Niagara River Greenway. Centennial Circle Project. City of Niagara Falls, New York. Grant Application. Niagara Falls, New York.

Transcription

1 Niagara River Greenway Grant Application Centennial Circle Project Submitted by: City of July 2008

2 Table of Contents PROJECT APPLICATION... 1 PROJECT NARRATIVE... 4 Project Description...4 The Idea... 4 The Location... 4 The Components of the Project... 5 Advancement of the Greenway Vision...5 Consistency with Greenway Criteria...6 Consistency with Niagara River Greenway Principles... 6 Consistency with Niagara River Greenway Priority Status Categories... 6 Consistency with Other Action Plan Criteria... 7 Budget...8 Local Support...8 Environmental Setting...9 Niagara River Greenway i July 2008

3 PROJECT APPLICATION See attached sheets. Niagara River Greenway 1 July 2008

4 Project Registration Number Niagara River Greenway Commission Consultation and Review Form Type of Review Required: Mandatory Consultation Voluntary Review and/or Endorsement PROJECT SPONSOR INFORMATION Name: Mailing Address: State: Federal Id# Zip Code: Charities Registration # PROJECT TYPE Check all that apply: Environmental Cultural/Heritage Land or Water Public Access Cultural Trail Educational/Interpretive Waterfront or Land Based Development Recreational Signage Other Project Name: Location: Site Address: State: Zip Code: Minor Civil Division(s): County: Project Proponent Property Interest (own, lease, easement or other): 7

5 AUTHORIZED OFFICIAL Name: Title: Business Address: State: Zip Code: Telephone Number: Cell Number: Fax Number: Address: PROJECT POINT OF CONTACT Name: Title: Organization/Firm: Business Address: State: Zip Code: Telephone Number: Cell Number: Fax Number: Address: 8

6 PROJECT NARRATIVE Project Description The Idea The City of Niagara Falls, in cooperation with the Niagara Tourism and Convention Corporation (NTCC), USA Niagara Development Corporation (USAN), and the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), seeks $335,000 to undertake improvements at an existing traffic roundabout in downtown Niagara Falls as part of dedicating it to honor of the hundredth anniversary of the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909 between the United States and Canada. This Treaty first designated the waters between the two countries as free and open and provided a mechanism to promote sound use and quality of these waters including the Great Lakes system. There is a long tradition of commemorating distinguished people, important establishments, and momentous events in our history in elements of our urban landscapes Independence Mall in Philadelphia, Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, or nearby Lafayette Square or Martin Luther King Park in Buffalo are just a few examples. It is equally fitting for the City of Niagara Falls to commemorate this Treaty in our downtown district as part of the Niagara River Greenway. The Location The cities of Niagara Falls, NY and Niagara Falls, ON have been officially designated as the locations for the 2009 Centennial Celebration of the Boundary Waters Treaty. The City wishes to commemorate a century of cooperation by making improvements and dedicating the traffic roundabout at the intersection of First Street and Rainbow Boulevard (see Figure 1) as Centennial Circle in honor of the shared destiny that the Treaty established along the ribbon of water between two great nations. The existing roundabout at this intersection was constructed as part of NYSDOT s Rainbow Boulevard Phase I project which converted a less-than-pedestrian-friendly, seven-lane highway intersection into a new traffic calming and urban landscape feature. Under agreement with NYSDOT, the City of Niagara Falls is responsible for maintenance and upkeep of the Circle, as well as other streetscape improvements associated with the Rainbow Boulevard project. Over the last two seasons, the City has maintained the Circle with annual plantings. Since its completion in 2006, the roundabout and adjoining expanded sidewalk areas have begun to emerge as a new downtown public space a mere block from the Niagara River, a gateway between historic Goat Island and the City, and a node on the Great Lakes Seaway Trail (a national scenic byway). This space is also experiencing significant private activities, including two major hotel upgrades/restorations (including the City s signature Hotel Niagara); renovation of the United Office Building into a mixed-use office, residential, and hotel building; and a new Niagara USA Visitor Center for the NTCC (Niagara County s convention and visitor bureau). All told, these represent over $35 million in private investments on or near the Circle further activating the area as a major civic space warranting special treatment (see Figure 2). Niagara River Greenway 4 July 2008

