Analysis of Existing Conditions

Transcription

1 Analysis of Existing Conditions Strategies for Sustainable Skaneateles 1

2 northeast region map Rochester, NY 70 Miles Ithaca, NY 45 Miles Skaneateles, NY Syracuse, NY 20 Miles New York, NY 244 Miles Albany, NY 165 Miles 2 Analysis of existing conditions

3 local retail map Clark Street Road Auburn, NY 10 Miles Grant Avenue Auburn, NY 8 Miles W. Genesee Street Camillus, NY 13 Miles Milton Avenue Camillus, NY 14 Miles W. Genesee Street Syracuse, NY 15 Miles Hiawatha Blvd. Syracuse, NY 20 Miles Finger Lakes Mall Bass Pro Shops Home Depot Dick s Sporting Goods Kohl s Walmart BJ s Wholesale Club Lowe s Staples Pet Depot Walmart Lowe s Bonton Rite-Aid Pharmacy Home Depot Staples Grossman s Northside Collision Target Dick s Sporting Goods Marshall s Petsmart Wegman s Borders Books Carousel Center Mall Movie Theater Best Buy Farmers Market Strategies for Sustainable Skaneateles 3

4 Natural Constraints The fecundity and beauty of the agricultural and rural landscape of the Town contributes greatly to the overall character and identity of Skaneateles, particularly in the northeast and in the areas flanking Skaneateles Lake to the west and east. As Skaneateles grows in the future, it is imperative that these assets be sustained. Parks and Conservation Open Land and Woods Agricultural Land 4 Analysis of existing conditions

5 Natural Constraints with figure-ground This map shows the relationship between the existing patterns of settlement (indicated by the buildings in black) and the natural landscape. Parks and Conservation Open Land and Woods Agricultural Land Strategies for Sustainable Skaneateles 5

6 septic system suitability of soils This map is retrieved from an online resource of the Syracuse-Onondaga County Planning Agency. Illustrated here is the suitability of each land parcel for conventional septic systems. Sites Suitable for Conventional Systems with Few Limitations as to Location and Design Sites Suitable for Conventional Systems Only in those Areas where Percolation is Found to be Satisfactory. Drainage Improvements may be Required. Shallow System Installation may be Required. Sites Generall Not Suitable for Conventional Systems Sites Unsuitable Sites with Underlying Bedrock. Suitability Dependent upon Depth to Bedrock in System Area and Percolation of Soil Above Areas Not Rated 6 Analysis of existing conditions

7 constructed wetlands and retention ponds The colored areas illustrate areas targeted for use as constructed wetlands cells and bio-fields or retention ponds as the main components of our wastewater and stormwater management proposal. The areas are to be built incrementally as development progresses. For more information on the constructed wetlands system and stormwater control. See Appendix VI. Constructed Wetlands Water Strategies for Sustainable Skaneateles 7

8 watershed and mining boundaries One of the top priorities of the Town & Village of Skaneateles is to protect the water quality of Skaneateles Lake. As shown by the darker blue on the map, the lake watershed takes up the majority of the land around the lake south of Route 20. The Lake Oswego watershed begins in the southwest portion of the Town. Additionally, the mining overlay district is shown to the north. Mining District Oswego Lake Watershed Skaneateles Lake Watershed 8 Analysis of existing conditions

9 significant views and savit sites The numbered points on the map indicate significant viewsheds throughout the Town and Village that have been targeted for preservation by the Joint Comprehensive Plan. Additionally, the colored parcels indicate significant historical, cultural, and architectural sites as outlined in the Skaneateles Architectural & Visual Identification Team (SAVIT) report, some of which are already on historic registers. Significant Views Sandy Beach - from north, south, east and west 2. Village Waterfront Parks - three views of lake from north, south, east and west 3. View of Village on Route 20 (Genesee Street) between Routes 41 and 41a 4. West Lake Road - Bradley Property looking east from Heifer Road, and north 5. Hencoop Road - at Hencoop and Weeks Road looking east and southeast and Hencoop and Giles road looking south and southwest 6. Coon Hill Road looking west from halfway up the hill 7. Richard Road just south of the Pork Street intersection looking south and southwest at Drumlin 8. East Lake Road at Pork Street looking north and south and southwest 9. Long view of creek from the high point of County Line Road north of Crow Hill Road 10. Highland Avenue at Old Seneca Turnpike end; north, south, east and west at high point of Highland Avenue, the Drumlins and open fields; 360 degrees 11. Long view; Sheldon Road and County Line Road to the south 12. East Lake Road, 2 1/2 miles from Village, natural cove where lake abuts road looking northwest, east and southwest 13. West Lake Road - Falcone s Farm from all sides 14. Crow Hill Road - Long view on Crow Hill at bridge over creek, looking north and south up and down creek 15. Shepard Road looking north 16. Hillside Drive looking southeast and southwest 4 Existing SAVIT Sites Significant Views Strategies for Sustainable Skaneateles 9

