Agenda - Planning Commission - 07/09/2015 - Work Session

Home

TCi Mil Use Core Overview Public realm and streetscape improvements define the character of the Town Center and create a memorable signature for the Mixed Use Core sub- district. Great parks and great streets, encourage intensified levels of activity, support the proposed mix of uses, invite community gathering and accommodate special events throughout the year. Public realm and streetscape guidelines include the following: TC1 Parks, plazas and other public gathering spaces Public spaces in the Mixed Use Core should: • Blend both contemporary and traditional motifs with a focus on pedestrian use • Encourage a balance of hardscape with landscape; a mix of pavements with plantings. • Promote an overall landscape character that tends toward a more urban park or plaza feel, with structured spaces and highly maintained gardens • Provide a variety of opportunities to capture different microclimates with many choices for seating- including movable chairs- and access to both sun and shade • Provide a variety of levels or elevations to add interest to the ground plane and to provide informal steps for sitting • Promote safety and security in all design solutions, including landscape lighting, open views into the site, and accessibility • Provide seasonal interest and color; promote high quality materials and finishes • Provide opportunities and specific sites for public art, performances and markets TC1 Street/sidewalk dimensions and streetscape elements Destination streets (like Sunwood) and connector streets (like Rhinestone) must balance a high level of service for the automobile with attractive and inviting amenities for the pedestrian (see street/sidewalk diagram) including: • Provide gracious sidewalk width to support intensity of pedestrian traffic in the core • Install street trees to frame the street and provide shade • Provide street lighting that meets all safety standards and design criteria, while creating a signature character for this district • Explore street light spacing, height and a mix of fixture types to support the increased intensity of uses and activities in the core, (note however, that too much light is as bad as too little) • Explore a range of options for streetscape improvements including special pavements, interesting concrete tinting or scoring patterns, additional plantings, ornamental fencing and other features (note, however, that simpler is better and too much clutter is a negative) TC1 Bicycle/pedestrian connections (on -street and off-street) The Town Center Master Plan describes a network of bicycle/pedestrian trails and walkways (both on and off-street) that connect adjacent sub -districts to the Public Realm / Streetscape Mixed Use Core. As you approach the core, these connections tend to become part of the shared right of way along the major streets, or become part of the urban park spaces (specifically Civic Square and Downtown Commons). Bicycle riders may choose to share the street with vehicular traffic, or dismount and walk their bicycles along with the other pedestrians using the sidewalks. Providing and maintaining these bicycle and pedestrian connections should be a key component for all development projects in the core. TC1 Residential courts, pocket parks and other private green space Along with proposed public parks and great streets, there are many opportunities to integrate private courtyards and pocket parks within this sub -district. These small- scale greens provide important `breathing space', contribute to stormwater management and offer additional recreational amenities (tot lot, sitting areas) to serve specific building tenants or residents. Back gardens, auto -courts and other options should be considered as part of residential and commercial development plans in the core. 14 Ramsey Town Center Development Guidelines