Fort Walton Beach Council agenda — 02-14-12 cra — reading text

that every person is within walking distance to a bus stop, us stops should be located close to major trip generators and should be safe, convenient, comfortable, high quality facilities in order to promote the highest possible ridership. 1. Consider working with Okaloosa County to add additional transit stops in the CRA. Increasing the number of transit stops will provide riders better connectivity so they can City of Fort Walton Beach February 2012 Packet Pg. 36  7. 1. a 2012 Community Redevelopment Plan access more destinations. Accommodating different modes of transportation such as buses, vehicles, and bikes will foster interactive multi -modal uses. 2. Consider adding local trolley or shuttle bus services. Trolley service can attract visitors from the beach to the CRA area. Ideally, a trolley should continuously circulate in the area, providing frequent pick -up service. Partnerships with the local hotels and condominiums could be researched to provide shuttle services to guests. 3. Work with Okaloosa County to provide additional transit signa d marketing activities within the CPA. Signage should notify users of the transit - u schedule and routes. a the effectiveness of the Increasing information about transit availability can help i. system. E;. 4. Consider improvements to existing transit stops by s shelter ches, and signage, where appropriate. Sidewalk connectivity is als; n important comp of an effective transit system. 3 Insert graphic of existing transit stop) ' Sidewalks alone cannot necessarily provide equan access. Many features, such as street furniture, vegetated s, wider side ' and p an scaled buildings and signage contribute to the " wal - s&E4 onment. able are provide greater connectivity and access for both vehipl "' and pe ' - " ans. Prove g accessible pedestrian paths via a complete network of sidcwa s : " link r ' ential areas vihil}5recrea[ ional and commercial areas is the foundation of a walkable his will aW::::::` reducc the need for automobiles for those tA at ;;, grj.}ile althier lifestyles for the residents of this area. traveling with,' t,;tk: 1. Conti o budget for onstl [ sidewalks throughout the CRA. Targeted program areas and arse" developed.' Is' ads shouleive priority. A prioritized list of areas needing sidewalks will be 2. Improve pedcst ' nage and signals in the CRA. Additional signage and crosswalk systems are need e.# on Brooks Street, Eglin Parkway, and Miracle Strip Parkway, among others, m improvevisibility and safety. 3. Improve pedestrian crossings in the CPA. Consider retrofitting certain intersections to include " pedestrian crossing islands" and consider pedestrian overpasses and medians. Without adequate crosswalks, walking may be unsafe in certain areas. 4. Provide for wider sidewalks in the CRA. According to FDOT, in central business districts CBD) the minimum recommended width of sidewalks is eight feet; industrial and City of Fort Walton Beach February 2012 Packet Pg. 37  7. t. a 2012 Community Redevelopment Plan commercial areas outside the CBD should be seven feet wide. In residential areas, sidewalks should be at least five feet wide with two feet of a landscape strip from the curb. Continue a strectscape program to enhance walkability. Pedestrian- scaled lighting, street furniture, and pavers all enhance the walkable environment. Bicycle paths should be well- signed and complete, and bicycle p mg facilities should be provided to support travel by bicycle. Bicycle lanes e nhance y of pedestrians on sidewalks. 1. Install bicycle lanes and shared use paths in the can be as simple as adding paint to the road in some arc he should consi ragsportation improvement " program" or " fund" to imp. .. bi gs in addition ' e sidewalk improvement program. 2. Provide additional bicycle puking facilities in both p private areas throughout the CRA. Continue to utilize CRA funds' tt: 11 bicycle ublic parking lots and public spaces. Continue m enforce provision if`. d L i# -,tode that require bicycle parking spaces. 3. Continue to coo a bicycle plan and bicycle improvements in Insert graphic of new b nes j( 4k bike Whr e t ,;. 07 Parking F ies Stu concluded that there is not a deficit of parking spaces in the CRA ,. I, it did vat a thc' perceptiou of poor parking choices. Parking, specifically down tnwwell pl' - d nor well- known. Directing patrons to available parking spaces may what is needed most in the CRA. 1. Consider acquiring new property or entering into public -private partnerships to add additional parking spaces where needed most. 2. Consider adding parking lot improvements, where needed most, to existing public property. 3. Improve visibility of public parking through highly visible signage on Miracle Strip Parkway, Brooks Street, and Perry Avenue directing motorists towards public parking areas. City of Fort Walton Beach February 2012 Packet Pg. 38  7. 1. a 2012 Community Redevelopment Plan Insert graphic of new Downtown Parking Signs) Insert map ofParking Facilities Plan) Implementing the strategies outlined above will improve mobility and safety for residents and visitors in the CRA, especially when integrated with infrastructure upgrades and efficient land use choices. To continue a positive image of the CRA, the following section outlines design guidelines, which are intended to promote visual consistency and harmoyry throughout the area. Fort Walton Beach February Packet Pg. 39  7. 1. a 2012 Community Redevelopment Plan COMPONENT 4 - DESIGN GUIDELINES DESIGN GUIDELINES GOAL: PROMOTE A POSITIVE COMMUNITY IMAGE WHILE A[ ING THE HEALTH, SAFETY, WELFARE, AND APPEARANCE OF THE C OUGH THE o. PROMOTION OF VISUAL CONSISTENCY A] ARMONY aR Objectives: Qa Reduce and Avoid the Use of Over- Simplifirn Ir es and Limit the Amount of Blank Walls NbN Achieve Fagade Articulation Treatme s rO Achieve a Cityscape with Well- Articulated ` 0 of Windows and 02 Achieve Compatibility Through iTi >.. e, Size, and iz Doors " s£ #'',$ iis:;, Achieve Compatibility of Roof line ' n Achieve Compatibilit f Design for may Achieve Transiti - ' " n Adjace' Uses Ensure Cont tty of A , essory Stru#.tp es Provide Screening .. nd cified Uses EnsuG.. ' ity a Featu such as Landscaping, Fences, Outdoor Seating, and Re''. ion Ac' Consisten ' . nd Coatibility in Signage Provi tf:; , Commun Policing and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Fort Walton Beach is Onaracterized by an eclectic mix of styles ranging from the Florida Cracker Style to Florida Contemporary, and while there is currently no dominant style, the intent of this plan is to ensure harmony, consistency, and compatibility between structures and to create appropriate transitions and complements between these styles throughout the CRA. This will be achieved through the establishment and implementation of common architectural design principles including fagade articulation and orientation, through the proportional use of materials, colors and architectural features based upon approximate fagadc area ratios and City of Fort Walton Beach February 2012 Packet Pg. 40  7. 1. a 2012 Community Redevelopment Plan through consistency and compatibility of styles through roof pitch and materials, consistency of scale and style with appropriate transitions. Design