Community Redevelopment Authority 2017
Table of Contents Purpose Research approach Downtown District Findings Planting of Trees and Grasses Decorative Antique Lighting Pedestrian Services Cracked Sidewalks & Colored Stamped Pads Refurbishing of Current Street Poles Street signs Famers market/craft market & Restroom Pocket park Welcome entrance signs Awning/façade Grant Program Art program Map Design drawings Appendix
Purpose The purpose of this report is to provide recommendations to the City Council concerning the changes needed in downtown Bayard. In 2015, the Community Redevelopment Authority (CRA) made a decision to concentrate their efforts in redeveloping the downtown. It is the belief of the CRA, that currently the city government is the only investor that can provide the necessary funds to complete such a project as suggested in this report. Due to the current status of the downtown, the CRA focused on how to retain and attract new businesses to the downtown, as well as attract new residents to the community. It is the belief of the CRA that if the community were to invest in improving the downtown district that existing business owners would re-invest in their businesses externally and internally, new businesses could be attracted, and new home buyers would be attracted to Bayard by showcasing its Main Street. Research approach The CRA took a qualitative approach developing the recommendations presented in this report by holding several public meetings. They felt that gaining the opinions of the residents and applying their ideas to the project would gain the support of the public and warrant such a project. The public meetings held were designed to gather an array of opinions from the point-of-view of a wide variety of residents from different walks of life. Meetings were held with the local business leaders, citizens at-large, and high school students. At each meeting, attendees were presented pictures of the downtown (buildings and vacant lots) with cut outs generally associated with downtown streetscapes (trees, awnings, benches, etc.). The attendees were instructed to place these cut outs on the photos of the buildings and vacant lots conveying their ideas visually as to what they would like to see the downtown look like. Photographs were then taken of each meetings representation (Appendix A) and presented to the CRA for review. Upon this review a plan was developed that would fit Bayard and be fiscally responsible. Downtown District The geographic location for the scope of this project was determined by the CRA to include areas generally associated with a traditional downtown, areas considered for future growth of businesses, and main walkways that lead into the downtown area. Using these parameters, the CRA focused on the following geographic location for the Downtown Revitalization Project: both sides of Main Street, starting from the south end of town at the railroad crossing, going north to where 8 th Street and Main Street intersect. Findings The CRA has found that the following factors should be implemented into the design of the Downtown Revitalization Project. These elements include the following: the planting of trees and native prairie grasses/flowers, the installation of decorative antique-style lighting, the installation of pedestrian services (trash cans, benches, bike racks, etc.), repair of degraded and cracked sidewalks and the installation of stamped colored sidewalk pads or brick inlay, refurbishment of current street light poles, installation of decorative sign poles, an evaluation of
signs needed in the downtown, construction of a farmer s/crafter s market with public restrooms, construction of a Main Street pocket park, construction of welcome entrance signs, establishment of facade and awning program, and the establishment of an art display program. Current view of Downtown Bayard
Planting of Trees, Shrubbery, and Prairie Grasses/ Prairie Flowers The CRA recommends that trees, native grasses and flowers be planted along Main Street to help improve the aesthetics of the downtown. The trees species recommended for this include: Japanese Lilacs and Crabapples. These trees were chosen because they offer higher drought resistance, produce smaller fruit or no fruit, produce attractive flowers, have smaller leaves, can be easily pruned, possess limited root expansion, and are limited in height and girth. Based on the space available and relation to where each tree will be planted the CRA determined that approximately (30 to 35) trees could be planted. To allow the trees their maximum potential to survive, planting beds measuring10 ft. by 2 ft. should be installed with native prairie grasses and native flowers. The planting of these native species will aid in their survival, assist in local pollination, and decrease the replacement concrete, thus decreasing the overall cost of the project. Probable concerns about any trees and native prairie grasses and flowers planted include winterization, maintenance, and watering. Winterization of the trees is necessary to protect their root structures from salt. A simple and inexpensive application that could be employed would be the placing burlap sack around the bases of the trees. Maintenance of the native prairie grasses and flowers should be minimal, where the grass would need to be cut back and weeded occasionally. The first year s planting of grasses and flowers will require weeding until the beds fill-in. In order to protect the investment of the trees, native prairie grasses and native flowers, drip line irrigation systems should be installed to help water when needed. Watering schedule should be developed by the City to maintain the beds. There also may be cause for pesticides to be used to prevent any infestation of insects, fungi, or other tree and grass diseases.
