King_Street_ZRC_Presentation_9_27_2010
10/1/20101 Rezoning King Street for a Sustainable Future The Zoning Revisions Committee (ZRC) Who We Are -A volunteer committee, appointed by the Planning Board -Formed to help implement
“Sustainable Northampton” (the city’s comprehensive master plan adopted in 2008) -Selected to represent a variety of viewpoints, expertise and neighborhoods. Rezoning Northampton for
a Sustainable Future Our Charge: Get Sustainability into Zoning – Review current zoning & recommend revisions – Be a technical resource for the Planning Board – Provide a wide range
of opportunities for public input to the zoning revision process King Street Process Tonight’s Goal • Get public input about changing the zoning on King Street with the Chamber Proposal
as a starting point for discussion • The Zoning Revisions Committee received a new zoning proposal from the Chamber of Commerce • We are seeking community input to help review the proposal
and develop recommendations After this forum, the ZRC will: • Formulate recommendations for for zoning changes • Continue discussions with key stakeholders and focus groups • Conduct
additional public forums • Present recommendations to Planning Board • Ultimately, City Council votes on zoning changes Building height Parking ` How Zoning Shapes King St Zoning sets
parameters for how land can be used -Site design -Building design -Uses Zoning doesn’t MAKE development Uses happen. -Development will not occur unless there is a market for it. Infrastructure
vs. Zoning Road infrastructure is typically in the public realm and is not controlled by zoning. Good streetscape requires investments from government Private developers can affect
site by Public road infrastructure projects can include: infrastructure on a site-by-site basis Infrastructure improvements and zoning need to work together -width of street -number
of lanes -on-stret bike lanes -medians -crosswalks -sidewalks -utility poles -tree belts (between street and sidewalk) -speed of traffic -amount of traffic
10/1/20102 Sustainability and King St. Sustainability -If you keep on doing it, you can keep on doing it -Environment, Economy, Equity ZRC Goals for King St. -More types of businesses
-Bike and pedestrian friendly -Buildings fit with local character -Concentrate development on King St to reduce sprawl -Businesses that strengthen the local economy -Less unused parking,
better stormwater mgmt -Buildings built to last King Street Evolution Developed in distinct Sections -Main St to North St. -North St. to Bike Path -Bike Path to River Valley Market
Upper King transition -Industrial; then -Commercial single-use, auto-oriented, Anywhere, USA Today: -Important economic engine -Provides key services -Opportunity to reinvest Current
zoning In CBD is to promote a streetscape that is in character with downtown In HB, the goal is to frame the street by encouraging buildings that are two stories and minimizing front
setbacks and parking in front of buildings. Current Zoning of King Street Corridor Central Business District (CBD) multi-story, mixed-use & pedestrian-focus General Business (GB)
mixed use, single or multi-story pedestrian oriented Urban Residential C (URC) HB Two story requirement for retail over x sf 55Õ max setback for retail over 10,000 sf Landscaping improvements
part of Site Plan Review Highway Business Zone (HB) large footprint commercial, typically single story, larger setbacks CB GB URC 2002 Changes to Highway Business Goal: Development
that frames the street 55’ Maximum Setbacks for large retail, varying standards for other Two Story incentive Limited design standards CBD is successful zoning district GB
is generally working, but can be more pedestrian-oriented Mixed opinions about the success of HB Does current zoning work? 2002 Z i S Honda CVS Zoning Success Big Y Walgreen 2002 Zoning
Failures Lost Development Opportunities Buildings not to sidewalk No Two Story Buildings Not Bicycle Friendly
10/1/20103 What is King Street Good for? King St. is one of Northampton’s best locations for: -mixed-use infill development -goods and services within walking distance of dense residential
neighborhoods -large footprint businesses -transportation connectivity (pedestrian, bike, auto, train, bus) -generating property taxes -providing an attractive gateway into the city
Opportunities & Constraints Opportunities Residential neighborhoods wrap around southern and western King St. Cars, buses, pedestrians and cyclists travel King St. In the future,
a multi-modal station with commuter rail may be sited on lower King St. Constraints Railroad tracks, Industrial Park, and Barrett St. Marsh limit access to King St High land prices
What’s Wrong with (North) King St? Streetscape is not pedestrian or bike-friendly Most buildings erode Northampton’s sense of place Site design is inconsistent Large areas of
unused parking Not achieving economic potential Design Comparison -CVS Sidewalks 10’ buffer with with trees Shade, benches 55’ setback Clear path to front door 20-25’ streetfront building
