Neighborhood Vision The Old Town Neighborhoods are Unique, Livable, Connected, and Sustainable. As mature, established neighborhoods, many of the ideas and opportunities expressed by stakeholders in support of the Old Town Neighborhoods vision emphasize preserving and enhancing the qualities that already make the neighborhoods a great place to live. Developed with the aid of residents, a stakeholder group, City staff, and elected officials, the vision for the Old Town Neighborhoods reflects a collection of values, opportunities, and feelings about the neighborhoods as they exist today and as they are envisioned in the future. The vision also builds upon many of the ideas expressed in the original neighborhood plans developed in the 1980s. While the neighborhoods have evolved and face new challenges and opportunities, the ideas of celebrating their one-ofa-kind elements, enhancing mobility, and promoting neighborhood pride continue. Vision Structure The Old Town Neighborhoods vision is comprised of four topic areas: Unique, Livable, Connected, and Sustainable, shown below. These topic areas represent the defining physical and cultural elements of the neighborhood, and are supported by value statements that identify specific principles to guide future policies and projects. Combined, the vision statements and values for each topic area describe neighborhood elements to preserve or enhance for the present and future. The goal of the neighborhood vision is to provide the foundation for future neighborhood policies, programs, and projects. UNIQUE Neighborhood character, history, & design CONNECTED Neighborhood travel & mobility POLICIES PROGRAMS PROJECTS LIVABLE Neighborhood land-use & transitions to downtown/csu SUSTAINABLE Social, environmental & financial vibrancy 1
Vision at a Glance Summarized below are the broad neighborhood elements within each topic area. The following pages illustrate these elements and incorporate the neighborhood s values. Unique Livable Connected Sustainable Diversity of Building Styles Anticipate and Manage Change Enhanced Arterial Corridors Variety of Housing Choices Historic Context Smooth Transitions Improved Connectivity Socioeconomic Diversity Compatible Design Single-Family Character Landscaping and Tree Canopy Neighborhood Identity Social Interaction High Quality of Life Safe Travel Environment Walkability and Bikeability Grid Street Pattern Connected Open Space Network Environmental Stewardship Adequate Infrastructure 2
Unique Vision Statement: Celebrating and enhancing the qualities that make the neighborhoods unique and that foster Old Town Charm Values: Recognizing and protecting historic resources Celebrating the eclectic mix and diversity of home sizes, styles, and residents New construction that is sensitive to the neighborhood character and context Well-maintained landscaping and tree canopies Diverse home sizes, styles, and unique landscaping 3
Livable Vision Statement: Neighborhoods designed for friendly interactions and a high quality of life Values: Maintaining the stability of single-family neighborhoods Compatible buffer areas between the neighborhoods and Downtown / CSU Front porches, urban gardens, and quiet streets that promote friendly interactions, evening strolls, and neighborhood pride Compatible transitions from downtown to the neighborhoods 4
Connected Vision Statement: Neighborhoods integrated into the community with safe and convenient travel options Values: Multiple travel options that take advantage of the historic street grid pattern and short neighborhood blocks Easy-to-cross arterial streets that balance functionality as both commuting corridors and neighborhood streets Continued enhancement of the neighborhood bicycle and pedestrian networks Safe and convenient travel options to nearby amenities and destinations 5
Sustainable Vision Statement: Neighborhoods with the resources and knowledge to help maintain and improve their economic, social, and environmental vibrancy Values: A variety of housing choices to sustain the capability to live in the neighborhoods for all ages, income levels, and family situations Connected green spaces, urban gardens, and access to nearby natural amenities Environmental stewardship Renewed neighborhood infrastructure for the present and future Environmental sustainability with urban agriculture, neighborhood greenways, and solar power generation 6
What We Heard... Old Town has charm that isn t found in newer developments. It is interesting, unique, and beautiful with its wide streets and diverse appearance. I love the diverse population of Old Town too. Preserving the character of these neighborhoods is important in keeping Fort Collins as we know it, but it is also important to allow home owners to express themselves and have the homes of their dreams. In 200 years none of these buildings will be the same and it s important to design a plan to accommodate for change and to build on existing ideas... We have gridded streets which are great for multimodal transportation. Let s make that even better. I would love to see the bike and walking routes continue to be upgraded until the sidewalks and bike lanes connect citywide. Historic properties are what make Old Town unique, but retaining the character of Old Town is more about variety than it is about sameness. 7
What do you like most about the Old Town Neighborhoods? Summer 2015 Visioning Survey - top responses: Mature Trees & Landscaping Residents appreciate and value unique and mature landscaping throughout the neighborhood. Tree-lined streets, foliage, and flower gardens add richness through every season. Diversity of Home Sizes & Styles The evolution of the Old Town Neighborhoods has resulted in a diverse mix of architectural styles and home sizes residents recognize as a defining feature of the neighborhoods. Walkable Street Pattern Short blocks and close proximity to a variety of destinations like downtown and CSU create a pleasant and convenient walking environment. 8