Remodify housing along the Tall Madge Avenue 17.

Remodelling of Existing Bus Stops along the Tallmadge Avenue

Goal # 1: Redevelop the Magnolia Area •

The Magnolia area will be redeveloped into a mixeddensity neighborhood with new home construction and improvements on existing houses as well reducing automobile dependence by adding roads, sidewalks and bike lanes, as well as an improved transit service to give residents access to the Chapel Hill area in one direction and to Preston Park and School in the other.

Goal # 2: To include these Examples of Standards for Redevelopment For all New Construction, According to the LEED ND Community Checklist:

•

Certified Green Building: To encourage the design, construction, and retrofit of buildings that utilizes green building practices. Used in the Magnolia Area redevelopment plan.

•

Minimum Building Energy Efficiency: To encourage the design and construction of energy-efficient buildings that reduces air, water, and land pollution and adverse environmental effects from energy production and consumption. Used throughout the neighborhood, in all 3 areas.

•

Minimum Building Water Efficiency: To reduce effects on natural water resources and reduce burdens on community water supply and wastewater systems.

•

Construction Activity Pollution Prevention: To reduce pollution from construction activities by controlling soil erosion, waterway sedimentation, and airborne dust generation.

•

Certified Green Buildings: To encourage the design, construction, and retrofit of building that utilize green building practices.

•

Building Energy Efficiency: To encourage the design and construction of energyefficient buildings that reduces air, water, and land pollution and adverse environmental effects from energy production and consumption.

•

Building Water Efficiency: To reduce effects on natural water resources and reduce burdens on community water supply and wastewater systems.

•

Water-Efficient Landscaping: To limit or eliminate the use of potable water and other natural surface or subsurface water resources on project sites, for landscape irrigation.

•

Existing Building Reuse: To extend the life cycle of exiting building stock to conserve resources, reduce waste, and reduce adverse environmental effects of new buildings related to materials manufacturing and transport.

•

Historic Resource Preservation and Adaptive Use: to Encourage the preservation and adaptive use of historic buildings and cultural landscapes.

•

Minimized Site Disturbance in Design and Construction: To preserve existing noninvasive trees, native plants, and pervious surfaces.

•

Storm water Management: to reduce pollution and hydrologic instability from storm water, reduce flooding, promote aquifer recharge, and improve water quality by emulating natural hydrologic conditions.

•

Heat Island Reduction: To reduce heat islands to minimize effects on the microclimate and human and wildlife habitat.

•

Solar Orientation: To encourage energy efficiency be creating optimum conditions for the use of passive and active solar strategies.

•

On-Site Renewable Energy sources: To encourage on-site renewable energy production to reduce the adverse environmental and economic effects associated with fossil fuel energy production and use.

•

District heating and cooling: To encourage the development of energy-efficient neighborhoods by employing district heating and cooling strategies that reduces

Small Area Plan (Underwood Neighborhood)

energy use and adverse energy-related environmental

Goal 1 : Redevelopment of Magnolia Area Goal 2 : Adopt LEED ND Standards

effects.

•

environmental effects from energy used for operating

Goal 3 : Smart Location : Our Intent Goal 4 : Community Outreach and Involvement

Infrastructure Energy Efficiency: To reduce adverse

public infrastructure.

•

Wastewater Management: To reduce pollution from wastewater and encourage water reuse.

•

Recycled Content in Infrastructure: To use recycled and reclaimed materials to reduce the adverse environmental effects of extracting and processing virgin materials.

•

Solid Waste Management Infrastructure: To reduce the volume of waste deposited in landfills. To promote the proper disposal of hazardous wastes.

•

Light Pollution Reduction: To minimize light trespass form project sites, reduce sky-glow to increase high sky access, improve nighttime visibility through glare reduction, and reduce adverse effects on wildlife environments.

•

Innovation and Exemplary Performance: To encourage exemplary performance above the requirements set by the LEED for Neighborhood Development Rating

System and /or innovative performance in green buildings, smart growth, or new urbanist categories not specifically addressed by the LLED for Neighborhood Development Rating System.