Decorative Antique-style Lighting The CRA recommends that the City remove the current lighting system in the downtown and replace it with decorative antique lighting. The former lighting should be re-located to a different street or throughout community. This does not include removing the current light poles. The CRA feels that decorative lighting will add an additional uniqueness to the downtown and will flow with the other recommendations provided herein. In addition, the light poles should be black in color and be equipped with flag holders, banner holders, and planter holders. Accessory flags, banners, and planters for flower should be purchased to utilize the light poles full potential. The CRA recommends that the United States flag and Bayard High School flags be purchased for use in each flagpole holder. Banners should include each season (winter, spring, summer, and fall), along with specialized banners for Chimney Rock Pioneer Days, and Home for the Holidays. Lastly, hanging baskets should be purchased for flowers during the summer months.
Pedestrian Services The CRA recommends the installation of pedestrian services such as benches, trash receptacles, bike racks, and information kiosks. It must be noted that any such services must be owned and maintained by the City according to the Nebraska Department of Roads. Every effort should be made to better use public space in the Downtown District. Establishment of pedestrian services affords such opportunities. As it pertains to benches, trash receptacles, and bike racks, consideration was taken on how many should be purchased and where these apparatuses could be located. It was determined that a limited amount of each should be purchased for installation due to both costs and need. Additional pedestrian services should be purchased to build upon existing amenities if the need arises. The CRA recommends the following quantity of pedestrian services for the initial installation: benches (8), trash receptacles (8-10), and bike racks (2). Kiosks should be located in multiple locations throughout the Downtown District as information centers. Many times, throughout the year, residents utilize the downtown utility poles for informational purposes. This use is prohibited by law and detracts from the aesthetics of the Downtown District. In addition, the City can convey important messages concerning an array of information. The CRA has determined that four (4) kiosks should be installed throughout the Downtown District. These locations include the following: (Location 1) at or near the Post Office, (Location 2) near the entrance of the Main Street Park, (Location 3) one near the bank, (Location 4) and one near police department and fire department. Each location has been chosen based on the frequency of businesses used, sidewalk traffic, and the exposure each kiosk could receive.
Cracked Sidewalks & Colored Stamped Pads The CRA has evaluated the condition of the Downtown District s sidewalks and recommend that the City repair degraded and cracked sections of sidewalks, as well as, pour new side walk pads that are colored and stamped or brick inlay. For safety reasons the replacement of degraded and cracked sections of sidewalks should be done as soon as possible. Currently there are approximately 560 pads that need to be replaced in the downtown district As for the pads of stamped-colored sidewalk, this will add additional aesthetics to the downtown district by breaking the downtown up into segments more pleasing to the eye, adding a flare of color, and compliment both the trees and antique lighting. It is recommended that the stampedcolored sidewalk or brick inlay be installed in the manner 1) where antique lighting, 2) pedestrian services are present, and 3) in between planting beds for off-street approaches.
Brick or colored stamped sidewalk, from curb 12, runs both sides of Main Street around planning pads. Current Light Pole Street Sign Antique Light Pole Tash Receptacle Bike Rack Brick or colored-stamped sidewalk surrounding each pedestrian service implement.
Refurbishing of Current Street Poles The current streetlight poles in the Downtown District are structurally sound, but are in desperate need of repainting. The CRA, through public comments, suggests that these poles be repainted and refitted for a new purpose. These poles, once repainted should be fitted to include permanent flag holders, holiday ornament holders, and continue to be used to display holiday lights crisscrossing Main Street. The current LED lighting on the poles should be repurposed through relocation to other streets within the city. In conversations with the Nebraska Department of Roads, it has been determined that these poles can be taken down and repainted under the premise of maintenance, or repaired where they stand, allowing the poles to be reinstalled to their former locations. Efforts will need to be taken when conducting this portion of the project by working with either the City Utilities Department or an outside company when disconnecting utilities during the refurbishment of the poles. To stay consistent with the colored-stamped sidewalk or brick inlay, the same application should be placed around these poles as well.
