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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 99-062 RESOLUTION NO. 2, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT: THAT the City Council hereby approves the adoption of the Avenues/College Street Area Neighborhood Plan substantially in the form attached. PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL of the City of Beaumont this the day of 1999. - Mayor - THE A VENUES / COLLEGE STREET AREA NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN PURPOSE,INTENT AND SCOPE of this Document ABOUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD i The purpose of this document is..... The Avenues/College Street Area Neighborhood is located on the west side of the downtown area along Business U.S. 90. That highway follows the route of the original Old Spanish to provide guidance in the planning and Trail thrOUgh Beaumont. The geographical area covered by implementation of"public,private, and joint public- this plan can be generally defined as being bounded by Fannin Street on the north, by Fourth Street on the west, by MILK private development/re-development actions"which Parkway and the Southern Pacific railroad tracks on the cast, might be initiated in The Avenues/College Street Area and by Franklin Street on the south. Where Fannin, Fourth,and over the short-tenn as well as provide for planning for Franklin Streets are the boundaries, the boundary generally the area over the next twenty or so years. extends one lot in depth from the street. However, any principal structure or building, including any auxiliary Specifically, it is the intent of this document to identify, facilities,which fronts on a boundary street is to be considered evaluate. and make recommendations relative to the issues of in the study area no matter how many lots are involved. This public facility improvements, the future economic re- is done in order for the study area to include all properties development of the area, and publicly assisted new home facing the boundary street. Because of the size and nature of construction and housing rehabilitation. In doing so, this the Southern Pacific railroad tracks and MLK Parkway, the document will identify some potential development/ re- boundary does not extend beyond the center line of either of development actions and make recommendations which those features. are designed to improve the physical appearance of the area,spur economic development opportunities within the The Study area of The Avenues / College Street Area area and thus the city, and expand available housing Neighborhood Plan covers a majority of the area within the opportunities for residents of the area. boundaries established by The Avenues Neighborhood Association, with the exception of the area between MILK The scope of issues addressed in this plan will purposely Parkway and The Avenues eastern boundary, Main Street. emphasize those pertaining to roadway improvements, parks and open space development,urban design ideas, thoroughfare improvements,economic re-development,and public/private DOWNTOWN BEAUMONT housing development and rehabilitation actions. / i "wig MLK PARKWAY +` THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Beaumont's Comprehensive Plan includes the four components - << of land use, transportation, parks and open space, and ° economic development. The Land Use component,originally adapted by City Council in August of 1982, consists of the goals,objectives,policies and proposals of the City Council for guiding the long-range physical growth and development of Beaumont. The City's Land Use plan designates The Avenues/ College Street Area as a Conservation and Revitalization area and thereby identifies this area as an area where immediate action is deemed necessary o prevent or reverse deterioration of the neighborhood, Deterioration is characterized in the Plan Aerial photo of The Avenues Neighborhood looking east by fair to poor housing conditions, incompatible mixtures of land uses, and declining numbers of housing units and small The predominant use of land in the study area is single family businesses. residential. The residential area to the south of College Street is actually the northern part of a large residential area in eastern In the City's efforts to conserve and revitalize The Avenues/ Beaumont which continues into the Heart of the City College Street Area, it is highly desirable that the Neighborhood south of Franklin. Several homes in this redevelopment occur in a manner consistent with the general portion of the study area may have the potential for designation provisions of the City's Comprehensive Plan and with the as historic structures. Fletcher Elementary School,located one specific provisions of the Land Use and Major Street block south of College Street between Avenues E and F, has components of that plan. The Comprehensive Plan is however acquired two adjacent city blocks for expansion. The block on very general in nature as it pertains to the future development the north side of Franklin between Avenues D and E has been Of the area.The Avenues/College Street Area Neighborhood acquired for a playground while the block between Avenues D Plan is more specific in dealing with land use and development and E and adjacent to the present school building has been issues. acquired for class room expansion. F- THE AVENUES / COLLEGE STREET AREA NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN 4 aQat 000 i This photo .chows an example(?