•

Regional Priority: To encourage strategies that address geographically specific environmental, social equity, and public health priorities.

Goal # 3:“Smart Location”: Our intent •

To conserve natural and financial resources required for construction of new “Green Neighborhoods” according to the standards outlined in the LEED ND Checklist, and maintenance of infrastructure.

•

Encourage improvement and redevelopment of existing communities while reducing adverse environmental and public health effects associated with sprawl.

•

To reduce vehicle trips and vehicle miles traveled.

•

To reduce the incidence of obesity, heart disease, and hypertension by encouraging daily physical activity associated with walking and bicycling.

•

Magnolia: we will create a new development that gives resident’s access to Preston Park and the shopping area in the Chapel Hill area according to the standards outlined in the LEED ND Checklist, and maintenance of infrastructure, or infill and conservation of existing structures.

•

Main Street: we will use existing building and make better use of the space we have by renovation and the addition of clean industrial areas for the creation of jobs.

Small Area Plan (Underwood Neighborhood)

•

Goal 1 : Redevelopment of Magnolia Area

Tallmadge Avenue: we will only add what is needed for convenience and employment considerations while preserving

Goal 2 : Adopt LEED ND Standards

the

existing

structures

and

make

Goal 3 : Smart Location : Our Intent Goal 4 : Community Outreach and Involvement

improvement on the neighborhood.

Map I: Planning Zones Goal

#

4:

Community

Outreach

and

Involvement:

Architectural Design & Review Board for the Development and

Ongoing

Improvements

of

the

Underwood

Neighborhood: •

This Board will be created for the purpose of approving the designs for the entire Underwood Neighborhood, both this project and all future projects.

•

The Board will be made up of a panel of several architects and planners to oversee and set standards that represent the desires of the residents of this neighborhood.

•

They will uphold the ideals of the community; the laws and regulations set forth by the City of Cuyahoga Falls, as well as incorporate the Intent and Requirements of the LEED 2009 Neighborhood Development Rating System, and any other LEED qualifications that apply currently and in the future.

•

The members will be decided by a neighborhood committee and the Planning Department at the City of Cuyahoga Falls.

•

This committee will ensure that quality design standards are integrated into the future of the Underwood Neighborhood, and the community is transformed into a sustainable, committee-based, member-driven and consensus-focused program, in which all participants will contribute to a comprehensive plan and work together to promote green buildings and neighborhoods while fostering greater economic vitality and environmental health at affordable costs. The will work to bridge ideological gaps between industry segments and develop balanced policies that benefit the entire community.

Small Area Plan (Underwood Neighborhood)

Objectives 1.

Planning Area : • Magnolia Redevelopment Area • Main Street and New Berry Corridor • Tallmadge Avenue Corridor

The Architectural Board will consult with agencies that will determine whether any imperiled species or ecological issues need to be considered before approving the construction of new buildings.

Area 1. Magnolia Redevelopment Area A mix of housing density will be planned, including 1.

Single family rural lots, 2. Attached units, 3. Moderate density multifamily lots using existing R5 zoning code. All plans will be approved and over-seen by the Board as well.

Zoning R5: “Mixed Density Residential Zoning. This is an urban residential district integrated into other mixed use urban

environments

and

buffering

lower

density

neighborhoods from busy corridors, characterized by smaller lots, and high pedestrian connectivity, including a range of dwelling types in appropriate locations as outlined in Table 1131-1 and 1131-2 of the Cuyahoga Falls Code”.

Residential Redevelopment and Infill-

A. 31% ~ Single Family Homes: •

40 single family homes with an attached garage, and an average lot size of 0.41 Acres.

•

Small,

standard

single-family,

small/standard

attached and moderate density multi-family homes.

•

Detached single family standard lots size will be between 2400 – 3000 square feet per home.

B. Single Family Rural Lots: 33% ~ Attached Single Family /Suburban Lots: •

63 single family detached residential homes with an average plot size of 0.23 acres.

•

Low density averages 8-12 dwellings per acre.

