streetscape city of batavia final report

8/13/2019 Streetscape City of Batavia Final Report

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Dear Residents,

There is a vision for the streets of downtown Batavia.

The City of Batavia Downtown Streetscape Framework Plan sets out a vision for the future of Downtown Batavia

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development.

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the future downtown Batavia a reality.

Sincerely,

Mayor

J S

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CityofBataviaStreetscapeMasterPlan

LETTERFROMTHEMAYOR


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Letter from the Mayor

Table of Contents

Project Sponsors

Project OverviewOverview of a Master Plan

Historic Timeline

Overview of Downtown Batavia Today

How We Studied Downtown Batavia

Downtown Districts

D 1: B A

D 2: H S + N. W S + I A

District 3: River Street

D 4: W S

D 5: S. W S + F S + S A

Design Guidelines

Site Elements + Dimensions M P

Appendix: Block by Block Plan Details

D 1: B A

D 2: H S + N. W S + I A

District 3: River Street

D 4: W S

D 5: S. W S + M S + S A

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5 6

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CITY COUNCIL

J S, M

ALDERMEN:

H Wz, C C

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Dave Brown, Chair

THE DOWNTOWN STREETSCAPE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

CITY ADMINISTRATION

A B

.

CONSULTANT TEAM

ALTAMANU, INC.J M.P. B, ASLA, RLA- P

J M M B.S. ARCH, ASLA- P

M J, LEED AP

J A

Sean McKay

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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D Cz

Susan Stark

L T A

Lisa Clark

Dave Brown

M F. OB

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J J

Jim Volk

Eldon Frydendall

Robert Liva

Dawn Tenuta

Joi Cuartero

Chris Hermann

G Z

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Doris Sherer

Carrie SeboldD A

Francine Popeck

Mike Evans,

Forrest Nelson,

M OB,

Dawn Tenuta,

C N

B MKG O

A W, V C

Lisa Clark

L T A

G S

D Cz

Susan Stark

B MG, C A

Jerry Swanson, Community Development Director

G H, P W D

J S, P Z O

N Bq, C E

Plan Commissioner

H P C

A

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PROJECTSPONSORS


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"If we can develop and design streets so that they are wonderful, fullling places to be community-building

places, aracve for all people then we will have successfully designed about one-third of the city directly and

will have had an immense impact on the rest. -A J

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important process.

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PROJECT OVERVIEW

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D S

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of a street. This consists of all aspects of the visual environment , , ,

the elements that make up the visual environment and their

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include:

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3. Street furniture

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7. Public art

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economic redevelopment.

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must also take into account the most vulnerable memb

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Streets as Barriers

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ensure predestrian safety.

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Help create the climate for redevelopment in our

downtown

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Make downtown Batavia a safer place to be for all the users

of our streets

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Provide safe crosswalks on all of our streets

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network

Complete and improve our pedestrian sidewalk network

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the river

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enforcement

Respect all the users of our streets

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STREETSCAPE

FRAMEWORKPLAN


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the urban form of the streetscape.

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emphasis of the street needs to be directed toward

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maintained, and will be well used and a source of pride

people.

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Streets Safe

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sidewalk network is complete and accessible for all. There should

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a local community and we will have to consider alternates such

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to do so.

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the economic and social health of our community.

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1830 1840 1850 1860 1870 1880 1890 1900 1910

Train networks introduced

to regionCity becomes peaceful

refugefor setling black

community

1833 City of Chicago

Incorporated

1833 City of Batavia

founded by ChristopherPayne

Oldest city in Kane County 1854- Newton Wagonsincorporated

1871- Stone quarry

used to rebuild Chicago

following great fire

1890-The Appleton, TheChallenge,

and the U.S. Wind Engine and Pump

Company makeBataviathe

windmill capital of the worldProducon Supplies to Chicago

FLOUR

ICE

LUMBER

NIAGRA LIMESTONE

1872: major producon ends with warehouse fire

Mary Todd Lincoln commied to

Bellview Place Psychiatric Hospital

1872- Shumway and Sons Foundry

begins supplying metal

to reconstruct Chicago

First automobile introduced

to region

1837 First Wilson Street

bridge constructed

1911 Second Wilson Street

bridge constructed

CITY of BATAVIA : A GROWING COMMUNITY

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CityofBata


HISTOR

ICALTIMELINE


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Populaon Growth

1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

Batavia Metal Products supply

vital armements for WWII

Exisng warehouses become

industrial complex contribung

to space exploraon

1968- Fermi Naonal Accelorator

Construcon begins

1920s-30s producon ends with advent of refridgeraon

1920: producon ends with donaon of quarry land to township park board

1850 : Populaton reac

1960 : Populaton reac1970 : Populaton reac





3000

6000

15000

21000

9000

12000

18000

24000

Fermi Naonal Accelorator announces

successful push of protons to nearly the

speed of light with a new atom smasher

of revoluonary design

Congressional Representave Dennis

Hastert is elected speaker of the House


2007 Present Wilson Street

bridge constructed

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further reduced the visual cohesion of the downtown. Further

development is welcomed but that development should help

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residents and visitors alike to use the downtown and be more

involved in the community.

