Temple Heights District Neighborhood Plan

District

APPENDIX A,

APPENDIX B,

Introduction

Temple Heights

The Temple Heights Neighborhood District is truly the most unique, due to the relationship between the residential and commercial areas in the neighborhood. Most Temple residents travel around and through this district on a very regular basis. The wide variety of businesses on the periphery of the neighborhood, along Avenue H, Avenue M, 57th Street and 31st Street, attract quite a bit of interest from the rest of the community. Inside this commercial perimeter is a beautiful, tree-lined neighborhood that features a mix of architectural styles, home sizes, school facilities and churches. Many residents have lived there for decades, siting location as the area’s greatest strength.

PURPOSE

The City of Temple is dedicated to fostering cohesive, distinct, vibrant, safe and attractive neighborhoods where citizens take pride and are engaged with their community. These objectives will be accomplished through the work of the City’s Neighborhood Team.

Through a process of collaboration and communication, the City’s Neighborhood Team will strive to ensure continued improvements to Temple’s neighborhoods, as well as access to a wide variety of housing types that are safe, accessible and affordable.

MISSION

Working alongside residents in each neighborhood, our mission is to identify neighborhood concerns, values, vision and goals. Through this process, the City will develop long-range plans for each Neighborhood Planning District to include:

• City Capital Improvement Projects

• Private Investment & Economic Development Opportunities

• Community Development Block Grant Projects

A strong emphasis will be placed on improving the quality of life in each neighborhood while our city staff will work to facilitate connections to existing resources and develop new tools for citizens.

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD TEAM

NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING

TRANSFORM TEMPLE

PLANNING BACKGROUND

The Temple Heights Neighborhood is one of 18 planning districts within the City of Temple. Each district plan has a similar planning process that is intended to complement the City’s Comprehensive Plan with a more focused effort at the neighborhood level. This plan looks at the existing conditions and engages residents to derive genuine information and direction from the neighborhood. While using the best practices for planning, the results of each plan define specific recommendations that are unique to each district.

The Story

TEMPLE HEIGHTS IS...

WELL LOCATED OVERLOOKED CLUTTERED

The Temple Heights Neighborhood is well positioned specially within the City. Its proximity to TMED and Downtown provide nearby employment centers. The neighborhood’s closeness to I-35 allows for quick access to the freeway system for improved regional connectivity.

There are three prominent corridors the bound the planning area with significant commercial presence. They are 31st Street, Avenue M, and Avenue H. 31st Street and Avenue M lack a cohesive street presence that make it welcoming and comfortable to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

The neighborhood is a mix of quaint homes and the hustle and bustle of its corridors. A periphery of ambiguity in the land use pattern overshadows a neighborhood with excellent tree canopy, a centralized elementary school, walkable commercial, and fairly stable housing. Many of these features should make Temple Heights one of the more desirable neighborhoods in the city.

NEIGHBORS CORRIDORS WORKFORCE

• Create transition and buffer features that supports redevelopment while protecting the existing single-family nature of much of the plan area.

• Look to relocate more intense land uses within the plan area. It important to find a solution that keeps jobs within the neighborhood, while better meeting the needs of businesses and residents.

• Protect the neighborhoods outstanding tree canopy.

PROTECT NEIGHBORHOOD CORE STRENGTHEN CORRIDORS

• Encourage development patterns that support the conditions necessary to see long term improvements to the retail, dining, and neighborhood commercial services.

• Add beautification elements such as landscaping and street trees to soften the major commercial corridors.

SAFE ROUTES

• Improve pedestrian condition along commercial corridors.

• Create dedicated routes with sidewalks and sidepaths that better connects residents of the neighborhood to both Scott Elementary and Dickinson School.

STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS

This planning effort is intended to compliment the focus areas and initiatives laid forth in Temple By Design, the 2020 Comprehensive Master Plan. The strategic considerations identified above highlight key features of the plan area that are intended to help guide unique recommendations for the Midtown Neighborhood. These resulting recommendations will be compiled into an Action Plan which include references to the specific Comprehensive Plan Initiatives they are intending to help realize. This planning effort includes a public engagement and visioning process to determine recommendations which ultimately lead to a series of corresponding capital improvement projects.

Community Input & Background

DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

A look into the demographics helps to frame the characteristics of the plan area’s population. This information is used to guide recommendations for policies and changes to the built environment. This information is derived from the American Community Survey 2014-2019 5-year using Esri’s Community Analyst software that aggregates multiple block groups that make up the plan area. This gives us the most accurate information for the defined area and helps tell the story of the plan area demographics.

Population by Age Cohort Under 5 years 5 to 9 years 10 to 14 years 15 to 19 years 20 to24 years 25 to 29 years 30 to 34 years 35 to 39 years 40 to 44 years 45 to 49 years 50 to 54 years 55 to 59 years 60 to 64 years 65 to 69 years 70 to 74 years 75 to 79 years 80 to 84 years 85 years+

050100150200250300350400

35.2 Median Age

2.54 People per Household

Educational Attainment

21.1% Less Than High School

32.4% Some College/ Associates

30.0% High School/GED

$43,573 Median Household Income

21.9% Households Below Poverty Line

Employment of Residents by Industry

DEMOGRAPHIC TAKEAWAYS

The following are a few summary conclusions derived from reviewing the demographics within the plan area:

• A majority of the homes in the plan area were built in the 1950s.

• The predominant mode of transportation for to work for plan area residents is vehicular, with other modes making up less than 1%.

• There is a substantial amount of young people within the population, with the largest age cohort being 20-24 years old, followed by 25-29.

• Median household income is low, and the number of households below the poverty line is high.

• Over half of the homes in the neighborhood are rentals.

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

The Neighborhood Planning Team was challenged to develop a community engagement method so that crucial feedback could be gathered from the residents of the Temple Heights Neighborhood. The City Staff conducted events in an effort to engage plan area residents and inform them about the planning effort. As part of that outreach, residents were asked to respond to a three question survey, as well as a longer online survey. The results of the outreach efforts are highlighted on the following pages.

ONLINE SURVEY RESULTS

PERFORMANCE VS IMPORTANCE

The performance versus importance assessment matrix asks survey respondents about their views on the City’s performance in provision of facilities and/or services, as well as the importance of those same facilities and/or services. These responses are plotted against each other to provide a measurement and suggested prioritization for planning efforts, by showing the results in conjunction with the target line (the point where importance and performance meet).

