The Center Street Project
Mission Statement To develop a vision of how we, the citizens of Folly, want Center Street to be transformed into the Gateway to our city. Then deliver this vision to the City Council to be incorporated into the City s strategic plan so it can become reality with future planning & financing.
Phase I: 2014-2015 Goals Traffic Design Improved flow Safer pedestrian crossings Beautification Enhanced streetscape More amenities
Traffic Design Current 52 8 9 9 9 9 8 Four 9 traffic lanes Two 8 parking lanes
Traffic Design Proposed Two 12 traffic lanes Two 8 parking lanes One 12 Turn Lane
Traffic Design Approval Process DOT receptive to plan Next step: Traffic Review Study & cost analysis to determine phases
Brick verge with Planters 12 Multi- 8 parking 12 lane Directional Turn lane 12 Lane 12 lane 8 parking Brick verge With Planters CROSS-SECTIONAL VIEW OF CENTER ST: PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS
Beautification Integrate Design
Currently: Area between sidewalk and street Stones, grass, plants and dirt
Proposed: Brick paving with planters Brick Pavers would increase sidewalk size & be made of pervious material for better drainage
Currently: Base of Palms Weeds, trash, dirt
Proposed: Ground Cover
Beautification Integrate Design Remove Unsafe/Unsightly Plants
City Hall Replace w/healthy shrubs Hides Front door
Community Center Crepe Myrtles block view of building Inconsistent with Center Street Plantings
Beautification Create consistency Remove Unwanted Plants Remove/Replace Uglies
Replace with trash/recycling combo
Beautification Create consistency Remove unwanted/sick plants Remove/replace the Uglies Fix corner planters
Currently
Proposed Brick-Paved and Lush with planters
Beautification Create consistency Remove unwanted/sick plants Remove/replace the Uglies Fix corner planters Redesign median strip
Remove overgrown shrubs Add brick paving and planters
Beautification Create consistency Remove unwanted/sick plants Remove/replace the Uglies Fix corner planters Redesign median strip Renovate Community Center frontage
Needs work to Enhance beautification & make Community Center a focal point
Beautification Create consistency Remove unwanted/sick plants Remove/replace the Uglies Fix corner planters Redesign median strip Renovate Community Center frontage Add amenities
Benches Bike Racks
Early Cost Estimates Concept phase: $15K Survey & Design $100K Construction: $800K The 3 phases include: Mill & overlay of Center St. per D.O.T. standards Striping & crosswalk markings Landscaping Drainage at Ashley & Center St. Correct curb issues in front of Taco Boy, Crab Shack & Avocet
Updated cost estimates Concept phase: $10K Survey & Design: $70K Construction: $285K Breakdown of construction costs: $145K for traffic design & construction Brick pavers: $65K Planters, plants & tree / plant removal + trash cans & benches: $75K
How we saved money! Will have to postpone drainage issue at Ashley & Center St. and the three curb issues. Can save considerable costs by coinciding re-pave / marking of Center St. with bridge paving. Alternate ways of raising funds: working with businesses, residents and civic & social clubs to promote sales of engraved bricks and planter & bench plaques.
In Summary.. These projects will improve traffic flow, pedestrian safety and will enhance the appearance of Center St. as the Gateway to Folly! Crucial fact: Coordinating the traffic phase of Center St. with the completion of the Folly River bridge will save the City a huge amount of money! $915K vs. $365K!
Thank You Center St. task force members: John McGee, Penny Travis Julie Hensley, William Hamptom Dave Stormer, Betty Minchew John Pence, D. J. Rich Submitted by: The Center Street Task Force October, 2014
Phase II: 2015-2016 Goals Energize Center Street Increase foot traffic Pedestrian Mall Concept
Success Indicators Studies show that there are specific indicators that lead to the best chance for success: Near a college or university Situated in close proximity to a beach Designed to be short in length Located in a major tourist area A temporary mall would not have major disruptive impact on vehicular traffic and would allow for cheap, quick transformation with vendors, entertainment, etc.
Pedestrian Mall Conception Stage Some Ideas: Close Center Street: March Labor Day Fri & Sat nights only
Pedestrian Mall Encourages: Foot traffic
Pedestrian Mall Encourages: Hanging out with friends and neighbors
Pedestrian Mall Encourages: A variety of activities
Pedestrian Mall A Temporary Pedestrian Mall on weekends during the summer could bring new life (and lots of fun) to Center Street
Pedestrian Mall Think About It!
Thank You Submitted by: The Center Street Task Force October, 2014