height Design Comparison – Sherwin-Williams Paints (image flipped horizontally for comparison to CVS) Sidewalks 14’ setback No buffer Traverse parking lot to building 10 -15’ streetfront
bldg height Design Comparison – Honda Sidewalks 40’ buffer with trees and landscaping 85’ setback Clear path to front door 25’ streetfront bldg height
10/1/20104 Design Comparison – Athletic Club Sidewalks Single tree belt (not shown) 59’ Setback No front entrance to building 25’-30’ building height Sidewalks Single tree belt 59’ Setback
No front entrance to building 25’-30’ building height Sidewalks Tree belt 59’ setback No front entrance to building 15’ streetfront bldg height Design Comparison -Toyota(image flipped
horizontally for comparison to CVS) Sidewalks 10’ buffer with trees, bench No shade 55’ setback Clear path to front door 30-35’ streetfront bldg height Design Comparison – Fire Station
Sidewalks Tree belt and buffer with trees Benches, deep shade 29’ Setback No front entrance to building 25-40’ streetfront bldg height ZRC Sustainability Goals for King St. Allow a
greater mix of uses Encourage design for bikes and pedestrians Encourage design that reflects local character Maximize development on King St to reduce sprawl Attract businesses
that strengthen Northampton’s economy Reduce excess parking and improve stormwater management management Encourage buildings that are built to last Make zoning easier to understand
and enforce Rezoning King Street Recommendations by the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce Go to www.explorenorthampton for the full report. Strengthen the street’s success as an
important commercial district in Northampton. Generate new investment in public infrastructure and private property. Concern about the impact of current i i The Chamber’s Intent zoning
requirements on development interest. Improve the street’s convenience and appeal for automobiles, pedestrians, bicyclists, businesses and residents. Improve King Street’s appearance.
10/1/20105 The Chamber’s Viewpoint King Street is a regional destination for everyday goods and services. The current zoning of highway business limits development interest. King Street’s
automobile-oriented identity will continue to be slow to Go to www.explorenorthampton for the full report. y change. King Street is an important gateway to Downtown Northampton. King
Street’s adjacent neighborhoods are a vital part of the commercial district’s success. The Chamber’s Approach Host public meetings to learn from the experience of King Street business
and property owners and residents. Meet with developers to understand the background stories of both successful developments and those that were not completed. Assess the anticipated
market demand Go to www.explorenorthampton for the full report. for commercial and residential development. Understand the requirements of lenders for financing commercial projects.
Understand what tenants require for parking, visibility and location. Key Themes for Zoning Reflect the distinct character of each part of King Street. Be flexible for the current and
emerging roles of the street. Create a safe environment for pedestrians and bicycles. Go to www.explorenorthampton for the full report. An attractive landscaped environment to frame
the street and beautify the gateway. Provide a predictable outcome of the permitting process. The new Entranceway Business Zone Key Findings This area is distinct in character from Downtown
and the automobileoriented area north. There are significant parking conflicts between the residential neighborhoods and businesses. Trumbull Road to the Bike Path Go to www.explorenorthampton
for the full report. Significant public investment is necessary to improve the safety of pedestrians. This mixed use zone includes a variety of small businesses and institutional uses.
The new Entranceway Business Zone Recommendations Require an 8’ landscaped buffer between the property line and buildings. Expand the mix of allowed uses to mimic Central Business District.
Beef up landscaping requirements b t th b k f b ildi Trumbull Road to the Bike Path Go to www.explorenorthampton for the full report. between the back of buildings on King Street and
the adjacent residential properties. Spend public dollars on parking, street amenities and pedestrian crosswalks. Establish the boundaries at Trumbull Road and the Bike path The Highway
Business Zone Key Findings Defined by high traffic counts, an automobile orientation, available parking and businesses requiring visibility from the street. Generates a significant amount
of property tax revenue. Agreement that current zoning has been one deterrent to development – to a greater or The Bike Path to River Valley Market Go to www.explorenorthampton for the
full report. p g lesser degree. Historic and recent development pattern of a landscaped buffer. A wide variety of lot depths and frontage. Unfriendly for pedestrians and bicyclists.