Rate the following land uses on their importance to the Temple Heights Neighborhood (1–unimportant, 5 – most important).

Rank your preference of the following safety measures.

PUBLIC SURVEY TAKEAWAYS

The following are a few summary conclusions derived from reviewing the online survey responses:

• The biggest assets of the neighborhood are its closeness and quiet nature, while the biggest weaknesses of the plan area is its sidewalks and traffic.

• As a whole, the City’s provision of services are in the “Keep It Up” quadrant of the performance vs importance assessment. However, all elements are below the target line with public safety, street conditions, and sidewalks highlighted by survey respondents as needing the most attention from the City for improvements.

• Lighting was identified as survey respondents as very important to improving safety within the neighborhood.

• Survey respondent’s identified the lack of sidewalks and sidewalk conditions are reoccurring concern withing the Temple Heights Neighborhood District.

• Dining and shopping options are identified as a missing business within the plan area.

Inventory & Analysis

This exhibit provides a regional context for the plan area as well as important destinations such as schools, grocery, and parks & open space.

This exhibit shows the plan area boundaries and important points of interest.

PHOTO INVENTORY

The images displayed on the right are taken from the Temple Heights Neighborhood plan area. These images assist in providing context to the character of the neighborhood’s built environment. Images were selected to show neighborhood assets, concerns, opportunities, conditions, etc.

MAJOR THOROUGHFARE PLAN

This exhibit shows the Future Development Plan and Major Thoroughfare Plan for the Temple Heights Neighborhood from the 2020 Comprehensive Plan.

This exhibit shows the location and breakdown for Temple Heights zoning.

This exhibit shows the conditions of properties in the neighborhood and provides an overview of residential structure health.

A = Great Shape

B = Minor Cosmetic Repair Needed

C = Major Cosmetic Repair and/or Minor Structural Repair Needed

D = Major Structural Repair Needed

F = Structural Repair Needed Beyond the Worth of the Property and/or Dangerous Structure

For examples of property conditions ratings see Appendix, Property Conditions

PROPERTY CONDITIONS

This exhibit shows the existing pedestrian infrastructure and how it currently serves the Temple Heights Neighborhood properties.

This exhibit highlights specific opportunities and constraints that are found within the Temple Heights Neighborhood.

Key pedestrian routes for neighborhood residents to nearby destinations. Emphasis establishing continuous sidewalks along these streets.

& CONSTRAINTS

Location Map

Avenue P and 43rd Street Intersection

Avenue P and 43rd Street are roads that cross the entire plan area, making them important to both vehicular and pedestrian travel. Additionally, Scott Elementary School’s nearby location further emphasizes the need for safe travel along these corridors. Neither street has a contiguous sidewalk and the intersection is absent marked crossing and ADA ramps. These issues should be addressed and the intersection of the two streets should be enhanced to facilitate safe routes to schools.

SUPPLEMENTAL IMAGES

Overall Takeaways:

• Continuous sidewalk that connects the neighborhood to Scott Elementary School is needed.

• ADA ramps, painted crosswalks, crossing flags, and stop bars before crossings can be implemented in the immediate future.

• Signalized crossing with on demand Hawk Beacon warning systems is the eventual preferred solution.

Location Map

31st Street Parking

In a few instances, parking for businesses found on 31st Street extends from the alley west to 33rd Street. This parking application in some ways is appropriate in meeting the auto-oriented business of 31st Street. However, the parking lots are not ideal neighbors to the residential housing found along 33rd Street. In instances where parking lots exist or are to be added, the use of walls, fencing, shrubs, and trees can help improve the compatibility with the neighboring properties.

BEFORE

SUPPLEMENTAL IMAGES

Overall Takeaways:

• Lighting should be directed at the parking lot only and should not encroach on adjacent residential properties

• A low wall separates the parking area from the sidewalk

• Street trees and additional plantings help screen the parking lot from the street

ANALYSIS SKETCH: PARKING LOT SCREENING

Location Map

Scott Boulevard

Scott Boulevard is one of the southern most streets in the Temple Heights Neighborhood. The current street configuration has both wide travel lanes and shoulders, but is absent any pedestrian facilities. Scott Boulevard has the potential to funnel pedestrian traffic over to Jaycee Park, which is currently the only park in the neighborhood. The existing right-of-way provides enough room to accommodate a sidepath on the north side of street to service pedestrians and cyclist alike.

ANALYSIS SKETCH: SCOTT BOULEVARD

SUPPLEMENTAL IMAGES

Overall Takeaways:

• Removal or reduction of the shoulder would allow for the addition of a planting strip and sidepath.

• Street Trees will help improve curb appeal of neighboring homes as well as improve the comfort for cyclist and pedestrian by providing shade during hot summer months.

AFTER

Location Map

BEFORE

SUPPLEMENTAL IMAGES

Skyline Drive

While not in the boundaries of the planning area Skyline Drive has a number of residential properties that directly abut the plan area. These properties are in need of improved connection to destinations within Temple Heights. Currently there is no sidewalk on Skyline Drive, but there is further east after the transition at 47th Street to Everton Drive. The residential nature of this street necessitates a transition to a street programming that is more respectful to the needs of the adjacent property owners.

Overall Takeaways:

• Sidewalks needs pedestrian connection for residents to safely access Jaycee Park and other surrounding destinations.

• Screening for services areas abutting Skyline Drive need to reduce unsightly elements visible from adjoining residential.

• Lane and paving reduction helps with traffic calming efforts as well as providing space to accommodate sidewalk on norths side of street.

ANALYSIS SKETCH: SKYLINE DRIVE

Concept & Planning

This exhibit builds upon the direction of Temple’s Comprehensive Plan in refining the Major Thoroughfare Plan (MTP) to meet the needs of the Temple Heights Neighborhood.

The following are the key takeaways:

• Pedestrian connectors are identified to prioritize sidewalk additions to the neighborhood

• Enhanced intersections should be added along 43rd Street to improve visibility and safety

• Sidewalks need to be added to increase safe routes to the Dickson Campus and Scott Elementary

• 57th Street and Avenue T are reflect recent updates to MTP.