10 existing publicly owned land and civic amenities The highlighted parcels on the map indicate buildings and properties that are civic in nature. These include properties owned by the Town, Village, or School Board, such as the school campuses and Austin Park, as well as privately held properties, such as churches. Publically Owned Land and Civic Amenities 10 Analysis of existing conditions

11 school district boundary map One of the greatest assets of Skaneateles is its school system. As shown on the map in yellow, the district includes the Village and a portion of the town, and extends into several neighboring towns as well. School Campus School District Strategies for Sustainable Skaneateles 11

12 Loved and Durable Buildings Lovable and Durable Buildings embody the following principles: Good construction with natural and durable materials Appropriate details adding to the visual quality of the streetscape Buildings contributing to the spatial quality of streets and public spaces Civic buildings and monuments creating a sense of community identity 12 Analysis of existing conditions

13 regrettable buildings and opportunities Regrettable Buildings possess some or all the following characteristics: Insufficient spatial definition of streets and public spaces Poor quality of construction in both materials and detailing Lack of durability and adaptability Bad proportions and a lack of relationship between the parts and the whole of the building Strategies for Sustainable Skaneateles 13

14 skaneateles buildings 1938 (partial) SKANEATELES 1938 Population: 4,791 Village Building Footprints: 1,046 Town Building Footprints: 754 A comparison of the two building maps of Skaneateles from 1938 and 2010 illustrates the growth of sprawl, the typical pattern of development in the United States since As the map of 1938 indicates, the majority of buildings (58%) were located in the Village within easy walking distance. On the map of 2010, however, more buildings (56%) are depicted outside the Village boundary. Moreover, the number of building footprints doubled within sixty years, but the population only increased by 53 percent, indicating smaller households, more widely dispersed - a condition that threatens the quality of both the Village and the Town. 14 Analysis of existing conditions

15 skaneateles buildings 2010 (partial) SKANEATELES 2010 Population: 7,357 Village Building Footprints: 1,615 Town Building Footprints: 2,085 Strategies for Sustainable Skaneateles 15

16 skaneateles buildings 2010 This map illustrates in black the existing buildings in the Town and Village of Skaneateles. Recent growth patterns are evident in the number of buildings scattered in low-density patterns around the lake and throughout the Town. Outside of the Village and hamlets this pattern of growth threatens the natural and agricultural landscape and increases traffic congestion and dependency on the automobile. Existing Buildings 16 Analysis of existing conditions

17 Skaneateles buildings permitted by existing zoning Assuming the continuation of current growth patterns under the existing Town and Village codes, this map illustrates a Skaneateles future in keeping with current Skaneateles law - a sprawl of automobile-dependent single-family subdivisions that has consumed the Skaneateles landscape. Existing Buildings Future Buildings Strategies for Sustainable Skaneateles 17

18 existing sprawl diagram As seen in the diagram, the white areas indicate the phenomenon known as sprawl. The existing sprawl in the town of Skaneateles separates different human activities from each other and makes them accessible only by car, making it impossible for people to live, work, shop, play, learn or worship within the context of walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods and hamlets. Natural Land Rural/Parks Urban Transect Areas Special Districts Existing Sprawl 18 Analysis of existing conditions

19 projected sprawl diagram Current zoning requires a minimum lot size of two acres for newly constructed homes in the Town. Rather than preserving open land, this requirement actually hastens the loss of agricultural land and wilderness as indicated here in white. As sprawl continues, those who have already settled in the landscape soon find that very little natural character remains around them. Natural Land Rural/Parks Urban Transect Areas Special Districts Existing and Projected Sprawl Strategies for Sustainable Skaneateles 19

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21 Town Master Plan Strategies for Sustainable Skaneateles 21

22 proposed sector plan As an alternative to sprawl development, the design team targets certain areas in the Town and Village to accommodate future growth pressures. Highlighted in purple on the map, these areas were selected based on the existence of infrastructure, commercial activity, and clustered populations, and are designated as receiving areas. The remaining areas targeted for preservation are designated as sending areas, where both Purchase and Transfer of Development Rights (PDR and TDR) should be utilized to either buy or transfer development rights in order to promote building more densely in the receiving areas. Natural Land Rural/Parks Urban Transect Areas Special Districts Existing Sprawl 22 Town Master plan