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8 Centennial Circle Figure 2 Surrounding Investment Hotel Niagara $15.2 Million Restoration/Upgrade United Office Building $10 Million Restoration Hotel, Residential, Office Proposed Centennial Circle $3 Million NTCC Visitor Center Holiday Inn $10.5 Million Upgrade/Expansion

9 The Components of the Project The proposed Centennial Circle Project would involve the following: Defining the limits and officially dedicating/naming the roundabout and adjoining pedestrian portions of the public right-of-way as Centennial Circle on all applicable official maps, guides, and atlases; Planning, design, and implementation of an extensive and sustainable landscape design for the Circle involving permanent plantings, opportunities for seasonal landscape displays, and equipped with appropriate irrigation and lighting; The establishment of a maintenance arrangement between the City and the NTCC to ensure that the Circle is properly cared for into the long-term; International solicitation, procurement, selection, and installation of a major public artwork at the center of the Circle to interpret and commemorate the Centennial of the Boundary Waters Treaty; and Interpretive displays on adjoining sidewalk areas explaining the Treaty, its commemoration in the public artwork, and its significance to the Niagara River, Niagara Falls, and the local ecosystem. Because the Circle is within a public right-of-way owned by NYSDOT, the Project would involve close coordination among the involved agencies to ensure that any improvements, including the proposed public artwork, would meet required standards for traffic and pedestrian safety. Once funding is secured, it is the City s intent to move forward with design of landscape elements and undertake a procurement/selection process for the public artwork over the Fall/Winter of 2008/09, install landscape improvements in Spring 2009, and be able to officially dedicate/name the circle and announce the selection of the artist/artwork in June 2009 (with the actual installation of the artwork occurring by Fall 2009). Advancement of the Greenway Vision The Niagara River Greenway Plan sets forth the following as its vision statement: The Niagara River Greenway is a world-class corridor of places, parks and landscapes that celebrates and interprets our unique natural, cultural, recreational, scenic and heritage resources and provides access to and connections between these important resources while giving rise to economic opportunities for the region. The proposed Centennial Circle Project would fully contribute to this vision. The American and Horseshoe Falls and the surrounding Niagara Falls State Park are the crown jewels of the Niagara River Greenway system. Together comprising a National Historic Landmark, the first established State Park in the United States and the site of a true phenomenon of nature, this location is known worldwide and celebrated for its incredible beauty. The proposed dedication and improvements at Centennial Circle on the Seaway Trail and at a major access point to the State Park would be highly visible to visitors and residents alike. Commemorative Niagara River Greenway 5 July 2008