31st Street

31st Street is a major arterial that runs through the plan area. This street connects points of interest and serves as an important commercial corridor for the city. This street provides access to the Temple Mall, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, The District shopping center, and the Marketplace shopping center, all within the TMED plan area. The future of this corridor will need to balance high traffic flow, local access, and an improved pedestrian environment.

Key Characteristics: Dedicated turn lane

• Pedestrian and vehicular environments should both be well lit for safety

• Driveways should be shared/consolidated to reduce curb cuts

• Enhance landscaping

Major Arterial Minor Arterial Community Collector Neighborhood Collector Pedestrian Connector

Major Arterials

The major arterials found in the plan area provide key vehicle routes for the whole of Temple. These streets should focus on maintaining good traffic flow and relying on access management principles to reduce conflict and improve safety. As a major arterial that cuts through the plan area, Avenue H is important to the Temple Heights Neighborhood. Avenue H should balance vehicle travel demands while providing safe pedestrian crossings.

Key Characteristics:

• Maintain high vehicular traffic flow

• Increase consistency of trees along the corridor

• Maintain right-of-way to enhance landscape areas, street trees, and pedestrian environment

• Consider enhanced pedestrian crossings at key intersections

• Continue sidepath along the north side of Avenue H

CHARACTER IMAGERY

Avenue M

Parallel Parking, Both Sides

Major Arterial

Minor Arterial

Community Collector

Neighborhood Collector

Pedestrian Connector

Avenue M

Avenue M is a Minor Arterial that passes through Temple Heights and extends into the Midtown District. This road is fronted by mostly commercial land use with occasional residential use. There are several issues affecting this corridor’s functionality. These issues include, but are not limited to, ingress/egress points into parking lots that are absent delineation, lack of sidewalks, inconsistent parking practices, and lack of pedestrian intersection enhancements. The proposed sections address these issues to create a functional street with improved vehicle and pedestrian environments. Avenue M require mix of programing solution the cross-sections on pages 32 and 33, illustrate what those potential solutions.

Avenue M

Angled Parking, One side

Frontage Zone or Expanded Sidewalk

Avenue M

Elective Encroachment for Angled Parking

Major Arterial

Minor Arterial

Community Collector

Neighborhood Collector

Priority Pedestrian Corridor

Key Characteristics:

• Uses existing R.O.W.

• On-street parking is intended to provide additional parking for the corridor’s businesses

• In areas of high activity where a turn lane is needed parking can be removed to accommodate dedicated turn lane.

• 6’ sidewalk will help encourage pedestrian safety and improve connections to the corridor’s businesses from the surrounding neighborhood

• 6’ planting strips should use root blocker to minimize destructive impact on sidewalks and street

Avenue M

Sidewalk

4'-0" Frontage Zone or

6'-0" Access Easement for Sidewalk Parking

24’-0” Travel Lanes Existing 60’ R.O.W.

19'-0" Angled Parking

Sidewalk Sidewalk Strip Strip

12’-0” Turn Lane Existing 60’ R.O.W.

Existing, with Sidewalks

The portion of 57th Street that is a community collector makes up a majority of the plan area’s western boundary. 57th Street provides a connection across both I-35 and HK Dodgen Loop, as such could be an important multi-modal corridor connecting the neighborhood to a larger portion of the plan area. The R.O.W. of the street varies considerably which will require site specific solutions. The cross sections provided highlights two approaches for the programing of the 57th Street corridor.

Key Characteristics:

• Variable R.O.W. requires a variety of solutions and compromises to preferred and minimum recommendations

• Multi-use sidepath provides important bicycle and pedestrian connectivity

• Sidewalk/Access easement may be necessary

• Fencing along the outside edge of the sidepath may be appropriate to maintain neighbor properties security and privacy concerns.

Scott Boulevard and 43rd Street

Sidepaths can be used to provide a key route in and out of the neighborhood. Creating a comfortable pedestrian environment along these streets is important to encourage walkability within the neighborhood.

Key Characteristics:

• Enhanced focus on the pedestrian realm including maintenance and infill of sidewalks and landscaping.

• Traffic calming measures such as changes in paving material or the addition of rumble strips are appropriate at certain locations.

• Streets should balance vehicle traffic demands and pedestrian safety.

• Meandering sidewalks to preserve trees.

CHARACTER IMAGERY

A) Scott Boulevard

B) 43rd Street

Pedestrian Connectors

Avenue R provides an opportunity to extend the an exiting sidepath that would connect Scott Elmentary to Travis Middle School. The streets designated as a pedestrian connectors focus largely on the pedestrian experience. Sidewalks should be implemented along these streets and traffic-calming measures are appropriate.

Key Characteristics:

• Enhanced landscaping for pedestrian experience

• Intersections should highlight pedestrian presence and increase visibility

• Sidewalks on one side of the road should be considered a minimum standard

• Meander sidewalks to preserve trees

• Maintain continuous sidewalks on the same side throughout the street

UTILITY PLACEMENT INTERSECTION ENHANCEMENTS

The Temple Heights Neighborhood is an established neighborhood within the City of Temple and as such its existing utilities have been in place for quite sometime. The use of alleys and rear of property utility easements have helped facilitate an inviting environment with its tree lined streets. As this is where wastewater and overhead utility connections are found. Moving forward, the diagram below provides some direction in the placement of utilities within the context of to the street R.O.W. spacing and programing.

Water

Water lines located in the street R.O.W. in an unprogrammed area, with beneath the sidewalk being preferable to under the street. Pipe size can vary, but should not encroach on the tree’s critical root zone.

Planting Strip

Intersection enhancements are intended to be located where vehicular traffic and pedestrian traffic are the most concentrated within a neighborhood. These locations, as one would suspect, aligned with street hierarchy of the Major Thoroughfare Plan. Arterials and collectors predicate a need for guiding vehicles and pedestrians alike to controlled and uncontrolled crossings. The plans identification of pedestrian connections is a means for the city to better manage its resources for sidewalks infrastructure and as such these routes will have a higher volume of pedestrians. Within the interior of the Temple Heights Neighborhood where neighborhood collectors and pedestrian connectors cross there is a need to communicate to both drivers and pedestrians location of a crossing.

Intersection Enhancement Recommendations

• Streets should consider painted/striped crosswalks and pedestrian crossing signage

• Stop signs may be appropriate at the most heavily trafficked intersections or where vehicular speeding is prevalent

• Crossing flags maybe appropriate for routes that are key corridors for students.