/'the commercial establishments within the College Street corridor ('College at Avenue D looking east). Park and recreational facilities in the neighborhood are limited Demographic changes in The Avenues/College Street Area to the facilities provided at Pletcher Park which is located on a Neighborhood has resulted a multi-cultural, ethnic 100' x 150' site at the southwest corner of Avenue C and neighborhood composed of Anglos, Hispanics, African- Milam. This site has become a source of concern among area Americans and Orientals,among others."These ethnic groups residents because of some illegal and undesirable activities that have made substantial contributions to the unique cultural have been occurring there. character of the area and are an important asset which this plan will use to influence the future growth of the area. College Street,which is a major thoroughfiu-e that runs through the middle of the study area, experiences a great deal of THE PLANNING PROCESS through traffic because it links IH-10 to MLK Parkway and downtown. Commercial land uses which exist along College In 1994,the College Street Corridor Area Citizen Survey was Street, as well as Franklin Avenue, are an important and distributed to residents and businesses in order to better define integral component of a variety of factors impacting and neighborhood problems and concerns. Review of the survey affecting the economic and social health of the neighborhood. results indicated four major problem areas. Property crime Among the successful members of the business community was the predominant neighborhood concern followed by non- which exist along College Street are a few restaurants which violent crime and loitering. A lack of safe and usable attract a significant part of the downtown lunch crowd and recreational facilities also ranked among the most formidable weekend business (See above photo). There is also one neighborhood concerns. Municipal services identified as very grocery store,which is one of the few servicing the area east of poor quality included street lighting,sidewalk conditions,crime IH-10,and a few convenience stores. A few neighborhood and prevention programs and zoning enforcement. Overall, ethnic commercial establishments exist along Franklin Street participating citizens repeatedly expressed a desire for a safe from Avenue A to MLK Parkway. As MLK Parkway and visually attractive neighborhood. Because of the experiences more traffic, the business communities along overwhelming concern for safety and aesthetics within the College and Franklin streets have the potential to attract neighborhood, The Avenues / College Street Area additional drive-by patrons. Neighborhood Plan places emphasis on these issues. Although there are industrial land uses to the north of the study The goals,objectives and proposals of the original Summer area there are few within the actual study area. A concrete Fall of 1994 study were jointly developed by the Planning culvert manufacturing facility which exists along the northern Division and the residents and business interests of the College boundary of the area has a storage yard that extends Street Corridor Neighborhood group. Planning Staff began approximately one block into the neighborhood. A small meetings with The Avenues Neighborhood Association industrial use exists on Fourth Street north of College. regarding the completion of the plan in 1997. Many of the resulting goals, objectives and Blight,in its many forms,has contributed to the decay of The proposals were developed by the Avenues/College Street Area Neighborhood. Un-maintained Planning Staff using the previously properties and un-safe conditions in the neighborhood developed 1994-95 goals,objectives �,'f`'s"" negatively affect both a citizen's sense of pride in their and proposals. These goals, Together neighborhood and the perception of the value or desirability of objectives and proposals were for _ the neighborhood by the community at large. Further reviewed and modified as _ Progress.. deterioration will ultimately ead to reduced economic vitality ..Progressing Y tY necessary through additional Together of the neighborhood and the loss of safe,decent,and-affordable meetings wkb The Avenues ;; F housing. Neighborhood Association in 1998. 2 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES For the purposes of this document, a goal is defined as a"general expression of a desired outcome,"while an objective is defined as a"specific end to be achieved"through some form of action. Thus,in the process of formulating goals and objectives one moves from the general to the specific. First,general goals are formulated; then objectives are defined and adjusted to be more applicable to the issues and needs that were identified during the goals development phase of the planning process. Some of these goals and objectives should be accomplished by the City,some by area residents and business owners and operators,and others through the joint participation of all three. Some goals and objectives maybe long-term(10 plus years)and other maybe intermediate-term(4 to 9 years)or short- term(I to 3 yews). Specific goals and objectives to be accomplished are listed below but not in any order of priority. Goal 5: Develop a transportation network and system GOALS infrastructure based on a multi-modal planning (Not listed by priority; numbered only approach which addresses the traffic, parking, so they can be identified by reference) transit,and pedestrian needs of the neighborhood in a coordinated, safe, convenient, effective, efficient,and aesthetically pleasing manner. Goal 6: To stimulate housing development within the Goal 1: Clean up and improve the overall physical area by the private sector and increase affordable condition and appearance of the neighborhood housing opportunities within the neighborhood. through the joint participation of area residents, business owners and operators,and the City. Goal 7: In order to act as a facilitator for neighborhood revitalization and economic re-development the Goal 2: Improve those social and environmental factors City will serve in a leadership role by: which negatively impact the quality of life of the residents, the business community, and the (a).creating plans and implementation programs for experiences of visitors to the neighborhood. the area which the City can use to direct the orderly growth of the area as well as provide for the Goal 3: Preserve the residential and historic character compatible co-existence of differing existing land desired by the residents and business community uses and ensure a more cohesive,harmonious urban while fostering variety and individuality in the fabric throughout The Avenues/College Street Area; character of the neighborhood. (b). taking public actions to provide affordable Goal 4: Adopt and implement a Land Use Plan that: housing within the neighborhood and to stimulate