10 improvements in this location would enhance the quality of the Greenway and the experience of those who use it. Additionally, the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909 created the International Joint Commission, which regulates the waters along the Niagara River Greenway as well as all waters that form the border between the United States and Canada. This oversight is vital to the long-term health of the River and the overall Great Lakes system, one of the largest fresh water resources in the world. Commemoration of this Treaty as envisioned in the proposed Project would further interpretative and celebratory intents of the Niagara River Greenway vision. Consistency with Greenway Criteria Consistency with Niagara River Greenway Principles The Centennial Circle Project is particularly strong in advancing the following three Niagara River Greenway Principles: Excellence ~ The Boundary Waters Treaty and the International Joint Commission are internationally significant as well as being important to the long-term well being of the Niagara River and the Great Lakes system. The proposed Project would be designed to be of the highest quality in order to recognize the Centennial of a significant event. Celebration ~ Centennial Circle will not only celebrate the Boundary Waters Treaty, but will explain to visitors and residents alike the significance of the its establishment. This was an event that had an impact both locally and internationally, making it appealing to both to those who live here and to those who are visit the Region. Thus it would enhance the experience along the Greenway and significantly expand understanding of the River s importance. Partnerships ~ The proposed Project would involve partnerships and close coordination among four public/quasi-public entities: the City of Niagara Falls, NYSDOT, USAN, and NTCC. The project would represent a great example of various levels of government working together in cooperation with a non-profit entity to accomplish the goals of the Niagara Greenway. Consistency with Niagara River Greenway Priority Status Categories The proposed Centennial Circle Project fits into two of the priority status categories: Revitalization of Urban Centers ~ The proposed Project would provide long-term improvements and a focal point in a location that is on the verge of experiencing nearly $35 million of new investment in a downtown that has suffered from decline for over half of a century. Urban Renewal activities of the 1970 s left the downtown core of Niagara Falls void of its historic buildings and character, replaced by large super-blocks and a series of one-way streets. In the past several years, the City, NYSDOT, and USAN have all been involved in rebuilding the infrastructure in a manner that repairs the scars left by Urban Renewal, spurring economic development, and encouraging the tourism industry in Niagara Falls. The proposed location for Centennial Circle is an emerging hub of activity, comprising pedestrian friendly streetscapes, the introduction of retail opportunities for business to thrive, and enhanced hotel and residential offerings. Niagara River Greenway 6 July 2008

11 Interpretation and education about the region s cultural, natural, and historic resources ~ Although visitors to Niagara Falls can experience first-hand the thundering waters and the mist on their faces, it is unlikely that they understand the protections that are in place to ensure that the waters continue to run clean, clear and in a sufficient volume over the brink. The proposed Centennial Circle Project will celebrate and interpret the Boundary Waters Treaty and the International Joint Commission, to explain to residents and visitors alike the importance of the Treaty and how it serves to protect their experience of Falls and the River. Consistency with Other Action Plan Criteria Focus Area ~ The proposed project is located in downtown Niagara Falls, one block from the bridge to Goat Island and the Niagara River. This is in the heart of the focus area of the Niagara River Greenway (see Figure 3). Environmental Soundness ~ Centennial Circle will enhance an underutilized section of downtown and attempt to bring more activity in to the parts of the City where density and activity are appropriate. This will involve landscaping and irrigating the Circle, but will also use features such as moisture sensors in the system to avoid unnecessary use of potable water and the introduction of native species wherever feasible. Thus the overall design of the Project will emulate the principals for what it celebrates one of the most powerful environmental tools used to protect the waters of the Niagara River. Implementable ~ The proposed Project can be implemented immediately. The landscaping portion of the project would be completed by June 2009; the public artwork portion would be announced at that time and installed later in the same year. Economic Viability ~ Once the proposed Project is constructed, it will be maintained by NTCC through their own operating funds as part of the overall operation of their new visitor center. This is a single-phase project that can be completed with the requested funds and matching funds from the City of Niagara Falls and USAN. Availability of Local Sponsor or Partner ~ The proposed Project would involve a direct partnership between the City of Niagara Falls and the NTCC, with additional assistance and coordination with USAN and NYSDOT. Upon completion of the new landscaping of the roundabout, it will be maintained by NTCC. In addition, the new permanent Visitor Center that is scheduled to be constructed along the Circle (estimated completion in August 2009) is an ideal place for visitors to learn about the significance of the Boundary Waters Treaty and other Greenway assets to visit. The roundabout is currently owned by New York State Department of Transportation, but the City has sole responsibility for the maintenance of the Circle. The Niagara Beautification Commission, a group of local volunteers that helps plant and maintain flowers throughout Niagara Falls and organizes downtown clean-up days to beautify the city, has also been involved in the project through their volunteer contributions to the maintenance of the Circle. Ability to Match or Leverage Funds ~ The funds from Niagara River Greenway Commission for the improvements to the site would be supplemented by funds from USAN and the City of Niagara Falls. Additionally, NTCC will take responsibility for the long-term maintenance of Centennial Circle. Consideration of Other Planning Efforts ~ The installation of the roundabout as a trafficcalming and pedestrian feature was included in the 2005 Downtown Niagara Falls Multimodal Niagara River Greenway 7 July 2008

