12/09/2009 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Part I. Introduction 1.01 Executive Summary In January 2008, the Ciry began an 18-month planning process to analyzc transportarion system issues and propose options and improvemrnts in the City's mixed usc ccnter. The four phase Plan includes recommendations and altcrnarivcs for encouraging uansit usagc, creating birycle linkages, promodng pcdestrian oricntation and cnhancing the stratscape through physical improvements. Thc proposed improvements illuscrated in this report will have a positive impaa on the qualiry of life for residents in the Ciry by wnnecting residents to resoucces such as cmploymcnt, public transit, shopping, and pazks and recreation. The recommendations in this report address the residents main conccrns wu thc lack of connectivity, increasing pedestrian safery, repair and maintenance of exisitng infiastrucnue, unproving signagc, uaffic congesrion and enhancing the visual character of North Olmsted's commercial centu by ueating gateway's and increased landscaping. Not only is che project srudy arca the most dcnscly dcvclopcd area of the City, but it also serves as one of thc lazgcst wmmcrcial centers in Cuyahoga Counry and in the rcgion. Therefore, the project will also improve the economic viabiliry of business in the community by improving access to business, encouraging new development, and croating a suong visual impact and gateway to the communiry. Figure 1: Coniext A majority of this project is grant fundcd through the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agenry's (NOACA) Transportaaon fot Livable Communiries Initiative. 'Ihe srudy is approximately 693 acres in size and bordered by Lorain, Butternut Ridge and Coluenbia Roads. The study focuses on an area comprised of five (5) diversely zoned disuicts just east of the Cit'/s center considued the "hearc" of North Olmsced. In addirion to the roadways, Interstate I-480 dissects the Ciry in an east-west orirnrarion providing regional access to this area that supports a variery of building rypes from high- rise apartments and planned singlo-family communities to hotel, retail and commercial developmonts. Norch Olmsted, Ohio 1 5