|
Get Involved |
Goals |
Comment
Steering Committee recommends STREETCAR to be included in the Second Street Plan
(August 15, 2008)
This week's steering committee meeting yielded the inclusion of a streetcar concept in the project's framework plan. A streetcar operates on fixed rail located in the street (a lane which also accommodates automobiles), is run by electricity which is delivered by an overhead line, and makes frequent stops along busy routes. To view a video simulation of a modern-day streetcar operating in Tucson, Arizona go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RG-MC420gE.
The future streetcar would travel in both directions along Second Street, taking passengers from the Civic Center/Public Library to Highway 52 or beyond.
Developers Respond to Questions
(August 12, 2008)
We thank the real estate developers from Rochester and beyond that have taken the time to respond to our inquiries about the feasibility of the Second Street framework plan. Some of their responses to the questions we asked are posted below. The numbers correspond to the questions from the previous post.
1. What land uses do you see as most viable?
Clinic-Related Retail/Service/Specialized Housing in St. Marys District; Housing/Institutional Support/Specialized Housing in East District; Office/Hotel in Gateway District; Destination retail; Second Street should be viewed as an extension of downtown.
2. What are your thoughts about current market conditions as they relate to the Second Street Project?
It’s a great time to be planning!
3. What would be the minimum parcel size that could feasibly be developed in this area?
As small as they are but parking on site is challenging, if possible; higher density residential along 1st is challenging due to the parking needs of residents; current lot sizes are not sized to develop anything of significance that meets the vision—it is nice to have courtyards in the middle of blocks, only a very limited amount of half-block development is feasible
4. What are the barriers to developing shared parking opportunities with other uses on the street?
In the St. Marys District where parking is most needed, potential for shared parking is not great because the redevelopment that has already occurred has provided its own parking: there are not many contiguous redevelopment parcels that are adjacent; timing of projects; organization.
5. Which public improvements add value to potential projects?
A comprehensive plan for the area; Public plaza/mini parks—especially deep sidewalk vs. an alley-type park; small gathering places or small outdoor dining areas; well-maintained and coordinated landscaping and planters; wider sidewalks (14 ft); pedestrian amenities; increased sidewalk width for outdoor seating and streetscape amenities; parking structures that have either active uses on first level or appearance of activity; centralized bicycle corrals; transit facilities as part of comprehensive plan; Gateway district artwork/monument would be very nice; design standards would benefit everyone developing/owning along 2nd Street; realignment of 16th Ave connection to 2nd Street; amenities that allow people to stroll.
Additional comments were provided on transportation:
Concentrating density and intensity along 2nd Street is great but transportation drives development; fixed rail allows the addition of intensive development that will not be possible without massive structured parking; addition of fixed rail to the plan and accumulated land sites will attract bigger, more visionary developers who can get the job done; Parking needs necessitate that the development that is achieved does not match up with what seems to belong or “fit” on a site; streetcar/trolley would be a big benefit to the area—it would change the type of development that would be produced.
Variety of Real Estate Developers Interviewed
(July 16, 2008)
Participants involved in the Second Street Planning Project are in the process of posing questions to active and experienced real estate developers regarding the VISION for Second Street. The purpose of soliciting their involvement is to ensure that the results of the planning process include the highest and best use of available resources and that the project produces a final plan which is responsible and economically viable. Some of the questions asked of developers include...
1. What land uses do you see as most viable?
2. What are your thoughts about current market conditions as they relate to the Second Street Project?
3. What would be the minimum parcel size that could feasibly be developed in this area?
4. What are the barriers to developing shared parking opportunities with other uses on the street?
5. Which public improvements add value to potential projects?
View the concepts under consideration
(June 8, 2008)
To view the concepts under consideration as part of the Second Street Project, go to the steering committee page. All concepts are included in the presentations (in PowerPoint format) for the March, April and May steering committee meetings.