housing development by the private sector;and (a). describes a vision of the future for the neighborhood at a point 15 to 20 years from the M.working closely and diligently with existing area present; businesses to obtain grants, provide development incentives and trained workers, assisting in capital (b). fosters or directs the orderly co-existence of formation and financial loan packages, in acting as differing land uses while providing for the orderly and the coordinating mechanism for gathering business controlled growth of the area and a mechanism for data and mobilizing the area's business community, change over time, and to stimulate the economic re-development of the area. (c). encourages the establishment of open space, buffer areas and other compatibility measures for commercial and industrial uses within the neighborhood; OBJECTIVES (d). encourages the development of convenient, (Objectives are not listed by priority but compatible, and suitably located neighborhood- are numbered so they can be identified oriented retail trade and personal services uses; by reference) (e). provides the area with adequate parks and recreational facilities;and Q�jective 1 -(GU: Cleaning up litter and other debris,cutting (f).provides for the preservation and enhancement of and raking up overgrown grass and weeds,and trimming plants existing street trees and plants and other unique and trees along all public rights-of-way,on vacant lots,around specimens or groves of trees and the planting of new vacated or abandoned buildings as well as occupied structures street trees and plants. where such are determined to be in violation of the health and sanitation provisions of the City Code. 3 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES (Continued) Objective 2_:_(Gl 1: To develop plans for and standards to ObLctire 15 - ((12): Work with BISD to improve conditions improve the aesthetic appearance and safety of the area:s public at and near Fletcher Elementary School as well as improve the infrastructure. environment along the major access routes from College and Franklin streets to MLK Middle School (formerly Crockett Objective 3 - (G1): Pursue the demolition of vacant, "un- Middle School)and Fletcher School. secured" buildings which are open to public trespass and in such a dilapidated state as to be beyond rehabilitation at a Objective 16 - (G3): Discourage the introduction of new reasonable cost. commercial, industrial, institutional, or multi-family development within areas which currently are predominately in Objective4-(GH: Pursue the boarding and securing of vacant a single and two family residential use or which,in an adopted buildings and structures which the owner has not or will not plan,has been designated as being only for such use. secure and protect from damage and occupation by vagrants, squatters,juveniles,etc.. Objective 17 - (G3): Take the necessary action to correct zoning violations in the area. Objective 5 - (GI): Assist home owners in making minor repairs and re-painting their homes. Objective 18 - (0): Encourage the placement of eligible historic and contributing buildings on the city's list of historic Objective 6-(Gl): Establishment of a neighborhood oriented structures and sites. inspection program wherein a group of area residents can identify and report to City Hall,on an"as necessary"basis, any problems dealing with the physical condition and appearance of the area or with zoning and land use problems. Objective 7 - (Gl): Review the City's current policies for sweeping/cleaning city streets and the specific schedule for such actions within the study area to see if changes are possible a that would improve the process. Y Iz Objective 8 - (G2): Cleaning up litter and other debris and cutting overgrown grass and weeds in public drainage rights- _ of-way where such are determined to be in violation of the p : health and sanitation provisions of the City Code or impede drainage. Objective 9 - (G2): To reduce the occurrence of unlawful activities in the area and take steps to improve any public perception of the state of such concerns about the area. This house is one example of several potential historic properties existing within the College Objective 10-(G2): Providing increased police protection and Street area which are in need of rehabilitation. presence in the area and augmenting that increased presence with neighborhood awareness programs concerning those efforts. Objective 19 - (G3): Provide for in-fill development of Objective 11 - (G2): Actively pursuing "agreements of existing vacant lots with structures which are of a character which is similar and compatible with the existing development. trespass"between various property owners within the area and the Beaumont Police in order to gain permission for the police Objective 20-(G3): Improve the physical condition of the to "run-off'or arrest vagrants,gang members and others who existing housing stock through better homeowner maintenance are loitering or otherwise trespassing upon private property. and housing code enforcement.(Similar to Obj.7-Goat 1). Objective 12 - (G2): To either expand Fletcher Park at its Objective 21 - (G4a&GO): Conduct a zoning stud v which current location or relocate the park to a new location adjacent would consider rezoning parts of the study area in order to to or as a part of Fletcher Elementary School in o"ider to reduce provide better growth for commercial and industrial uses and the amount of unlawful activities occurring at the park and also protect residential areas. Some areas might be rezoned to to better meet the recreational needs of the neighborhood. allow higher, more dense uses 4o facilitate commercial and Objective 13-(G2): To identify and protect the deighborhood industrial developrne L from environmental nuisances,pollution,and other hazards to Objective 22 - (G4e): Develop plans and facilities which the public health and safety. provide for active and passive recreational opportunities such Objective 14-(G2): To encourage both private and public site U-a wo '�#"s schmcal�r for bike design and maintenance activities which promote crime paths,and landscaped and open green spaces. prevention with specific emphasis on lighting. 