3

Planting strips of 6’ or greater are needed to give a street tree proper growing conditions.

Stormwater

The stormwater pipe should be placed underneath the curb and gutter in the street R.O.W. Pipe size can vary, but should not encroach on the tree’s critical root zone.

Electric, telecommunications, and other overhead utilities connections are found along the alley or rear of property. East-west streets provide The trench should preferably be located in a public utility easement adjacent to, but outside of the R.O.W.

Wastewater

Wastewater is primarily found in the rear of properties or within the alley in the Neighborhood. If wastewater lines are to be located in street R.O.W. they should be place in an unprogrammed area or beneath the sidewalk being preferable to under the street. Pipe size can vary, but should not encroach on the tree’s critical root zone.

Ornamental Tree

Overhead Utilities

If utilities cannot be placed in a trench, the use of ornamental trees is an acceptable alternative to large shade trees to maintain street trees. These trees should not exceed 15’ mature height. Overhead utilities should be consolidated on one side of the road where possible.

Common Trench

Commercial Edge

Neighborhood Mixed Use

Neighborhood Conservation

This exhibit is intended to provide land use priorities and direction for the built environment by assigning the types of enhancement that should define future investment.

Commercial Edge. The periphery of the plan area is composed or auto-dependent land uses that are less integrated into the nearby residential fabric. The nature of these commercial uses make vehicular access and parking important factors.

Neighborhood Mixed Use. Currently the land use make up is strip commercial and auto-oriented in nature. However, its location within the neighborhood makes it ideal for a mix of housing, dining, retail, and other neighborhood serving commercial.

Neighborhood Conservation. The plan area has an established single-family makeup. Efforts should focus on maintaining these structures as well as encouraging reconstruction or infill to complement the plan area’s architectural character.

31ST STREET CORRIDOR ANALYSIS

ELEMENTS

31st Street is a major arterial that serves a large number of vehicles and abutting businesses, as well as the Baylor Scott & White Hospital campus. This street is the eastern boundary of the plan area and therefore contributes to the overall image of the neighborhood and its sense of place. Identifying possible conflict points between vehicles and pedestrians will help improve the function, safety, and experience for all users.

Driveways:

• 31st Street has a significant number of driveways

• There are multiple driveways per block and driveway spacing is inconsistent

• Driveway widths vary

• Limited application of shared driveways

Sidewalks:

• More consistent sidewalks along the east side of 31st Street than on the west side

• Frequently interrupted by driveways

• Paving condition of sidewalks is poor

• Sidewalks are narrow and provide little to no buffer from the street’s vehicular traffic

Parking:

• Parking lots lack structure and often encompass areas along the street frontage that should be available for sidewalk and landscape buffer

• Parking lot configurations have some shared parking opportunities

Streetscape:

• A uniform application is absent from the corridor

• Streetscape enhancements can help encourage a safer and more comfortable pedestrian environment

31ST STREET CORRIDOR ISSUES

Sidewalks

Narrow sidewalks that are frequently interrupted by driveways create unsafe conditions for pedestrians and decrease the walkability of this neighborhood.

Excessive signage creates visual clutter along the 31st Street corridor. The use of consolidated signs or enhanced construction materials could help improve the quality of the corridor.

Landscape

Landscaping along 31st Street is lacking on the Temple Heights side of the road. TMED has more consistent sidewalks, streetscape, and curb cuts.

Adjacent Development

In the adjacent TMED Neighborhood District, 31st Street improvements such as consolidated signage and driveways, and enhanced sidewalks and streetscape have all helped improve the street to become safer and more visually pleasing to both vehicles and pedestrians.

TEMPLE, TEXAS

STREET CORRIDOR ISSUES

31ST STREET ACCESS MANAGEMENT

*Illustration is for diagrammatic purposes for this planning document. Further study and outreach to property owners in needed before further action.

Access Management Basics

Municipalities have the authority to implement subdivision and zoning regulations which provide a basis for street access. Access management mechanisms such as: shared access, cross access, lot width, driveway throat length, internal street circulation, and thoroughfare planning are an extension of a city’s subdivision and regulatory authority. The above exhibit is for diagrammatic purposes and does not constitute a City of Temple directive.

Conflict Points

When considering improvements to a corridor’s function and safety, it is important to identify uncontrolled interactions between travel lanes, driveways, and sidewalks. These areas are where hazards and safety concerns for vehicle/vehicle and vehicle/pedestrian interaction arise. Additionally, these ingress and egress points can have significant impacts on the continuous flow of traffic, making congestion worse.

Access Management Results:

The following are resulting benefits of access management:

• Increased pedestrian comfort levels with more continuous sidewalks and landscape

• Reduced vehicle ingress/egress conflict

• Increase pedestrian safety considerations

• Overall improvement in built environment harmony

• A plan to work with business and property owners to improve the function and access to the street system

Commercial Edge

Cross Access Easements/Driveway Consolidation

Reducing the number of driveways may seem counter intuitive to improving access, but it often does. A simplified and efficient parking lot layout reduces conflict points and increases certainty for drivers resulting in an improved experience with ingress and egress to the site.

Improved landscaping and Monument Signs

Currently, signage and streetscaping are inconsistent along the corridor. Reducing the overall number of driveways and realignment of parking lots can create space for sidewalks, landscaping, and monument signage with an improved aesthetic appeal for the corridor

Additional Parking Capacity

The ability to improve street conditions for properties along 31st Street in the Temple Heights Neighborhood will rely on creating more parking opportunities. This extra capacity needs to exist to help offset some of the landscaping and sidewalk improvements necessary for 31st Street.

Partnering with Property Owners

Educating and partnering with property owners along 31st Street will be important to realizing an improved corridor. This approach gives the property owner a voice and part to play in the decision making. When done well, affected property owners can become champions for the effort and help in spreading the message of the project.

Desired Outcomes:

• Improved safety for vehicles and pedestrians.

• Better utilization of parking lots for parking.

• Improved traffic flow.

Desired Outcomes:

• Soften the street edge for pedestrians, with more welcoming environment.

• Make 31st Street a destination for Temple and the larger region for retail and services. Contributing to the experience for both Temple Heights residents and the visitors and employees at Baylor Scott and White Hospital.

• Simplification of the monument signage along 31st Street would reduce cluttered appearance of existing signage.