•

Units can be built between 2.5 – 4 stories tall.

Fig I: Attached Single Family /Suburban Lots

C. 28% ~ Multi Family Moderate Density lots:

•

Multi Family buildings of 3 stories or greater should not be more than 16 units per acre.

•

This housing type also marks a transition from residential to non residential.

•

Minimum Floor area for a unit wills 500 square feet.

Type

Multi Dwelling

Number Units

of Area

% of Total Area

Average Size

Family 23

13.1

27.18

0.57

Single Family 40 Attached Residential Units

16.2

33.61

0.41

Single Family 63 Detached Residential Units

14.7

30.50

0.23

Streets

4.2

8.71

48.2

100.00

Total

126

Plot

Table 1: Number of Possible Dwelling Units for the Magnolia Redevelopment 2. Access to Civic and Public Space: •

Intent: To improve physical and mental health and social capital by providing a variety of open spaces close to work and home to facilitate social networking, civic engagement, physical activity, and time spent outdoors.

•

A park square(s) will be the center piece of the Magnolia area: at least 1/6 acre in area, and lies within a ¼ mile walk distance of 90% of planned and existing dwelling units and nonresidential building entrances.

•

Include amenities such as benches and tables, shade trees, and a public fountain. A community garden should also be considered (see below for more details).

•

With a bus stop that allows access to the amenities in the Chapel Hill area and tin the other direction, Front Street and etc.

Civic Space

Fig Public

and

3. Creation of New Bus Stops:

II:

Increase the service areas throughout all three

areas and connect the main streets with the provision of Bus Shelters to the residents to encourage public transportation and lower total vehicle miles traveled..

Bus Shelter will include: 1. Route Maps and times posted at every stop.

2. Lights powered by solar energy.

3. At least 3 walls for protection from the elements.

“Green Roofs” which eliminate any additional impervious surfaces created by the new bus shelters.

Fig III: Bus Shelters

Plan III: Magnolia Redevelopment

4. Provide New Linkages to the nearby Commercial Center : •

Ritchie Avenue to Howe Avenue

•

Murray to Howe Avenue

•

Clifford to Magnolia Avenue

Map II: Roads – streets.

5. Proposed Sidewalks, Bike Lanes and Paths for the Magnolia Area.

Proposed Standard

6.

Magnolia Redevelopment Area – Preston Park Fig IV: Proposed Sidewalks and Bicycle Paths 1.To make improve on the Preston School and adding features that will make the school more conductive to learning as decided by the Architectural Review Board and the City of Cuyahoga Falls School Board.

1. Magnolia Redevelopment area - Preston School 2. To improve and all of the structures in the Preston Park while enabling the widest spectrum of people, regardless of age or ability, to more easily participate in community life by increasing the proportion of areas usable by people of diverse abilities and interests.

Improve Park Infrastructure by providing: •

Include universal design features to facilitate universal function, access, and user ability. For example, easy-to-grip lever door handles on all d public doors, easy-to-grip single-lever faucet handles, easy-touch rocker or handsfree switches, large, high-contrast print for controls, signals, and any other information (for more information see NPD Credit 11: “Visit-ability and Universal Design. LEED 2009)

•

Adding a Shelter with an outdoor fireplace for use all year. The shelter should include an inside and outside component and have food preparation facilities available for events. The shelter should also be used by the children of Preston School for occasional outdoor classroom activities.

•

Include a play ground for the children.

•

Include creative landscaping for ascetic purposes (such as flowers and flowering trees and shrubs) as well as educational purposes, by having a variety of trees and plants for the children of Preston School to study and incorporate into their curriculum.

•

Adult game courts to be decided by the community. For example, horseshoe, bocce court, etc.

FIG V: Proposed Preston Park Redevelopment 2. Community Gardens for Local Food Production: To promote community-based food production, improve nutrition through increased access to fresh produce, support preservation of small farms producing a wide variety of crops, reduce the negative environmental effects of large-scale industrialized agriculture, and support local economic development that increases the economic value and production of farmlands and community gardens.