4 GOALS AND OBJEC'T'IVES (continued) Objective 23- l(34e): To provide safe and attractive cultural. plan that emphasizes access to area schools and commercial social and recreational facilities for the residents of the area areas. with particular attention to the young and elderly population. Objective 31 - (G5): Provide for the development of safe and Objective 24-((15): Develop and implement a transportation aesthetically pleasing streetscapes, including the design and plan that best moves non-local traffic along the area's arterial placement of identifiable gateway entrances to the streets and discourages such traffic, especially truck traffic, neighborhood. from driving through the ncighborhoo d using local streets. Objective 25 - (GS)_ Inventory the physical condition of streets within the study area to determine any need for improvements;such as repavement. F Objective 26-(GS): To design and implement physical design changes which would discourage speeding and improve public safety. Strictly enforce speed limits. especially in areas with high traffic accident rates, and along stretches of road that encourage high speeds. ' Objective 27 - (G5): Provide improved street lighting, particularly at intersections, schools,and other high pedestrian areas. xi w... ._ Objective 28-(G5): Conduct a traffic study to determine the This portion of Avenue "D" runs between both potential needs for additional traffic control and routing signs, Fletcher Elementary School and Fletcher Park, traffic and other safety lights, and potential changes to speed and is an ideal loc'Cltiv/1 for sidewalk limits on area streets. maintenance and streetscape development. Objective 29 - (G5): Review transit needs and encourage greater utilization of the transit system by,among other things, Objective 32-(G6): Rehabilitate as many existing residential providing the area with several covered bus stops displaying dwelling units as possible. i public information and advertizing boards and with attractive lighting and landscaping. Obigctive 33- (G6): Provide incentives in the form of land, low interest loans and/or reduced development fees in order to encourage private sector home builders to construct and r rehabilitate homes in the area. y Objective 34 - (G7a): Conduct a study of potential uses of �- - alternative re-development areas identified by the plan. w Objective 35 - (07b): Construct new, moderately priced, y" ( residential dwelling units in the area. 1.- -- Objective 36 (G70: Investigate the potential for - development of a business incubator within the area and implement the development of such a facility if it is determined — that such a facility would be successful. Obiective_37—(G7c): Business Stott-uns. Provide incentives in the form of land, low interest loans, and/or reduced development fees in order to encourage new businesses to move into the area and existing businesses to expand or move Residential areas such as the one shown above to a more appropriate location in the area. on Avenue °C" one block south of College need to be protected from truck traffic and Objective 38 - (G7c): Retention and Expansion of Existing traffic problems such as excessive speeding. Businesses. Develop a data bank of information on the existing businesses in the area and contact those businesses to see what assistance the City might be able to provide that Objective 30 - G5): Conduct a detailed survey of sidewalk would result in the continuation and/or expansion of those conditions and pedestrian traffic patterns and prepare a plan for businesses. That assistance should be in the form of technical repairing and installing new sidewalks in accordance with a and financial assistance. 5 THE A VENUES / COLLEGE STREET AREA NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN The Avenues/College Street Area Land Use Plan(see map on However. to create an environment where there are only a few following page)is intended to produce a"vision of the future" for dwellings scattered among a large number ot'vacant lots would the neighborhood over the next twenty years. not support the purpose and intent of this plan. The City must therefore be careful of how much demolition action it takes in ridding a neighborhood of undesirable buildings. This plan also Residential and Housing supports the position that a residential structure should be saved The proposals on thug paste support the following..... if it can reasonably and economically be rehabilitated to its Objective 4-(GI) Objective 19-(G3) former architectural appearance and use or renovated to Objective 5-(GI) Objective 20-(G3) architecturally blend in with its environment. Those buildings Objective 6-(GI) Objective 32-(G6) which are "not rehabilitable at a reasonable cost" should be Objective 16-(G3) Objective 33-(G6) secured from public trespass and demolished as soon as possible. Objective 35-(G7b) i Economic Development The proposals or this page support the following..... Objective 34-(G7a) Objective 37-(G7c) Objective 36-(G7c) Objective 38-(G7c) COMMERCIAL AREAS Commercial uses along College Street from MLK to Fourth J Street and along Franklin Street between MLK and Avenue D would continue under this land use plan. It is, however, recommended that future development along College Street,from Avenue D west to the Southern Pacific railroad tracks, be developed with an architectural style compatible with the Spanish or ,Mexican architectural style represented by such existing structures as the Alamo Plaza Motel and Elena's Mexican Restaurant. The remainder of College Sheet is recommended to Existing housing stock within the neighborhood be developed in a manner that would result in a physical appearance that would be of a multi-cultural/ethnic flavor and RESIDEN'rIAL AREAS would attempt to turn College Street into a multi-cultural entertainment/market place district. Commercial uses(retail This plan provides for low density residential uses primarily west and services) might also be allowed along Avenue C between of Avenue D. Although the existing low density residential areas College and Franklin, preferably those uses that are approved I generally east of Avenue D could remain,the plan would permit