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and a desire to see it revive.

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between the built and natural environment of our city.

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at the very center of our city: the River and Riverwalk and the

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However, it also became evident that these features are

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direct a visitor to our historic downtown.

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Kirk Road the water tower close to Fabyan Parkway will draw

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Randall Road, the approach to downtown Batavia is subdued.

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System.

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materials and downtown events.

The history of downtown Batavia will also be in

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CityofBata


BATAVIATODAY


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downtown.

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downtown.

To support and direct people to historical and cultural sites.

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Process

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private partnership between the City and local residents and

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11A.

11B.

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STREETSCAPE FRAMEWORK PLAN PROCESS

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1ST STREET

MAIN STREET

WILSON STREET

HOUSTON STREETSTATE STREET

WEBSTER STREET

ADAMS STREET

LAUREL STREET

WATERSTREET

BATAVIAAVENUE

ISLANDAVENUE

SHUMWAYAVENUE

RIVERSTREET

VANB

URENS

TREE

T

PRAIRIESTREET

LINCOLNS

TREET

WASHIN

GTONAVENUE

SPRING STREET

FRANKLIN STREET

MADISON STREET

CHUR

CHST

REET

Districts Divided by Character

DISTRICT 1: B A

DISTRICT 2: H S, N

W S, N I A,

City Hall, and the River

DISTRICT 3: R S R

DISTRICT 4: W S

DISTRICT 5: S W S, 1st

S, S A

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were considered.

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these districts could be studied in turn and rec

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District and the downtown as a whole. 13A.

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BATAVIAA

VENUE

HOUSTON STREET

WEST WILSON STREET

1ST STREET

MAIN STREET

District 1: Batavia Avenue

T A / R 31 A O

E C:

Senior residents of Batavia have a very tender spot in their hearts

B A T A . T

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sums it up in this way:

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F V R . H R 25 31

/

, -City of Batavia

Comprehensive Plan

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. --City of Batavia Comprehensive

Plan

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,

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take more care and to slow down.

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and the library can be displayed as important visual e

each of these spaces.

Spaces however must be enclosed or have boundaz

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do not provide a safe environment for pedestrians. C

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District Overview

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DISTRICT1:BataviaAvenue


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PROPOSEDEXISTING

HOUSTON STREET

WILSON STREET

1ST STREET

MAIN STREET

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as the southern entry point to the downtown district.

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to indicate the presence of pedestrians and to improve safety. Plant more street trees on the east side to provide

A.

HOUSTON

WILSON ST

1ST STREET

MAIN STRE

District Opportunities

P- I M S B A

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CityofBat

aviaStreetscapeMasterPlan



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PROPOSEDEXISTING

HOUSTON STREET

WILSON STREET

1ST STREET

MAIN STREET

HOUSTON

WILSON ST

1ST STREET

MAIN STRE

District Oppor

P- M S F S

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PROPOSEDEXISTING

HOUSTON STREET

WILSON STREET

1ST STREET

MAIN STREET

HOUSTON

WILSON ST

1ST STREET

MAIN STRE

P- F S W S


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T A W S. T L

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A . C z N

B. A

N E . A

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PROPOSEDEXISTING

HOUSTON STREET

WILSON STREET

1ST STREET

MAIN STREET

HOUSTON S

WILSON ST

1ST STREET

MAIN STRE

P- I W S B A

District Oppor

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PROPOSEDEXISTING

HOUSTON STREET

WILSON STREET

1ST STREET

MAIN STREET

HOUSTON

WILSON ST

1ST STREET

MAIN STRE

C . A . T C

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/ . R

. A . A

. A /

. A S E

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P- I H S B A


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DISTRICT

1:BataviaAvenue


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WATER

STREET

HOUSTON STREET

WEST WILSON STREET

NORTHIS

LANDAVENUE

District 2: Houston, Water, North Island

An Overview of Exisng Condions:

This District sll manages to convey some the great charm and

appeal of downtown, despite current issues of missing sidewalks,

large areas of hardscape, and a lack of street trees. The history

of Batavia and its river valley seng are on display. There are

wonderful views of the Depot Pond, the quiet treasure of the

Depot Museum, the hidden beauty of the River Walk, the nearchitecture of City Hall, and the River itself, all enclosed within

the tree covered banks of the Fox Valley. The area is already

tremendously popular because of these features and because of

its use for fesvals and special events. Cyclists cross this District

travelling from one side of the valley to the other, however on a

day to day basis there are few pedestrian users and its primary

funcon is an auto corridor and trac bypass. The potenal of

this area is extraordinary and the foundaon for future success

is already present. It is an area that needs to be encouraged to

unfold and one where its features need to be communicated to

a wider audience.