10/1/20106 The Highway Business Zone Recommendations Eliminate the 55’ maximum setback. Require a vegetative buffer area of 25’ between the property line and any building or parking
lot, in addition to the tree belt and sidewalk. Allow flexible site plan layouts for buildings and parking behind the buffer area. The Bike Path to River Valley Market Go to www.explorenorthampton
for the full report. Public investment in pedestrian crossings, underground utilities and landscaping. Eliminate the requirement for a 2nd story; increase height limit to 65’ and a minimum
height of 20’. Expand the uses permitted by right to include medical/office, manufacturing, and hotels. ZRC Goals for King Street Overview of the Recommendations Flexibility for property
owners. Expanded uses Greater pedestrian and bicycle access and safety. Increased public investment. Enhanced visual appeal. Higher potential for investment & tax -Allow a greater mix
of uses -Encourage design for bikes and pedestrians -Encourage design that reflects reflects local character -Maximize development on King St to reduce sprawl growth. Attention to short-and
long-term opportunities. -Attract businesses that strengthen the local economy -Reduce excess parking and improve storm water mgmt -Encourage buildings that are built to last -Make zoning
easier to understand and enforce OPD Analysis: Precedents •Addressing market demands Cambridge Porter Sq Downtown Saratoga X Strip .6 miles (second strip 1.7 miles) new infill commercial
OPD Analysis: Neither Fish nor Foul • Urban model: 55’ does NOT achieve Focus on buildings NOT framing the street OPD Analysis: Opportunities High vehicle traffic Rail trail access
Rail trail access Pedestrian‐sh Bicycle‐shed • Neighborhood & CBD access o rail trail to downtown 3,300’ hed =6,200 17,500 Environment/Planet Equity/People Sustainability OPD Analysis:
Sustainability Economy/Prosperity
10/1/20107 HB to Remain HB to EB South of Rail Trail crossing Improve/Increase multi-modal use Improve Gateway Frame Street with Buildings Increase options for Neighborhood Oriented
Services TREE BELT -Vistas -Catch plowed snow North of Rail Trail Crossing-ALL modes Multi-Use Trail (NOT Side Trail) -Accessible to all users : neighbors, pedestrians, bicycles
-Roadside Multi-Uses Trails are NOT sidewalks • Strict access control (very few curb cuts) • Driveway crossings (signage, materials, deflection…) • Does NOT replace in-road bicycling
option (bicycle lanes) North of Rail Trail Crossing-ALL modes Inner Tree Belt -Separate pedestrians from parked cars -Soften multi-use trail -Visual North of Rail Trail Crossing-ALL
modes ZRC Analysis of Chamber Proposal Emerging Consensus The ZRC agrees that revised zoning should…. Reduce the number of uses requiring special permits… -to encourage more types
of businesses on King Street Develop detailed landscaping requirements… -to make King St greener, more uniform, and more pedestrian friendly Establish multiple zoning districts to…
-respond to different characters along King Street -begin phased transition to pedestrian/bike-oriented development
10/1/20108 Entranceway Business (between CBD and Bike Path) The ZRC agrees that this zone should be established Considerations: -Where should the zone begin (Trumbull, North, Finn)?