under the RCR zoning classification. a significant portion of the area to become a mixed-use area by , allowino medium to high density esidential and ' to °� ' Y t ,. .. commercial development to occur. Such uses would only be approved under the requirements of the City's Residential Conservation/Revitalization(RCR)zoning district regulations. a Special approval of the City Council would therefore be required and commercial,retail, and service uses would be restricted so �. as to not exceed 4,000 square feet. HOUSING — ! The constriction of new residential housing,the rehlWita"of existing residential dwellings, and the renovatian of suitaiJe unused or dilapidated buildings for residential use 1=play an important role in directing and sustaining the social character and '= economic future of The Avenues / College Street Area Neighborhood.The replacement of that housing stack which has been lost over the years or which must be demotishedto make Unique architectural style of commercial way for other development must be considered a major priority. establishments on College 6 F THE A VENUES / COLLEGE STREET AREA LAND USE PLAN FOURTH t'I \ ~N 44 ~ -1E1 '' ❑ ❑ + /HOUSTON l f l F-I D LEGEND Low Density Residential ■ Public Mixed Use Residential f Corcunercial ■ 3reenspace i Parks ■ Corturoercial Open Space Re-Development Area ® Howton Street Extension Corridor Major Street Light Industrial ® Transportation 7 THE A VENUES / COLLEGE S TREE T AREA NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN Transportation Improvements The proposals on this page support thc.i�bllovving..... Objective 24-(G5) Objective 26-(G5) ERGERETT Y.v Objective 25-(GS) Objective 28-(G5) J/ Objective 29-(G5) LJ TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS At the present time, traffic using Houston Street, which runs COLLEGE south from Milam Street to Washington Blvd. and beyond, has no direct way to get toCollege Street. The College Street bus line GILEERT uses a two block section of Amarillo Street(College to Gilbert) and one block of Milam Street(Amarillo to Houston) to get from College Street to Houston Street. It is therefore recommended FRankuH % that Houston Street be extended two blocks north from Milam X IJ W W Street in order to connect with College Street. It is also recommended that Houston Street be designated a Major LL BURLEY Collector street between College and SOUtherland streets. The C, 1 1 13 -A extension Of Houston Street as proposed would involve C3 construction of a two lane curb and gutter street which widens at e C3 its intersection with College Street in order to provide for turning X lanes and a median. I E L It is further recommended that Gilbert and Milam streets at the Southern Pacific railroad tracks be closed off to vehicular traffic WASHINGTON in order to reduce the hazards associated with railroad crossings and also to reduce excessive noise from train whistles. Cul-de- .'R sacs are proposed on both sides of the railroad tracks on Gilbert SOUTHERLANDI I I.I Street. Milam Street could be closed Off Without a cul-de-sac and the remaining right-of-way used for recreational or open space uses or given to the adjoining property owners. tis Avenue C is recommended to be widened for one block north &-tension qf'Houston Street(shown in red)to College. Closed and south of College to provide for turning lanes and a railroad crossings at Gilbert and Milani indicated bl•red dots. landscaped median.(See ilhistration below). Major streets are highlighted in gray. A J ...... Imo- t ..s 417. THE AVENUES / COLLEGE STREET AREA. NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN Parks, Recreation and Open Space Currently,Fletcher Park has problems with excessive loitering The proposals on this page support the following..•.. and criminal activities which pose it dangerous situation to Objective 12-(G2) Objective 22-(G4e) neighborhood residen(s. Additionally,the park is too small to Objective 23-(G4e) serve as neighborhood park. The following two possible solutions are offered: 1). If Fletcher Park is to remain at the current site, it is PARKS, RECREA`rION,AND OPEN SPACE recommended that those residential structures within that block be acquired and demolished or moved in order to enlarge the A linear neighborhood park providing benclies and tables for site to create it block size neighborhood square;or passive activities plus it bike/jogging trail is proposed along the existin,right-of-way of Victoria Street and MLK Parkway 2). The existing playground and other park equipment in from College to Blanchette streets (outside study area). Only Fletcher Park be removed and relocated to a new site near the the cost to purchase and install the tables, benches, and bike new Fletcher Elementary School and that the existing park site path would be involved because the land is already in public be disposed of. The Parks, Recreation, and Open Space ownership and the landscaping and lighting of MIX Parkway component of the Comprehensive Plan for the City of takes care of most if not all of those needs. Approval of the Beaumont indicates that the existing Fletcher park might State Department of Transportation would be needed however possibly be replaced by a new park adjacent to the new to accomplish this proposal(See illustrations). Fletcher School site and operated in conjunction with the Beaumont Independent School District. A small open space area/park might also be considered for development from any left over pieces of land acquired for the extension of Houston Street from Nlilam Street to College Street. Parcels of land between that new street and the railroad might also be acquired in order to have a site of sufficient size and shape for recreational use. By providing recreational opportunities at this location,those persons living west of the railroad tracks would not have to cross the tracks to reach such facilities located and proposed for sites to the east. i,E?:. it.' -A ;i A walking/bike path is also recommended to connect College ' Street with Milam Street west of the railroad tracks. An existing 20 foot alley right-of-way could provide pedestrian cora.EGE access from College Street south to Gilbert Street. Currently area residents