Option 1: Neighborhood Farms and Gardens: Dedicate a permanent and viable growing space such as a greenhouse. Provide solar access, fencing, watering systems, garden bed enhancements (such as raised beds), secure storage space for tools, and pedestrian access for these spaces.

Ensure that the spaces are owned and managed by an entity that includes occupants of the project in its decision making, such as a community group, homeowners’ association, or public body

Small Area Plan (Underwood Neighborhood) Planning Area : • Magnolia Redevelopment Area • Main Street and New Berry Corridor • Tallmadge Avenue Corridor

FIG VI: Community Gardens Option 2: Community-Supported Agriculture: Purchase shares in a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program located within the park.

Option 3: Proximity to Farmers Market: : Create a space for a Farmers

Market that is within walking distance of the Underwood Neighborhood. Suggestions for location include the empty buildings near the Schwebels Factory.

FIG VII: Farmers Markets

Area

2.

Main

Redevelopment Area

Street

Corridor

10. Expansion of New Berry for better connectivity by providing Side Walks Bike Trails Expanding existing lanes for more width Make Main Street a two-way road

FIG VIII: Main Street Corridor Redevelopment 11. Propose some Light Industrial Development along Main Street, an E-1 Employment District.

E-1: employment district. This is a district providing for administrative, office, research, assembly and clean/light industrial uses that function as employment centers in a variety of settings, including, rural, suburban or urban areas.

•

Add small amount of new clean, industrial and light manufacturing businesses – Such as a Farmers Market, Office Buildings, Garden Center, Child Care, Recycle Center, and a solar, wind and other energy related business.

•

Improve and Infill: clean up of what’s already there and add only what is needed.

FIG VIII: Main Street Corridor Redevelopment (Industrial Development)

Schwebels Redevelopment Plan

12. Tree-Lined and Shaded Streets: Add an new trail along Main Street next to the railroad tracks that will connect to the Stow Trail.

•

Intent: To encourage walking, bicycling, and transit use and discourage Excessive motoring speeds. To reduce urban heat island effects, improve air quality, increase evapotranspiration, and reduce cooling loads in buildings.

•

Also, add trees along the railway tracks to reduce the noise pollution.

•

This New Trail will run through Magnolia to Kelsey Creek to the Stow Trail!

Walking Trails along the Railway Track

13. Develop Park “n” Ride concept along the main street or New Berry for parking the vehicles and going to the work place by public transportation across Cuyahoga county and Summit county.

Plan IV: Park ‘N’ Ride a. Propose Light Rail Development and Rail Station : This long-range plan will be used to enhance the area’s economic development a light railway station should be adjacent to the industrial area at connecting to Akron, Canton and Cleveland Ohio. b. Location is close to the Cuyahoga River recreation areas. c. Near shopping at Chapel Hill Plaza and Mall. d. the Park ‘n’ Ride will increase the efficiency of the Light Rail FIG X: Proposed Light railway station Models

Propose Location of Railway station in Underwood Neighborhood

Small Area Plan (Underwood Neighborhood) Planning Area : • Magnolia Redevelopment Area • Main Street and New Berry Corridor • Tallmadge Avenue Corridor

Area 3.

Tallmadge Redevelopment Area 14.

Avenue

Goal: To improve on the accessibility to Preston

School, Preston Park, the amenities at Chapel Hill, and Front Street. We will do this by adding improved bus routes and additional bus stops, sidewalks, walking trails and bike lanes throughout the area.

•

To provide linkage to Brook ledge Golf Course, PGA Academy and down view Sports Center from Taylor Avenue to Davis Street this connects to Bailey Road.

•

Provide

Underground

Sewer

System

for

the

neighborhood.

•

Remodify housing stock along the Tall Madge Avenue

•

Renovate the Bus Stands along the Tallmadge Avenue

•

Improve roads and road infrastructure

•

Infill improvement to the existing neighborhood by improving on structures already there, improving landscaping, and adding infrastructure

FIG XI: Brook ledge Golf Course