-Should design standards be implemented? -Would this zone also be appropriate between Damon Summer St. North St Finn St. Bike Path Crossing pp p Road and Barrett St? Infill Development
(Framingham MA) Trumbull Rd. St. Existing Zoning Highway Business Changes (Section Views) 2 story building no parking in front 55’ max setback 1 row of parking in front Chamber’s Proposed
Zoning wider sidewalk green Buffer parking location and quantity varies building location & orientation varies Highway Business Changes Possible Results (Economic Impacts) -Development
on King St. may proceed faster than if zoning is not changed -There may be increases in tax revenue Considerations -Will a desirable mix of uses be achieved? -Is there concern over
national retail chain development? -Long-term economic effects are difficult to predict Possible Results (Streetscape Impacts) -Wider sidewalk, tree belt, landscape buffer -New buildings
may be built further from the sidewalk, may be oriented away from the street -Potentially more parking in front of buildings Highway Business Changes Stop & Shop is oriented at an angle,
not towards (parallel to) the street Highway Business Changes Considerations (Green Buffer & Path) -Will the green buffer provide an adequate pedestrian experience? -How long will
it take to be established? -Will the multi-use trail be safe for bicyclists? -What can we do to minimize conflicts between automobiles and bicyclists? Bike sidepath along University
Drive Uniform treeline along strip development Fairly mature trees –20-30 yrs old? Renton, VA p g y (The Swift Bikeway Connector) Amherst, MA Uniform treeline along strip development
Fairly mature trees –15-20 yrs old? Poughkeepsie, NY Berm in front of parking Ellicott, NY Highway Business Changes Considerations (Site Layout) -Should the goal of framing the street
with tall buildings and small setbacks be abandoned? -Does the distance between the sidewalk and buildings matter? From a car? From the sidewalk? -Does the orientation of buildings to
the 55’ setback sidewalk matter? 284’ setback 85’ setback Oriented at an angle
10/1/20109 Considerations (Parking) -Does amount of parking between the sidewalk and buildings matter? -Does the placement of parking matter (front?, side? rear?) Highway Business
Changes One row of parking Two rows of parking Many parking spots Highway Business Changes Considerations (Second Story) -How important is multi-story development on King St.? -Can
we encourage multi-story buildings without slowing development? Former strip mall, Saratoga Springs, NY 0’ setback 284’ setback Illustration of a multi-story building on King St. Strong
Ave, Northampton Highway Business Changes (Design Standards) Considerations (Design Standards) -Should we improve building and landscape design standards in this district? -What should
they be? Monro Muffler Saranac Lake, NY (left) Dublin, Ohio (right) Staples Wickford, RI (left) Wakefield RI (right) Hill & Dale as It Is Hill & Dale as It Might Be Under Chamber Proposal
(with Buffer) Buffer + Smaller Setback + Design Standards
10/1/2010 10 Smaller Landscaped Buffer & Setback Very Small Setback + Taller Building Recently Approved under Current Zoning What Should the future of King St. Zoning be? Questions for
Discussion General • What is working on King St.? • What do you want King St. to be in the future (e.g. walkable, more retail, car-oriented)? • What is your biggest concern about King
St.? • Should the current zoning on King Street be changed? Why? • Does the idea of zoning different sections of King Street differently make sense? • Is a landscaped buffer between
the sidewalk and buildings or parking desirable? • Are building design standards important? • Should more uses (e.g. medical offices, professional offices, banks) be allowed by right?
Specific • Where should the different zoning district break points be? (Trumbull, North, Finn, Stop and Shop, Barrett, Damon) • Should the penalty for retail projects without a second
story be eliminated? • Is there concern over national retail chain development? • Should the current zoning requirements about building and parking placement and orientation be changed?
Entrance Comparison – Stop & Shop 2 Sidewalks Landscaping 284’ setback Path through parking lot to front door
10/1/2010 11 Chamber/OPD Proposal Overview -King St. requires three different zoning approaches -Revised Highway Business zone – Bike Path to River Valley Market (Currently HB) -A
new Entranceway Business zone from Trumbull Road to Bike Path (Currently GB & HB) -A slightly modified Central Business District zone Main Street to Trumbull Road (Currently GB and CB)
Entranceway Business (from Trumbull to Bike Path) Proposal -Establish 8’ maximum front setback -Require 20’ height, but not a second story -Increase allowed height -Reduce buffers
and eliminate open space requirement while defining landscaping standards -Expand allowed uses Highway Business Changes Proposal -Establish a vegetated buffer between the sidewalk
and parking or buildings. -Beyond buffer, developers have full flexibility in setbacks, building orientation, site layout. -Eliminate requirement to build full second story -Increase
maximum height to 65’ -Reduce buffers and eliminate open space requirement while defining landscaping standards -Increase allowed size of signs