walk on or along side the railroad tracks to get to College Street. A walkway between Milan and College nr t.tc streets would provide a safe way to get to College Street. Use PARMdY of some of the railroad right-of-way might also be sought. GILBERT -J. Nn"Iv n" O I FRAPIIQ.N Potential site fora linear park with a jogging/hike path located Potential re-development area, landscape feature along the existing right-of-way of Victoria Street and M.L.K. site,and jogging/bike path along MLK and Victoria 9 (potential path is red, sidewalks are vellow). NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENTS THE AVENUES /COLLEGE STREET AREA NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN Landscaping and Sidewalks and develop a positive visual identity that will enhance the area's P �' public image and attract increased public visitation to the area. The proposals on this page support the following... . Objective 3-(GI) Objective 22-(G4e) Since Avenue C is the areas major street connecting College Objective I5-(G2) Objective 30-(GS) with Franklin Avenue,a landscape plan is also needed for that Objective 31-(G4e) street in order to unify the two commercial areas and to encourage the development of the numerous vacant lots fronting Avenue C. The City should increase its efforts concerning the beautification Franklin Street, Isom MLK Parkway to Avenue D, is a and maintenance of area streets and rights-of-way with specific neighborhood shopping/services district which would look and emphasis on improvements at the following locations: function much better with the surrounding neighborhood if a landscaping and open space buffer areas were developed for the College Street from MLK to 4th Street, area. It is therefore recommended that a landscaping plan be * .Avenue A from College to Franklin; prepared and implemented for Franklin Avenue from MIX to Avenue C from Wall to Franklin;and Avenue D and that the plan include landscaping,street furniture, Franklin Avenue from MILK to at least Avenue D ornamental lighting, graphics and signage, and, if appropriate but preferably to 4th Street. locations can be found,public art(murals)and sculpture. Since Franklin Avenue is a northern boundary of the Heart of the City Neighborhood Association neighborhood, the architectural LANDSCAPING design of the street light standards should be selected with the character of that area being considered. A landscaping plan is Development on both sides of College Street should be unified also recommended for Avenue C from Wall Street to Franklin. with pedestrian passageways and other streetscape features in However, that plan should be much more simple in design. order to enhance the social atmosphere, increase business, and Because M.L.K. Middle School(formerly Crockett) is only one spur development. A landscape plan should be prepared for block south of Franklin Avenue,it is further recommended that College Street which uses landscaping, street furniture, the landscape plan be extended to the school. The use of a ornamental lighting, graphics and signage, and public art different planting theme on Avenue C from that on Franklin (murals) and sculpture to foster neighborhood pride and design Avenue would help in delineating the boundary between the unity along the street, to direct ingress and egress to properties, commercial and residential areas. \ NOTE: This nrap is intended for discussion onitl. A Landscaping and f > >> Sidewalk Plan should he conducted in f' \` the future. NLFOURTH \ FORSYTHE !f ALL ,,, •��!g�.:-_.. _ \/ El F-1 I El FEI • • • .. I: / 1 GIL6 RT � Primary Sidewalk Network HGHSTOH ❑ ■Ile © a ❑ Secondary idewalk Network .,. • ndazy ❑❑ ❑ •1 ti �• • L Major Street _r 000 Laru3scaping 1 Street Trees ❑ ❑ 7— •� 1"I r I LANDSCAPING IMPROVEMENTS AND SIDEWALK NETWORKS 10 NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENTS THE AVENUES /COLLEGE STREET AREA NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN conducted of the areas street light network to determine the Street Lighting li;hiin- deficiencies and needs of the area_ In addition to The ro owls on this page su ort the following lighting up for critne prevention and public safety concerns,an p p 8 pp f �..... area's economic development opportunities can be increased by Objective 3-(GI) Objective 27-(G5) attractive well placed lighting. It is recommended that College Objective 14-(G2) Objective 31-(G5) Street. Franklin Avenue, and Avenue C be targeted for replacement and additional street lighting and that the lighting fixtures be of such architectural design as to create a unique and identifiable character to those streets. Street lights of an STREET LIGHTING architectural style compatible with Spanish / Mexican architecture and includin-standards for the display of flags and Street lights are an important element in a City's program for banners are recommended for College Street from MLK to fighting crime as well as improving traffic and pedestrian Fourth Street. The existing light poles can probably be used. safety. Street lights are also an important feature in the Street lights of an architectural style compatible with the area development of a unified urban design concept for a along Avenue C from Wall to Franklin, and along Franklin neighborhood. It is therefore recommended that a study be from MLK to Avenue D is also recommended. New standards for the lights are probably needed on these streets. <V FOURTH /// ❑r NOTE:The street fight F]11 rL standards depicted f ❑ ❑ ❑ 1 L here are to sewn Dale as ec«rnhles and are not intended ,> El ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑❑ A i specifically for use in p the neighborhood. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 1:1\ NousTOn EU EIE A \� /' ❑ ❑ U — — L —— ❑ 4i i ' 1 i - t I � i 4 •• • • • • • • POTENTIAL STREET LIGHT STANDARDS ALONG COLLEGE STREET,FRANKLIN STREET AND AVENUE C 11 f -- NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENTS THE AVENUES /COLLEGI; STREET AREA NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN Re-Development Areas . The proposals on this page support the follotving..... Objective 23-(G4e) Objective 34-(G7a) Objective 36-(G7c) :.I:fr71 ♦ .