Antique Decorative Street Signs The CRA recommends to the council that signs not be placed on the refurbished streetlight poles. Currently the city has too many signs in the downtown area and should take steps to decrease the number of signs under its authority. Limited amounts of signs will declutter the streetscape and offers less confusion to drivers interpreting the signs. The City should work with the Nebraska Department of Roads to determine what signs are necessary by state law and City ordinance. The Nebraska Department of Roads is willing to conduct an evaluation of signs needed in the downtown for the City. As shown below, these signs are not effective. They offer too much information and most are too high to be seen in normal circumstances by drivers. Also, the messages convey services that are unclear, or once off the main throughway the services cannot be located. If such signs are to remain on Main Street, ones that are faded, damaged, scratched, etc. should be replaced. The signs should then be affixed on u-channel break-away posts (black in color), cemented in or installed in the sidewalk near the curb works, to flow with the suggested design by the CRA. In addition to reworking the signs on Main Street, the CRA recommends that antique-style street poles be installed for the intersections from 2 nd Street to 8 th Street to indicate the street names leading from Main Street going east and west. As shown below, this will add additional character to the Downtown District, as well as tie into the other recommendations.
Famers Market/Craft Market & Restrooms Based on input from the community sessions, restrooms and community space such as a farmer s market were desired features to be included in the downtown district. Looking for appropriate space to place these amenities was not difficult. The CRA recommends that the City build a multi-use structure for a farmer s market/crafter s market with attached public restrooms in the lots between the City police department and fire department. This recommendation comes as a supplementary project after the main components of this project are complete due to the funding. However, this structure will not only fill vacant space and make the downtown more attractive, it will also provide much need public restrooms for residents and travelers. The multiuse space will provide opportunities for farmers, gardeners, and crafters throughout the year.
Pocket park An additional supplementary project the CRA recommends is approaching the property owner between the current Chimney Rock Chiropractic and Mike Peterson s property about constructing a pocket park. A pocket park is a small park accessible to the general public. Pocket parks are frequently created on a single vacant building lot or on small, irregular pieces of land. These parks can be urban, suburban, or rural, and can be on public or private land. Although they are too small for physical activities, pocket parks provide greenery, a place to sit outdoors, and sometimes a children's playground. The CRA recommends that the space be utilized as green space with some opportunity for shade and relaxation, with a possible picnic area. The pictures below show the location as it stands today, along with some samples of pocket parks from other communities.
Welcome Entrance Signs Well-placed, well-landscaped, and uniform welcome signs send a direct message to those visiting Bayard that not only welcomes them, but forms an everlasting impression of the community. The CRA recommends that the existing welcome signs that do not specially give additional information should be taken down, many of which do not comply with regulations of the Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR) by not being permitted. Signs that currently exist, such as the local church sign, or organizations should be allowed to remain and efforts should be made to work with NDOR to determine if they are properly located and permitted. The CRA recommends that two signs be established with landscaping and lighting to welcome visitors to Bayard. These signs should be located on the northbound traffic and southbound traffic near the city limits. Examples of Needles, California, shows the scope of what the CRA recommends. Further, the CRA believes that the signs should reflect the historic aspect of Bayard by tying in Chimney Rock National Historic Site. Using a covered wagon and other accessory landscaping, a good representation of Bayard s history and tie to Chimney Rock can be achieved.
Awning/Façade Program Part of any streetscape project normally includes a façade program that aids business in updating or rejuvenating the outsides of their buildings. This will help to integrate the buildings into the design of the streetscape. The CRA recommends that the City develop an Awning/Façade Grant Program to help assist and incentivize businesses in the downtown district. This program should include design standards (motif) and a review application before any grant funding is awarded. Design standards will offer policies that will help guide and preserve specific elements of the downtown. This recommendation is independent from the overall Downtown Revitalization Project in as much as, depending upon the budget and funding ability, this program may not always be available once instituted. However, short-term and longer-term actions can be taken to ensure some funding will be available when needed. Funds from LB840, state or federal grants etc. can be utilized to meet some of this financial need.
Art Display Program In order to utilize, as much as possible, the forgotten spaces (exterior building walls, nonlandscaped areas, etc.) the City should establish an Art & Culture Committee or similar organization. The main goal of this committee will be to develop long-term and short-term art displays within the downtown district. The committee can work with business owners and property owners to demine if they would like to participate in the art program. In addition, local artist and high school artists could be contracted to create temporary works of art to place on display, or theme-based contests could be utilized for more permanent works of art. The inclusion of such art will help to further individualize Bayard and its identity.
Scope of Project: Downtown
Public Meeting #1: Local and Downtown businesses
ma Public Meeting #2: Residents At-Large
Public Meeting #3: High School Students