Desired Outcomes:

• Parking that is complementary to the business and surrounding residential.

• Parking lots should be buffered by screen wall and landscaping next to adjoining residential.

• The application of cottage home development (small houses on a shared lot) through the redevelopment of existing deeper lots to smaller residential lots that front 33rd Street would result in screened parking lots that abut adjoining commercial through the shared alley.

• Better utilization of the existing alley as a drive aisle to support 31st Street businesses.

Desired Outcomes:

• Improved coordination with affected property owners.

• Established toolkit including funding source to address any potential property takings or negotiated enhancement.

• A solutions oriented outcome benefits health, safety, and welfare concerns.

MIXED USE BUSINESS PARK

Key Considerations: Circulation. Adding additional access points will help improve the sites connection to I-35 and Avenue H. Currently the site only has one access point along the frontage road. Additional access to Avenue H will allow vehicular traffic to access North Bound I-35 more directly.

Collaboration. The business park is intended to cluster different commercial and light industrial uses together where they are able to share resources and infrastructure. Internal parking yards are screened from neighboring property, allowing the area to be used as work space or outdoor storage.

Relocation. This location allows for business in the Temple Heights Neighborhood, especially along Avenue M, to relocate to a more accommodating space. Maintaining workforce presence within the neighborhood, creates employment that is walkable from an established neighborhood.

Building Appearance

Buildings should be designed and built with similar aesthetic. This helps promote a unified sense of place allowing tenant turnover with less impact on the overall look and feel of the development or the perceived functionality.

Flexible Spaces

These areas should incorporate flexible spaces that allow for outdoor work spaces, gathering areas, or even outdoor storage. Planning for flexible spaces help tenants address their specific needs when selecting a site to locate thier operations.

Variety in Use

These spaces should allow for a range in uses. Commercial uses such as retail and office can mesh well with light industrial uses like auto-repair and cabinetry, provided there is some space and buffering available between more intense and less intense uses.

Showrooms and Patrons

Showrooms, tasting rooms, and tours of the facility may be part of the business operations. As such, business may select their location to accommodate high visitor levels. These types of business may be better located on the periphery of the development reducing the visitor travel within the overall development.

Neighborhood Mixed Use

AVENUE M CORRIDOR ANALYSIS

ELEMENTS

As one of the major streets that passes through the neighborhood, Avenue M plays a key role in providing connectivity. As such, it is important to evaluate interactions between pedestrians and vehicles. Intersections, sidewalks, and driveways, should be examined to identify points of conflict and safety concerns. Managing these points of conflict can enhance the corridor’s comfort and functionality for all users.

Intersections lack markings and signalization for pedestrian traffic. The sidewalks along Avenue M are inconsistent in terms of condition and continuity. Curb cuts for driveways interrupt the sidewalk multiple times per block, with varying widths and spacing between each driveway.

Driveways:

• Avenue M has a significant number of driveways

• Driveway spacing is inconsistent

• Driveway widths vary from a single drive lane to the length of frontage

• Limited application of shared driveways

Sidewalks:

• Very few sidewalks along Avenue M

• Frequently interrupted by driveways

• Paving condition of sidewalks is poor

• Sidewalks are primarily along adjacent north/south streets

Parking:

• Parking spaces directly accessed from Avenue M requires drivers to back into traffic

• Little to no buffer between sidewalks and parking lots

• Parking lot configurations limit shared parking opportunities

Streetscape:

• Planting strips and street trees are virtually nonexistent along Avenue M

• Streetscape enhancements are necessary to soften harshness of existing built environment and calm traffic

Neighborhood Mixed Use

AVENUE M CORRIDOR ISSUES

Parking along Corridor

Several businesses have head in or angled parking directly off of Avenue M causing drivers to have to back into traffic. This parking configuration also contributes to overly wide driveways and lack of clear pedestrian space.

Continuous Driveways

Driveways that extend the length of the frontage can confuse drivers and disrupt traffic flow. Sidewalks may also be disturbed, creating unsafe conditions for pedestrians as well.

Sidewalks

Many sidewalks along the corridor run perpendicular to Avenue M. Sidewalks are fragmented and non continuous. These conditions create an unpleasant pedestrian environment. ADA ramps and crossings are absent.

Streetscape

Streetscape along Avenue M is scarce. If it does exist, streetscape includes mostly a thin strip of grass, with very few street trees.

Neighborhood Mixed Use

AVENUE M NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER

Key Considerations: Sidewalk. A continuous sidewalk should be constructed as part of a street rebuild. This will better serve the neighborhood residents and businesses by providing safe conditions for travel.

Streetscape. Landscaping and street trees should be added along the corridor. Planting beds at intersections provide opportunities to promote a more welcoming environment.

Block By Block

The redevelopment of Avenue M will be a block by block approach. It will be necessary to work with adjoining property owners to reconfigure existing lot layouts or developer looking to redevelop the entire sight. The goal will be a new street that is scaled to serve the surrounding residential neighborhood.

Street Fronting Buildings. Building would be oriented to the street and the corresponding on street parking to create shop fronts that are active and visible.

Intersection. 43rd Street and Avenue M would become prominent signalized crossing contributing to an improved pedestrian corridor to Scott Elementary.

Parking. Placing buildings at the front property line allows more room in the back of the property for off-street parking. Additionally, side streets provide parking and access, reducing traffic and congestion on Avenue M.

Project Site

SCOTT BOULEVARD NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER

Key Considerations: Neighborhood Activity Node. Creating a walkable neighborhood destination with buildings that engage Scott Boulevard is the desired result of redevelopment at this location. The sidepath on Scott Boulevard creates a strong pedestrian corridor bookended by commercial development.

Improved Intersection. This proposed concept improves the vehicle and pedestrian safety at the 57th Street and Scott Boulevard by removing driveways adjacent to the intersection. Reducing the total number of driveways along 57th Street will improve traffic flow and reduce conflict points.

Future Housing Infill. The proposed concept maintains existing housing or allows for redevelopment of narrower lot townhouses. While the plan above shows residential units currently on the north side of Scott Boulevard facing 55th Street, it would also be acceptable to see that carried over to the south side of Scott Boulevard.

Infill

TEMPLE HEIGHTS PARK

Key Considerations: New Playground. A new playground is proposed for the property along the 49th Street. While a small portion of the proposed overall Temple Heights park, this portion of the park will be open during school hours for the general public.