<�:; RE-DEVELOPMENT AREAS Two potential re-development areas are identified on the]and �j use plan. A re-development area is noted on the north side of College west of MLK Parkway. The area would appear to be a(Yood site lbr a restaurant, motel or any use that would have a high traffic flow. The location can be seen and easily accessed from MLK Parkway and would have easy access to the City's downtown convention facilities. Another use for this site would Possible re-development site located north of College be an active, people oriented market place that would serve .Street west of the Southern Pacific railroad tracks area residents and help create the multi-cultural commercial atmosphere proposed for the area by this plan. A covered, open air market place should primarily be for the selling or trading of used and antique items arts and crafts, and aricultural goods including plants and flowers. An indoor- =4 D outdoor eating facility might be included. Such a market place would create a "people place" for both the neighborhood and the(.'it . It could become another attraction for visitors to the t - Y downtown area as well as contribute to the development of a .-. unique"sense of place"for The Avenues/College Street Area. (See picture to the right and below). A second re-development area,possibly for a small industrial park, is identified for the area north of College west of the Southern Pacific railroad tracks. Such an area might be a good location for the development of a business incubator. (See picture top right). Potential re-development site located north of'College Street looking west from MLK Parkway towards Orange Street LANDSCAPE POTENTIAL FEATURE SITE RE-DEVELOPMENT AREA r•acv. This photo shows both the re-development area north of College Street and the potential landscape feature site located at MLK Parkway and �. College Street discussed on the next page. ,•rte --�� -� .. ..._. 12 NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENTS THE AVENUES I COLLEGE STREET AREA NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN Gateway Entrances tl �+ It is suggested that the plan design have an international theme in The proposals on this page support the following..... order to promote the College Street area as a culturally mixed Objective 31-(G5) neighborhood. The view of the proposed landscape feature from the west would place the feature in the center of a vista framing the dome of St. GATEWAY ENTRANCES Anthony Church with the skyline of downtown Beaumont. The view of the feature from MLK Parkway and Wall Street would The development of uniquely themed landscaped "gateway identity the entrance into the College Street Corridor Area. entrance areas"to mark major entrance and exit points to the area would be one of several projects which might be undertaken to It is also reconunended that a gateway entrance be created at the further the creation of a 'sense of place" for The Avenues western end of the College Street area and that it be located /College Street Area Neighborhood. It is recommended that a somewhere between Fourth Street and the S. P.railroad tracks. night lighted,seasonally landscaped feature be constructed in the Preferably a sign,planter box,or both would be placed on both median separating the east and west bound lanes of College sides of College Street. Street as it approaches MLK Parkway from the west. A series of flags might also be placed on the site so they can be easily seen A study should also be made to come up with plans for a from MLK Parkway. A committee should be formed to work landscape feature gateway entrance marker at Franklin Street. with a landscape architect to design a landscape plan for the area. r:. Potential site for landscape feature tit MLK and College Street (looking east from Victoria tit College). In the background is the skyline of �.._. downtown Beaumont and the dome of St. Anthony's Church. View of'the above site from MLK looking southwest View of potential site located at College and the 13 S.P.Railroad tracks(looking east) f POTENTIAL ZONING CHANGES THE AVENUES/COLLEGE STREET AREA NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN Some changes in the area's current zoning district from RM-H to RCR (Residential Conservation and classifications and boundaries will be needed in order to pursue Revitalization) would permit the limited commercial usage of the implementation of the land use plan presented in this residential buildings but would also allow the City to maintain document. A very generalized description of how the zoning the residential character of the structures. The RCR district might be changed is provided below. An in-depth "Re- requires special approval of the City Council for commercial, zoning Study" will be needed before a lot by lot specific retail,and service uses. Such uses would be further restricted change in zoning can be recommended. to 4,000 square feet in size and the Special Use approval process of the City Council could require that the residential The land use plan provides for two areas of low density,single character of the structures be maintained. This area is now family housing. There are no existing single family zoning within a Tax Increment Financing district (TIF) so there are districts within the entire study area. RM-H(Residential incentives available to encourage uses to develop that would Multi-Family-High Density) and RCR (Residential provide employment opportunities for area residents. Conservation / Rehabilitation) are the only two residential districts now existins within the area. A significant amount of In general,the present commercial zoning along College Street the land currently zoned RM-H and RCR should be rezoned in supports the land use proposals of this plan. In a few areas the order to protect those areas where existing single-family commercial zoning might be considered for extension a little housing has not been encroached upon by non-single-family further back from College Street. Only a small area on the uses. For example, the largely single-family area that is west north side of College Street west of the Southern Pacific of Avenue D might be changed from high density residential railroad tracks and a small area on the west side