12 Centennial Circle Figure 3 Project Site Within Niagara River Greenway Focus Area

13 Access Program produced by USAN with funding from NYSDOT. The importance of the site was recognized and the roundabout was constructed by NYSDOT as part of the Rainbow Boulevard Phase I project. However, there was never adequate attention paid to the appearance of the circle once the construction was finished. This is a unique opportunity to both complete the circle and to celebrate the Boundary Waters Treaty through the dedication of the circle, the design of the work of art, and the signage that will help tourists and residents alike understand the impact that the Treaty still has on Niagara Falls today. Budget Circle Landscape Improvements Item Assumed Source Amount Landscape and Irrigation Improvements Greenway Grant $120,000 Sidewalk Interpretative Display Panels Greenway Grant $ 15,000 Subtotal - $135,000 Public Artwork (Assume Three-Dimensional Work at Center of Circle) Regional/National Announcements and Mgmt of Artist Selection Process City of Niagara Falls $ 50,000 Artist Fee for Production of Public Artwork Greenway Grant $125,000 Site Work, Installation, & Lighting of Public Artwork Greenway Grant $ 75,000 Subtotal - $250,000 Soft Costs Design & Construction Oversight USA Niagara Development Corp. $ 50,000 Subtotal - $ 50,000 GRAND TOTAL $435,000 Proposed Breakdown of Project Contributions City of Niagara Falls - $ 50,000 USA Niagara Development Corp. - $ 50,000 Requested Greenway Grant - $335,000 TOTAL $435,000 Local Support As part of NYSDOT s original design process the Rainbow Boulevard project, streetscape treatments and elements of the urban design for the roundabout feature were key elements of the stakeholder and public review process. Arising out of that process, USAN secured additional Niagara River Greenway 8 July 2008

14 funds under the State s Multi-Modal Program to provide for period lighting (Olmsted Central Park light fixtures) consistent with those used in the State Park and other downtown streetscape projects. In addition, a desire to site a large public artwork or monument was expressed during this process. A proposal was considered at the time to move an existing City Civil War monument from a remote location in the State Park to the center of the Circle. The monument was comprised of a large stone obelisk with carved names of local servicemen that died in combat, however, this was later rejected given the costs to relocate and NYSDOT s opinion that the existence of the carves names would entice passersby to cross the street and enter the Circle (which is prohibited). An evergreen tree was placed at the center of the Circle as an interim improvement, with the hope of realizing a more substantial treatment in the future. Thus, the proposed Project would entail the procurement of a public artwork specifically designed for this location. The proposed Project also establishes a key desire expressed by the public and other stakeholders associated with downtown improvements a long term mechanism to ensure that the Circle is maintained as an attractive focal point in the downtown landscape. NTCC will enter into an agreement with the City to regularly maintain the Circle, provide for season landscape displays, and ensure the Circle remains as an attractive landmark. Letters supporting the Project from various City and local groups will be forthcoming. Environmental Setting The existing setting of the proposed Project site is highly urbanized in character. It contains no sensitive habitats and occurrences of threatened/endangered species. All drainage around the site is controlled through the Niagara Water Board s closed storm drainage facilities. The Circle is served by utility facilities including water and electricity. The proposed Project would be classified as a Type II action under 6 NYCRR (7), the implementing regulations for the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), given it would involve construction or expansion of a primary or accessory/appurtenant, nonresidential structure or facility involving less than 4,000 square feet of gross floor area and not involving a change in zoning or a use variance and consistent with local land use controls. No further SEQRA documentation would be required to undertake the Project. As previously noted, the public right-of-way comprising the Circle is owned by NYSDOT; the City of Niagara Falls has an agreement with NYSDOT to maintain the public improvements associated with it. As such, the City would coordinate with NYSDOT to ensure that proposed improvements comply with the intent of applicable State regulations, including the NYSDOT Highway Design Manual and state/federal guidance on roundabout design. Niagara River Greenway 9 July 2008