Avenue R Sidepath. The Avenue R Sidepath provides access along the southern portion of the school property. This sidepath will provide access to both the neighborhood park, the school, and the schools play field.

Secure School Zone. Scott Elementary will still maintain control of a significant portion of the overall site during school hours to maintain a safe and secure environment. A security fence that has some degree of automation will allow for expanded use of the play field when school is not in operation.

0’ 50’ 100’ 25’

Playfield

Avenue R Sidepath/Trail

Playground Shelter

Learning Arboretum/ Outdoor Classroom

Ornamental Safety Fence for School Security

Neighborhood Conservation

Housing Infill Considerations

The Temple Heights core is defined by its single-family housing stock, specifically the southwest portion of the neighborhood. The contributions of these structures are a defining element of the character for the plan area.

Key Single-Family Elements

Key Duplex Elements

Architectural Enhancements

Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District

A Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District is a tool used to manage a neighborhood’s revitalization to ensure that inherent character elements remain. This tool is an extension of the base zoning district and typically focuses on lot size, setbacks, streetscapes, and tree protection. These protections focus on providing certainty and compatibility between new and existing development. A Neighborhood Conservation Overly District may include both residential and commercial land uses.

Only in certain circumstances would it be appropriate to use a Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District. Neighborhoods must possess a distinct land use pattern, predominant scale/spacing, similar construction type, contributing open space/streetscape elements, and proximity to or contributing impact on historic landmarks or districts. Additionally, there must be support from the affected population within the proposed Neighborhood Conservation Overlay.

Desired Outcomes from a Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District

• Promote high quality of life and livability standards

• To protect and promote unique physical features and valued aesthetic appearances

• To stabilize and invigorate neighborhood economic conditions

• To reduce conflicts from development and investments into the neighborhood through added regulatory certainty

• Encourage a sense of place and source of neighborhood pride

• Provide a path forward for orderly redevelopment within the City.

Criteria to consider for a Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District

• Contain at least one block face or all lots on the same side of a block

• The area has been developed for at least 25 years

• 75% of land in the proposed area must be presently improved

• Possess “principal design feature” that is cohesive for character establishment:

• Scale, size, and type of construction

• Spatial relationships between buildings

• Lot layouts, including setbacks, sidewalks, and alleys

• Natural or public space characteristics such as creek beds, parks, greenbelts, or street landscaping

• Land use patterns and/or an identifiable mix in of similar uses

• Abuts or links to designated historic landmarks and/or districts.

Establishing a Neighborhood Conservation District Overlay

• Director of Planning and Development initiated rezoning, pursuant to a neighborhood or community plan adopted by City Council, or city or community revitalization program; or

• Neighborhood initiated application for rezoning (support from majority of affected landowners)

• Boundary and site inventory review (establishment of a base district boundary for zoning map)

• Create development standards and identification of “principal design feature”

• Create voluntary design guidelines (extra design or architectural guidance)

• Public hearing and final adoption to be conducted by Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council.

Infill to Match Character

Bay window

Awnings Dormer

Shutters

Porte-cochere

Detached Garages

Enhanced Single Lane Driveways

Alley Utilization

Match Single-family Character

Primary Front Door and Secondary Front Door

Porch

There is a significant presence of alleys within the Temple Heights Neighborhood, with most being unpaved corridors for utilities. The amount of vehicle access afforded by the alley varies block to block. The value and role alleys play within the character of a neighborhood are not always evident. As part of this planning document, this section will highlight some of the key benefits of alleys and provide a guide for utilization.

Alley Benefits

The following descriptions provide context to how alleys are a beneficial addition to the built environment through both form and function.

Utility Placement

In many circumstances, alleys are home to electric, gas, water, and sewer lines that provide services to individual lots. This consolidation reduces congestion of the right-of-way, giving priority to utility trunk lines, and limiting maintenance impacts on roadway traffic. Additionally, by placing utilities in the alley it frees up more space for street tree growth both in the below-ground rootzone and tree canopy.

Improved Lot Access

Alleys provide direct vehicular access to the rear of a property, providing more opportunities for parking and, in turn, reducing street clutter by eliminating a need for a frontyard driveways and diminishing vehicular and pedestrian conflicts. On-street parking availability increases, allowing more comfortable accommodation of neighborhood visitors.

Aesthetic Contributions

The impacts of improved lot access and utility access allow for an increase in aesthetic enhancements to the neighborhood character. Street trees grow unencumbered, reaching maturity faster, and absent the impact on their overall form. Eliminating garages from the front of the houses removes the banality of the garage door from the front facade and increases the overall architecture interest of the structure. The result is a neighborhood block where children run across uninterrupted front yards under the shade of large trees contributing to the long-term health and vitality of the neighborhood.

Alley Breakdown

Examining the composition of the Temple Heights Neighborhood’s alleys within the plan area is important in determining the role they have in the built environment. The examination will help create an organizational framework for establishing recommendations for the plan area’s alleys. There is a total of 91 blocks in the plan area with a predominate north-south direction. The following graphs highlight particular alley characteristics.

Existing Alley Takeaways

The following bullets are key findings about the plan area’s alleys:

• Over 1/2 of the plan area blocks can utilize alleys

• Alleys primarily serve residential development

• Alleys primarily run north-south

• Of the alleys that serve commercial properties, all serve residential properties as well

Residential Infill

Alleys that primarily support residential provide local access for adjacent lots. Alley’s allow for a wider variety of infill housing types without impacting the curb appeal of housing with vehicle clutter. Safety and security measures are best addressed by property owners where placement of lighting and other security features can respond to individual lot conditions.

ALLEY REGULATORY GUIDANCE

Zoning Districts Applicable in all zoning districts. ROW 24’ max, 20’ min. for two way alley, 16’ for one-Way.

Pavement Hardscape, whether concrete, asphalt, or vehicular paver is preferred surface. For low traffic residential alleys, crushed rock or gravel may be appropriate.

Max Height Accessory buildings adjacent to alleys should be compatible with surrounding structures and not exceed the height of the primary structure or 2.5 stories, whichever is less.

Building Setback All buildings should be setback a minimum of 15’ from side street , unless zoning setback is intended to be 0’ then consideration of sight triangles should be observed.

Parking Is allowed adjacent to alley provided the parking space meets the minimum size of 9’ by 18’ and is clear of alley ROW.