23 Existing zoning map with receiving areas overlay This map shows the current Town Zoning Map with receiving areas highlighted in gray. Rather than maintaining current use-based zoning categories, these areas could be governed instead by form-based codes that encourage the development of walkable mixed-use neighborhoods and hamlets. Receiving Area Overlay Rural Farming and Forest Rural Residential Highway Commercial Hamlet District Industrial/Research/Office District Strategies for Sustainable Skaneateles 23

24 Existing Conditions (2010) Skaneateles current growth patterns which are not unlike those of the rest of the United States since 1945 have been detrimental to the traditional neighborhoods of Skaneateles which had been historically concentrated around the Village. As sprawl continues to encroach on natural and agricultural land, residents are obliged to drive to nearly all of their daily tasks. Existing Buildings 24 Town Master plan

25 Proposed future growth As a more sustainable pattern of future development, we propose that Skaneateles grow by establishing new commercial centers and walkable neighborhoods within the existing infrastructure of the Village and hamlets. Existing Buildings Proposed Buildings Strategies for Sustainable Skaneateles 25

26 Existing conditions (2010) 26 Town Master plan

27 Proposed conditions Strategies for Sustainable Skaneateles 27

28 existing street hierarchy Five state highways (illustrated in blue) serve as the gateways to Skaneateles. They include U.S. Route 20, which runs east-west through the Town and Village; State Route 321, which turns into State Street and terminates at the intersection of Genesee Street in the heart of the Village; and East and West Lake Roads, which run along Skaneateles Lake and terminate in the Village. Major streets (illustrated in red) further serve to disperse traffic and provide alternative routes through the Town and Village. Minor streets (illustrated in orange) provide through routes that promote connectivity for both automobiles and pedestrians, while discouraging fast-moving traffic. Lastly, note the unconnected streets (illustrated in yellow). Existing outside of the traditional street network, these unconnected streets encourage automobile use and sprawl development by discouraging easy pedestrian access to a mix of uses. State Highways Major Roads Minor Roads Unconnected Roads 28 Town Master plan

29 proposed street hierarchy Strategies for Sustainable Skaneateles proposes that Skaneateles grow in a manner consistent with the existing traditional street network. New streets provide connectivity, promote an efficient use of land and infrastructure, reduce traffic congestion through the provision of alternative routes, create public space, allow for a mix of uses, and encourage walkability. State Highways Major Roads Minor Roads Unconnected Roads Strategies for Sustainable Skaneateles 29

30 existing/proposed transit network There are two existing public bus routes that connect Skaneateles to other points of interest in the region. The first route runs along Route 20 connecting the Village of Skaneateles to Auburn in the west and to Syracuse in the northeast. The second route originates in Auburn and enters the town of Skaneateles from the northwest along Jordan Road, servicing the campuses of Welch Allyn and Honeywell. to provide better public transit between the Village and the hamlets, we are prposing two new trolley routes within the Town. The first route runs north-south, connecting the hamlets and the west and east lake areas to the Village. Portions of this route could be seasonal depending on demand and frequency of use, such as the southwest branch that connects the Village center to the existing public boat launch. The second route runs along Route 20 between the western and eastern gateways. This route could alleviate traffic during the busy summer months and during popular local events by allowing visitors to park in the gateways and take a shuttle into the Village center where a mix of amenities are within an easy walking distance. Existing Bus Stop Existing Bus Route Proposed Transit Stop Proposed Transit Route 30 Town Master plan

31 existing/proposed trail network The existing Charlie Major Trail is a wonderful recreational amenity of the Town. To enhance this amenity, we propose to extend this trail north and south along Skaneateles Creek. This new creek walk would connect the various hamlets along Jordan Road to the Village, giving walkers points of interest at which to stop along the way. A second trail is proposed to the east to provide greater recreational opportunities within the Town. This trail would begin at Cat Hollow, run south through Shepard Settlement, and continue through the rural and agricultural landscape to the southeast, providing scenic views to Skaneateles Lake. Existing Trail Proposed Trail Strategies for Sustainable Skaneateles 31

32 Proposed illustratve figure-ground 32 Town Master plan

33 Proposed illustrative aerial Strategies for Sustainable Skaneateles 33

34 1/4 mile radius (5 minute walk) Each dashed circle (¼-mile-radius) represents a five-minute walk from center to edge. A five-minute walk is generally comfortable for pedestrians, and the area inside each circle is called a pedestrian shed. This illustration depicts the ¼-mile-radius circle drawn over existing and potential neighborhood centers of Skaneateles. 34 Town Master plan