of the RM-H to RS(Single-Family Residential). Some portion of the intersection of College and MLK would need to be rezoned existing RCR district north of College might also be changed from industrial to commercial zoning. to RS. Until recently,the area north of College was in a tax increment financing district(TIF). However, the district no The development and adoption of guidelines for physical longer covers this area. Therefore,commercial uses that might development specific to the implementation of The have been developed under the RCR zoning no longer have the Avenues/ College Street Area Neighborhood plans advantages of a TIF district to encourage them to locate in the proposed in this document is recommended. Such area. Changing some of the area's RCR zoning to RS zoning guidelines should cover building setbacks,parking,signs, would appear appropriate. construction materials,lighting,and landscaping. They should be developed by a committee composed of The area located east of Avenue D between College and representatives from the residential and business Franklin Streets is currently characterized by low density community within The Avenues/College Street Area,the j residential uses. However, it also contains a significant City Planning Commission, the Historic Landmark amount of vacant lots and buildings. The land use plan Commission, and the development sector. A written j designates a mixed use area where residential and limited report should be submitted to the City Planning I commercial uses would be encouraged. Rezoning the area Commission and City Council for their action. RJIIRTH Note: This Wrap is not an official zoning Wrap of the .'Eil!f9!!ii: City of Beaumont. �`'[.'�`.• � i'v'9!IliiEEfl'.1'••• F(eiHPi ' ` 'IEIpF G ` ///�\//\J I ffiil' 'HilHi�l IGIIi I� i�!Fu�lil CURRENT ZONING LEGEND I' I RM-H(High Density Residential) RCR(Residential Revitalization&Conservation) GC-MD(�•Jeneral Conuuer'ial) MilitiH I 371981 I8'91 !E01 I :H !8191 P.IE11 M��l..9 ■ ® HI!9 I ao NC(Neighborhood Commercial) Hn HH . iaiHWH pis"m a H" it Tut]x_ ffiHa HHH i IHii " m ISITM 15TOM H! 1 181918181 IHIHI 8! ® fll�l9 8!8 HI 93® 1819HI HI &® I 91® ❑ I Hi ':NH!fli I!I! m�'i3Hfl I!'I! i�H!IHH13 !8181HlH HI 8I3 8181 I 3191 LI(Light In&utrial) °i { HH �MIN in.I 1111111 i 3191 Is 3 i !Hle!eI a i81 I r+ :I 18891 ! 3IHi'Iii!' iui8 HI(Heavy Industrial) :�• 14 THE NEXT STEP : IMPLEMENTATION THE AVENUES / COLLEGE STREET AREA NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN with the official adoption of the long-term neighborhood plan, generally up to them to insure the implementation of the the next step is the setting up of an implementation program to recommendations contained within the long-term plan for actually insure that the re-development proposals contained the area and to get implementation actions adopted by the within the long,-range plan are actually carried out. An City and put into the City's Capital improvements Improvements Request is therefore needed to begin those Program. The City's Planning Division staff can help with the initial efforts and continue those efforts in the future development of hither studies, the writing of regulatory documents,zoning changes and such administrative functions This program could be set up by the residents of the as the conduct of public forums and gathering data. neighborhood for the purpose of producing an annual improvements Request including the residents' priorities for It is also important that both private citizens and the business that year and thus provide the City Council direction in community become confident that government at all levels is improving the neighborhood. Basically, the first years of the committed to the long term revitalization of The Avenues / program should be devoted to marshaling City. neighborhood. College Street Area Neighborhood. The annual submission of and other resources that will be required to establish a strong the improvements Request by the neighborhocxl and the f6undation for the long term re-development of the area. Re- consideration of proposals within that request in the City's development efforts in years one and two must therefore set the annual capital improvements planning process will do a lot stage for the accomplishments of years three and beyond. toward instilling such confidence. Residents and business interests in The Avenues/College Street Area Neighborhood must realize that it is Implementation ol'The Avenues / College Street Area Neighborhood Plan NEIGHBORHOOD Improvements Request City PLAN Council City Council CIP N Residents Planning Div. RESULTS / PROGRESS 15 uuja pooqioau 2tiaN 0 vai-V JaajjS a2tajjo � aq sanuaA-V JAf--360_L VoLLl sex9_L 'juowne9q X09 *O'd 4" UOISIAI(] bUIUUeld jumneaq 10 40 13 ABOUT THE AVENUES COLLEGE STREET AREA NEIGHBORHOOD The geographical area to which Ihis plan is limited, is that area approxinzatelY defined as being bounded on the north bi,Fannin Street, on the west by Fourth Street, on the east by MLK Parkway and the Southern Pacific railroad tracks, and on the south bY Franklin Street. Presently, The Avenues/College Street Area is in need of'numerous physical improvelnentS resulting from the deterioration, neglect, and subsequent loss of single-family homes and small businesses. Dtie to these and other factors and an expressed desireftoln area residents and bitsiness owners to preseive and revitalize the neighborhood, the City qfBeauniont Planning Division began the process ol'creating this neighborhood plan. Furthermore, the adoption of'this neighborhood plan will amend The Avenues/College Street Area portion of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The Avenues/College Street Arect Neighborhood Plan wets adopted bY.Cit.). Council, Resolution _, o/I __ Beaumont City Council Beaumont City Planning Commission The Honorable Ma vor David W. Moore Laurie Leister, Chairman Councilwoman At-Large Becky Ames Greg E�vkeinan, Vice-Chairman Councilman At-Large Andrew P. Cokinos Glenn Bodwin Councilwoman Lulu Smith, Weird I Scilly Bundy Councilman Guy Goodson, Ward 2 Dale Hallmark Councilman John Davis, Weird 3 Carlos Hernandez Councilwomen Bobbie Patterson, Weird 4 Dohn LaBiche Bill Lucas Albert Robinson