Waste Receptacles For commercial properties, alley waste receptacles should be screened from view of adjacent residential properties.

Lighting Lighting should be present near alley and street intersection. Driveways along alleys should be lit for both vehicular and crime safety precautions.

Landscaping Trees with mature height of 25’ or less are preferred. Placement should minimize interaction with overhead utilities. All adjacent shrubs and groundcovers should be maintained to limit impediment of alley traffic.

Neighborhood Commercial

It is important for neighborhood commercial to maintain context sensitive design and in many instances this would mean orienting the building to directly front the street. If needed, parking should be in the rear of property directly off the alley or parking lot. Opportunities for shared parking agreements between commercial properties can help assist in a more organized approach to meeting parking demand.

Lighting Plan

This exhibit provides lighting recommendations for the plan area. Further explanation of the different lighting zones can be found on the following page.

GENERAL STREET ZONE

The General Street Zones are the pedestrian and vehicular corridors of the neighborhood. These streets see the largest portions of vehicular and pedestrian traffic both in and out of the neighborhood. As such, these corridors should have ample lighting and maintain high operating standards, while not overpowering residential properties.

Lighting Notes:

Lamp Size 15,000 Lumens, 150 Watts

Spacing 120’ poles staggered

*Average Foot-candles 0.6

*Information informed by Highway Illumination Manual, Texas Department of Transportation, 2018

Recommended application of dark sky fixtures that minimize glare while reducing light trespass and sky glow.

NEIGHBORHOOD ZONE

The Neighborhood Zone is the primary single-family residential portion of the plan area. This zone needs to balance lighting for safety concerns while maintaining residential privacy.

Lighting Notes:

Lamp Size 9,500 Lumens, 100 Watts

Minimum Spacing 150’ poles staggered

*Average Foot-candles 0.4

*Information informed by Highway Illumination Manual, Texas Department of Transportation, 2018

Recommended application of dark sky fixtures that minimize glare while reducing light trespass and sky glow.

INTERSECTION ZONE

The Intersection Zone highlights key pedestrian crossings. The traffic associated with these areas requires an increase in lighting to ensure both pedestrian and vehicular safety.

Lighting Notes:

Lamp Size 30,000 Lumens, 250 Watts

Spacing 1 light pole at each respective corner, 4 total.

*Average Foot-candles 2.0

*Information informed by Highway Illumination Manual, Texas Department of Transportation, 2018

Recommended application of dark sky fixtures that minimize glare while reducing light trespass and sky glow.

PARK ZONE

The Park Zone is intended to be a highly visible and active linkage. The lighting should be pedestrian scaled and well lit as to encourage extended use.

Lighting Notes:

Spacing 90’

Average Foot-candles 0.65

Recommended application of dark sky fixtures that minimize glare while reducing light trespass and sky glow.

BUSINESS/COMMERCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

The use of Backlight, Uplight, and Glare (BUG) ratings should be considered for business or commercial properties to promote dark sky principles and reduce off-site lighting impact on adjacent properties, especially near a residential neighborhood.

NEIGHBORHOOD IDENTIFICATION

The improvement of sidewalk presence and access is an important focus of this plan. Additionally, the periphery of the plan area does not lend itself to natural gateways, where monumentation would have its intended effect. As such, it is recommended that sidewalks and sign toppers be the predominant source of branding and identification for the Temple Heights Neighborhood. One way that this can be accomplished is to give the sidewalks more interest by adding street name inlays.

SIDEWALK STREET NAME INLAY

NEIGHBORHOOD SYMBOL

One of the most iconic elements of the Temple Heights Neighborhood are its trees. There are a variety of large trees with established tree canopy that blanket the neighborhood with much need shade in the summer months. Of which the most common trees is the pecan. As such the tree’s pinnate leaf structure and signature nut are most appropriate symbol for the neighborhood.

STREET SIGN TOPPERS

NEIGHBORHOOD MONUMENT

Artistic metal inlay, with neighborhood identity element

A vertical monument addresses the provision of a gateway element on a smaller footprint. The likely placement for neighborhood monument would be within the street right-of-way a block or more further into neighborhood, particularly outside of the busy corridor 31st Street.

Recommendations

Temple Heights Neighborhood Action Plan

This section of the plan summarizes the recommendations derived from the project findings into the Temple Heights Neighborhood Action Plan. These actions follow the direction put forth in the City’s Strategic Plan and Temple By Design, 2020 Comprehensive Master Plan. In accordance with those plans, the actions are organized by the focus areas Smart Growth, Public Safety, Places and Spaces, and High-performing Organization. The recommendations in the Action Plan will reference the respective Comprehensive Plan initiative they help to realize. The Action Plan will identify the implementation method, priority, and department involvement.

SMART GROWTH INITIATIVES

Design and Development

DD.1

Support the redevelopment of the properties on the west end of Scott Boulevard to create a neighborhood center. The redevelopment should focus on establishing a walkable mixed use corridor, that supports the surrounding residential. This may be part of a larger neighborhood center that includes properties in the adjacent Woodlawn Neighborhood District.

DD.2

DD.3

Policy, Study 1.1.1

ST.8

SMART GROWTH INITIATIVES

Avenue R. Plan, design, and construct sidepath. Intersection improvements should promote traffic calming measures and ensure ADA compliance. Intersection improvements should promote traffic calming measures and ensure ADA compliance.

ST.9

Pedestrian Connectors. Construct/reconstruct sidewalks along 33rd Street, 47th Street, 55th Street, Avenue L, Avenue P, and Avenue Z Street. Priority should be give to sidewalks that promote safe routes to school.

ST.10

Support the redevelopment of the properties that are part of Mixed-use Business Park. The redevelopment should focus on establishing a walkable mixed use corridor, that supports the surrounding residential.

Support the redevelopment of the properties adjacent to Avenue M to create a neighborhood center. The redevelopment should focus on establishing a walkable mixed use corridor, that supports the surrounding residential.

Streets and Thoroughfares

ST.1 31st Street. Plan, design, and construct improvements and/or enhancements to 31st Street. Additional focus should be given to beautification and TMED branding. Intersection improvements should promote traffic calming measures and ensure ADA compliance.

ST.2 Avenue H. Plan, design, and construct/reconstruct sidewalk and sidepath to Avenue H. Additional focus should be given to the beautification of the medians. Consider use of low maintenance landscaping, native and drought tolerant plants.