95 Guests Attend Open House
(May 6, 2008)
Thank you to all those who attended last week's open house. Ninety-five (or more) people attended the event last Wednesday evening at the Edison Building. Presentations on the history and purpose of the project were made and concepts were on display for public review and comment. If you missed last week's open house and would like to view the concepts, simply use the comment feature on the website or call our offices at (507)282-0203 ext.119 to find out how to access the information or share your comments.
Date for Community Open House set!
(March 31, 2008)
The date for the upcoming open house has been set for Wednesday, April 30th. The event will be held at the Edison Building.
Interested in the project's goals?
(February 12, 2008)
The steering committee are working on a draft set of goals and objectives. To view a preliminary draft, go to the VISION page of the website.
View all survey results on the vision page!
(January 13, 2008)
Survey results have been tabulated and posted to the vision page.
Where did this project come from?
(January 5, 2008)
There have been some questions about the history of the Second Street project. Please read about the genesis of the project on the Project Summary page.
Low priorities
(January 4, 2008)
When asked to prioritize objectives for the redevelopment of Second Street, event attendees chose these options as the least/less important:
Leave it to the market 34%
Quickly move cars through the area to and from downtown destinations 30%
Support the goals of downtown revitalization 13%
Strengthen the vitality of the neighborhoods 7%
Strengthen the economic vitality of existing businesses; attract and retain new businesses 5%
Develop solutions for parking and traffic challenges 5%
Create an attractive gateway to the city 4%
Improve the safety, appearance and image of the 2nd Street Corridor 0%
High priorities
(January 4, 2008)
When asked to prioritize objectives for the redevelopment of Second Street, event attendees chose these options as the most/more important:
Improve the safety, appearance and image of the 2nd Street Corridor 29%
Create an attractive gateway to the city 20%
Strengthen the vitality of the neighborhoods 17%
Strengthen the economic vitality of existing businesses; attract and retain new businesses 13%
Develop solutions for parking and traffic challenges 10%
Support the goals of downtown revitalization 6%
Other 4%
Quickly move cars through the area to and from downtown destinations 1%
Leave it to the market 0%
Read more on the VISION page
Community Workshop reveals great community interest in the Second Street Planning Project!
(January 1, 2008)
One hundred and twenty people were present at the December 12th community workshop. Event attendees heard a brief history of the Second Street Project, mingled with neighbors, and shared their opinions about the future of Second Street. Attendees commented on transportation, public space, land use, and parking in the area. While there were many opinions expressed, some clear themes presented through the surveys and commentary. Please view the survey results on the VISION section of the website or by pasting this web address in to your browser.
http://www.secondstreetcorridor.org/vision.html
Transportation and Parking
(November 27, 2007)
When the Steering Committee meets next on December 5th, it will discuss transportation and parking issues. Review the upcoming agenda on the steering committee page after this week Thursday.
All are welcome to attend Community Workshop!
(November 21, 2007)
 If you ran this city, What would 2nd Street look like? Now is your chance to share your vision and take an active role in the future of 2nd Street.
Join us for a community workshop to discuss the 2nd Street Planning Project--a community-led effort to envision and shape on of our city's most beloved corridors.
At the workshop, you will:
*Learn more about the 2nd Street Planning Project
*Share concerns, opportunities, and hopes
*Tell us how you want 2nd Street to look, including basic design, landscaping, street signs and parking
*Enjoy light refreshments and visit with neighbors
WHERE: Folwell Gymnasium, 603 15th Ave S.W.
WHEN: Wednesday, December 12 6:30-8:30 p.m.
To RSVP- contact Amy Blenker(507)282-0203 ext.119, or email amy@rochesterarea.org
Latest Update
(November 19, 2007)
The Second Street Planning Project has a 9-member steering committee. To see who's on the committee, click on the "Steering Committee" page.
Contact Amy Blenker, project coordinator: phone (507) 282-0203 ext 119,
secondstreet@rochesterarea.org
Rochester Area Foundation, 2200 2nd Street SW, Suite 300, Rochester, MN 55902
|