The intersecon of Houston Street and Batavia Avenue is the

start of an important entryway into downtown Batavia. It is the

beginning of a journey that can create a strong unifying system

across the northern secon of downtown. It can be a route for

visitors and more importantly for residents, from both sides

of the river to access the downtown. Houston Street has thepotenal to be a spectacular entry to downtown and maybe

more importantly it can be the spine that links our downtown

together in a parallel but more inmate way than Wilson Street.

Residents stated that they used Houston Street as an alternate

way to go downtown by both car and on foot. However, residents

also stated that they frequently felt in danger from speeding

trac trying to bye pass trac on Wilson Street. The skewed

intersecon with South Water Street has poor sight lines making

it dicult to see approaching trac. People speed down the

hill and do not slow down for intersecons, a resident said at

a community meeng. Many residents stated they would use

Houston Street more as pedestrians and cyclists if it was safer.

The District currently lacks pedestrian friendly spaces. Secons

of sidewalk are missing or have been removed to make way

for infrequently used right hand turns or replaced by almost

connuous curb cuts to the more than ample parking lots. The

overall lack of trees makes for a barren and unpleasant pedestrianexperience as well as an increased urban heat island eect. A

resident called the street arid due to this lack of street trees.

District 2 - Overall Recommendaons

Houston Street has the potenal to be a spectacula

downtown and maybe more importantly it can be the g

that links the downtown together in a parallel but mo

way than Wilson Street. It can be a route for visito

residents, from both sides of the river to access the

and the many amenies that we should do more toA community prospers when there is connecvity an

Street can link residents on the West Side across The

the Pond and Batavias Civic Center, the Plaza, and acro

by way of the Peace Bridge to the proposed East Side Ri

It can be made safer and more pedestrian and bike frie

way for visitors and residents to access many of great n

civic features of downtown.

Many of the obstacles in the District that restrict use by p

and cyclists can be eliminated. Compleon of the sidewa

throughout the District should be a priority. Intersec

be treated as spaces with bump outs and colored cro

safer pedestrian use. We have so many races and ev

(this area) is a focal point of the downtown. We shou

safer and friendlier, a resident stated. The zoning co

calls for buildings to be constructed up to and along th

line but while we await redevelopment, property own

be encouraged to add boundary walls, railings, and plhold the street edge. B oth City and business must wo

to improve our downtown. Street trees in grates wil

environment and reduce the feeling of open arid hard

dominates the District. They can be used to frame vi

Pond and to City Hall, the Plaza and the River.

Important intersecons such as North Island Avenue an

Street should be emphasized with colored pedestrian

gateway features. The intersecon of North Island A

Wilson Street should be marked as a gateway to City H

Civic Center of the City. When redevelo pment does o

and direct access to the river should be made majo

Property owners stated that there is a real safety

North Island Avenue today; sidewalks should be expan

possible and they called for bump-outs, saying that the

for visibility and will slow people (trac) down.

District Overview

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CityofBa

taviaStreetscapeMasterPlan

DISTRICT2:HoustonSt.andWaterSt.andNorthIsland

Exisng Condions


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HOUSTON STREET

WEST WILSON STREET

NORTHISLAN

DAVENUE

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1

6

2

5

4

1

6

2

5

3

Exisng Condions

1.Houston Street from The Avenue

to Water Street

The slope down from the Avenue is excessive

and all the more reason to provide a safe

pedestrian environment. There is no sidewalk

on the north side of the street between Batavia

Avenue and Water Street. The space that could

be used for a sidewalk has been devoted to a

right hand turn onto The Avenue. The sidewalks

on the south side are narrow and have no street

trees. The retaining walls used on both sides of

the street are praccal but unexceponal and

there is a missed opportunity to express thelocal tradion of the use of cut stone.

2.The Intersecon with Water Street

Water Street currently funcons more as a

parking lot than a street. The internal parking

lot spaces bleed out onto the streetscape and

sidewalk leaving the street edge and pedestrian

space largely undened. It used to be a train line

and evolved as a parking lot, said an aendee

at a community meeng. The intersecon with

Houston is skewed and residents stated it is

dicult to see trac coming down the hill. The

parking lot on the SW corner is unsightly and

does not meet code. Many ulity boxes mar theentryway to the Depot Museum and signage for

local aracons is undersized or missing.