35 proposed areas of design focus Strategies for Sustainable Skaneateles 35

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37 Village Master Plan Design Intentions Village Plans western gateway eastern gateway lower fennell street upper fennell street northeast neighborhood Strategies for Sustainable Skaneateles 37

38 Design Intentions Following are the core goals of our Village design proposals: Preserve Natural Amenities: Protect water quality of and views to skaneateles Lake; Protect surrounding rural and agricultural land by sending development to receiving areas within the Village and selected Town hamlets; Make New, Walkable, Mixed-Use Neighborhoods: Promote future growth similar to the Village without burdening existing wastewater treatment facilities; Allow a greater variety of housing types; Continue the rich architectural tradition of the Village; Enhance Existing Sense of Place: Improve the character of the East and West gateways; Improve the character, pedestrian experience, and commercial viability of Fennell Street; Add New Parks and Trails: Increase Village and Town park and recreational spaces; Make a public creek walk; Extend the Existing Network of Streets: Connect new and existing street networks. 38 Village Master Plan

39 Strategies for Sustainable Skaneateles 39

40 Village Plans The Existing Conditions plan indicates the Village boundary shaded in light gray and the Lake Watershed Overlay District as a single line in blue. Civic buildings are highlighted in blue, existing non-civic buildings are shaded dark gray, and existing buildings of a non-durable nature, therefore highlighted for eventual replacement, are shown in yellow. A ¼-mile-radius circle dashed in red-orange indicates a 5-minute walking distance from center to edge. Three such highlighted areas include the Eastern and Western Gateways and the downtown Village core centered on the intersection of Jordan Street and Genesee Street. Existing Conditions Existing Building Removed Building Proposed Building Civic Building Water Constructed Wetlands Receiving Area Boundary Existing Hamlet Boundary Watershed Boundary 1/4 Mile Walking Radius 40 Village Master Plan

41 The proposed plan illustrates one possible build-out scenario and is only representative of a more conceptual strategy for sustainable growth should a need for growth in the Village arise. This strategy is based on the strengthening of walkable neighborhood centers and the creation of a variety of building types and mix of uses, especially in the Fennell Street corridor and the existing Parkside neighborhood. Additionally, an enhanced approach and arrival to Skaneateles is proposed for the Eastern and Western Gateways by means of a) new buildings that define the street edge, and b) planting tree-lined boulevards. Targeting areas of growth mostly outside of the Lake Watershed Overlay District, this is a limited impact option that seeks to enhance and complete existing infrastructure in the Village. proposed plan option a/phase Strategies for Sustainable Skaneateles 41

42 Village Plans An expanded version of the Option A strategy for growth, Option B illustrates one possible build-out scenario among many that provides a strategy for growth in the Village through an increased network of connected streets and walkable neighborhoods. Targeting areas of growth mostly outside of the Lake Watershed Overlay District, opportunities for increased recreational space are capitalized through the creation of new neighborhood parks and residential squares. A mix of housing types in close proximity to the school are accommodated around a residential square in the Northeast Neighborhood, as well as on the western edge of Austin park, taking advantage of under-utilized space around the existing ice rink. Upper Fennell Street provides an opportunity for new commercial growth and the adjacent neighborhood to the west better connects the Parkside development with new through streets, providing alternative east-west connections through the Village. We propose that new demand for sewage treatment will be met through the use of constructed wetlands, rendered as dark green in the plan. proposed plan option b/phase 2 Existing Building Removed Building Proposed Building Civic Building Water Constructed Wetlands Receiving Area Boundary Existing Hamlet Boundary Watershed Boundary 1/4 Mile Walking Radius 42 Village Master Plan

43 Using Option B as a base point, Option C targets the Eastern and Western Gateways themselves as possible neighborhood centers, by proposing additional residences---many of them organized around new recreational facilities and/or commercial centers---in order to provide pedestrian access to a mix of uses. proposed plan option c/phase Strategies for Sustainable Skaneateles 43

44 Western Gateway Existing Conditions Currently zoned as Highway Commercial the existing Western Gateway provides a small collection of broadly dispersed commercial businesses too large to fit seamlessly into the fabric of the Village core. Such businesses occur as a gas station, bus depot, bowling alley, lodge, and a spa resort. Lacking sidewalks the Western Gateway is at present accessible from the Village only by automobile. Franklin street elizabeth street STATE ROUTE 20 / GENESEE STREET Existing Building Removed Building Proposed Building Civic Building Water Constructed Wetlands Receiving Area Boundary Existing Village Boundary Watershed Boundary 1/4 Mile Walking Radius 44 Village Master Plan