ST.3 Avenue M. Redesign Avenue M in coordination with the development of adjacent properties. The addition of sidewalk, on-street parking, and enhanced intersection crossing should be a priority. Intersection improvements should promote traffic calming measures and ensure ADA compliance.

ST.4 57th Street. Plan, design, and construct sidepath. Intersection improvements should promote traffic calming measures and ensure ADA compliance. Intersection improvements should promote traffic calming measures and ensure ADA compliance.

ST.5 Avenue T. Construct/reconstruct sidewalks and enhanced intersections along 43 Street. Intersection improvements should promote traffic calming measures and ensure ADA compliance.

43rd Street. Construct/reconstruct sidewalks and enhanced intersections along 43 Street. Intersection improvements should promote traffic calming measures and ensure ADA compliance.

ST.7 Scott Boulevard. Construct/reconstruct sidepath and enhanced intersections along Scott Boulevard. Intersection improvements should promote traffic calming measures and ensure ADA compliance.

Policy, Study 1.1.1

Policy, Study 1.1.1

Tree Program. Conduct inventory and evaluate existing trees in the neighborhood to establish tree replacement recommendations/plan at the block level. Encourage new street trees and street tree replacement as needed throughout the plan area. Include review of street trees to ensure limbs do not impede ingress and egress of emergency and city vehicles. Consider ordinance revisions to assist in this program.

ST.11 Remove poor condition sidewalks from plan area. Repair and add sidewalks in areas identified for sidewalk improvement. Capital 2.3.3

ST.12 Implement a sidewalk condition evaluation on a 5-year cycle to assess for ADA compliance and connectivity. Schedule repairs and additions through the CIP plan or identify funding through other programs. Policy, Study 2.3.3

ST.13 Involve departments to evaluate solutions for traffic calming methods throughout the neighborhood.

Infrastructure Systems

IS.1 Lighting Plan. Implement lighting plan within the Temple Heights Neighborhood. Evaluate high needs areas to receive lighting priority.

IS.2 Activate existing TMED pedestrian lights along 31st Street. Ensure that future additions of TMED pedestrian lighting along 31st Street are activated upon construction/installation completion.

IS.3 Encourage the burying of overhead utilities to improve neighborhood resiliency. This is to be evaluated on a case by case base preferably at the block level.

Parks and Trails

PT.1 Partner with Temple ISD to develop neighborhood park at Scott Elementary School property. A portion of the park should be available to the general public at all times, while a portion should be secured for school use only during its operating hours. The park should be accessible from the Avenue R sidepath. To be eligible for Texas Parks and Wildlife grant program there should be an established length of time and ownership relationship for the property.

Police

PS.1 Enhance neighborhood relations by continuous evaluation of policing techniques and working with residents to develop crime reduction strategies.

PS.2 Revamp the Neighborhood Watch program and encourage increased participation in the program.

Fire

FS.1 Develop a program through the Temple Fire Dept to check/ install smoke detectors.

Coordinate, Capital 2.2.7

Public Works, Police

Coordinate 1.2.6 High Oncor, Public Works

Capital, Policy 1.2.6 High Oncor, Public Works

Policy 1.2.6

Program

Medium Fire, Community Development

FS.2 Develop a program to install house/business numbers for identification Coordination, Program 4.2.7 Medium Fire, Community Development

CH.1 Increase animal control efforts.

CH.2 Actively seek out absentee owners of abandoned or blighted properties and require needed repairs to be performed, the building to be secured, and administer minimum maintenance standards.

CH.3 Develop a program to mitigate illegal dumping (highlight temple tire disposal program), littering, and squatting; specifically the eastern edge of the planning area.

CH.4 Increase Code Compliance activity to reduce health and safety concerns expressed by residents.

HIGH-PERFORMING ORGANIZATION INITIATIVES

Development Review

DR.1

Establish a Neighborhood Coalition and a neighborhood champion to streamline communications on activities impacting the neighborhood, such as zoning cases, variance requests, applicable plat requests, Capital Improvement Plan projects, etc.

Sub-Area Planning

SAP.1 Develop an annual report to track progress on Temple Heights Neighborhood Action Plan.

SAP.2 Review and update the Temple CIP project list to include the projects identified in the Temple Heights Capital Improvement Plan.

SAP.3 Develop task force for coordination of neighborhood district planning initiatives. This task force should focus on identifying partnerships and secondary funding sources.

Community

CB.1 Street Signs. Select and implement street sign family, sign toppers, banners, and wayfinding to be used in the plan area.

Unique

UA.1

Work with the Utility Billing Office to identify new residents in the Temple Heights Neighborhood so that a “Welcome to the Neighborhood” packet can be sent to them. This packet should include contact information, bulk trash pickup schedule, code compliance rules and regulations, and other useful information.

NGD.1

Promote all homeownership opportunities, classes and reinvestment programs to include outside organizations, HOME and CDBG.

NSR.1

Develop a community outreach program to educate the public about code compliance rules and regulations.

Promote the infill of residential and commercial through community development grant program.

Promote the use of the Track Temple app via promotional materials and expanded messaging.

Scott Boulevard Neighborhood Center. Address zoning regulations to allow for flexibility for creative, industrious, and innovative uses throughout plan area.

Mixed-use Business Park. Amend the Future Development Plan for the Business Park concept area. Address zoning regulations to allow for flexibility for creative, industrious, and innovative uses throughout plan area.

Avenue M Neighborhood Center. Address zoning regulations to allow for flexibility for creative, industrious, and innovative uses throughout plan area.

Temple Heights Neighborhood Capital Improvement Plan

The following list of projects was derived from the concepting and recommendations formulated as part of the planning process. The projects identified correlate with the actions found in the Temple Heights Neighborhood Action Plan. Projects may be a single action or a combination of actions. The opinion of the probable cost was developed uniquely for each particular project and includes the cost of construction, contingency, land/right-of-way acquisition, and professional services. Action prioritization in regards to project implementation should be followed; however, if circumstances arise that increase the urgency or cost savings for the realization of the project, deviations from the recommended action priority is appropriate.

The water lines identified in this exhibit provide recommended location and capacity to serve the neighborhood district.

The wastewater lines identified in this exhibit provide recommended location and capacity to serve the neighborhood district.