3.Depot Pond frontage along H

Views to this wonderful feature from

are limited by the change in grade

dents stated that cyclists travel at

the sidewalks. The street frontage

south side lacks any denion. Some

sidewalk are missing in part and larg

to the more than ample parking lot

the remainder. The arid treeless e

discourages pedestrian use.

4.The Intersecon with North Island Avenue

and Houston Street

This intersecon has many funcons as it is part of the streets

it joins, an entry to City Hall, and a connuaon of City Hall

Plaza. Residents said that this intersecon can be dangerous

as pedestrians and cyclists travel to and from the Peace Bridgewhile cars speed around the corner from Houston to North Island

Avenue.

5.City Hall Plaza

Residents said that the Plaza is hot in the summer and rarely used. We use it for special events but

it was like standing in a frying pan this summer, said a resident. Jim Eby, of Batavia Park District

reminded residents at the community meengs that this space had been transformed by the Park

District from a parking lot into a plaza. There are no trees because the bedrock is only 18 down and

the planngs were selected because of this. Currently volunteer trees block views to the river andthe layout of walls within the plaza that are a representaon of a windmill in plan, block the easy

progress of pedestrians and the many cyclists that use the Peace Bridge as an important connecon

in the overall area trail system.

6.North Island Avenue

North Island Avenue is largely dened by the strip commercial development

sides of the street. The lack of street trees and the parking lots bordering the

result in an undened streetscape edge unsuitable for a street serving as an en

the Citys Civic Center. D evelopments along the east side of the street, includin

plaza in front of City Hall close-o access to the river, arguably the Citys greatesfuture development along the corridor should embrace the river and incorpora

and public space along its banks. The intersecon of Wilson and North Islan

important visually as it can be seen from far away on the east side of the City. The

zone at this intersecon is shared with bikes and cluered by ulies. There is

for meeng, waing, and interacon with other community members.

Exisng Condi

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Improve the safety and experience for pedestrians. Narrow driving lanes to 11. Add a

to the north side of the street and expand the narrow sidewalk on the south side. Ad

trees in grates where possible. The City should encourage property owners to use a f

to cast in place retaining walls that will create a stone like look reminiscent of the use o

stone; an opportunity to express the local tradion of the use of cut stone.

PROPOSEDEXISTING

WEST WILSON STREET

Proposed- Houston Street from The Avenue to Water Street

NORTHISLANDAVEN

UE

HOUSTON STREETHOUSTON STREET

WEST WILSON STREET


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CityofBa

taviaStreetscapeMasterPlan

DISTRICT

2:HoustonStreet


25/85

Reshape the geometry of this intersecon to i

sight lines. Add bump-outs to allow gatherin

for pedestrians. Add colored crosswalks to ithe presence of pedestrians.

Bring adjacent parking lots up to code. El

entry drives from the intersecon. The appro

the Depot Museum should be improved and

grouped or buered by planng. Improve sign

the River Trail system. It should direct users of t

and also warn motorists of their presence.

Proposed- The Intersection with Water Street

PROPOSEDEXISTING

HOUSTON STREET

NORTHISLANDAVENUE

WEST WILSON STREET NORTHWATERSTREET

District Oppor

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Complete the sidewalk network along Wat

and prevent parking across the sidewalks a

pedestrian way. Reduce driving lanes to 11

sidewalk where possible. Add trees in gr

dierenate the public pedestrian way from th

parking lots. Group curb cuts and create s

and exit drives from adjacent parking lots. Re

the parking lot on the west side of the street

intersecon with Wilson. Change to angledAdd an ornamental fence and landscape bu

resulng space along the street edge. Examin

for retaining parallel street parking. Add minor

to NW corner or intersecon with West Wilso

PROPOSEDEXISTING

HOUSTON STREET

WEST WILSON STREET

NORTHISLANDAVEN

UE

Proposed- Water Street

HOUSTON STREET

BATAVIAAVENUE

NORTHISLANDAVEN

UE


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DISTRIC

T2:WaterStreet


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PROPOSEDEXISTING

WEST WILSON STREET

NORTHISLANDAVEN

UEHOUSTON STREET

Proposed- Houston Street from Water to Island Avenue

BATAVIAAVENUE

NORTHWATERSTREET

Intersection of Houston and North Island Avenue looking south

Add street trees and use trees to separate bikes and pedestrian ways. Plant trees in lines to frame view

water. Consider this a prominent locaon for public art. Separate the bike path from the pedestrian w

trees in grates and dene each path with dierent paving materials. Add planted parking islands every 10 spaces along north side of street. Add bump-outs and colored cross walks to mark the intersecons as s

Complete the sidewalk network along the south side. Group curb cuts and create safe entry and exit driv

adjacent parking lots. Widen the sidewalk and add street trees in grates on the south side of the street.

District Oppor

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PROPOSEDEXISTING

HOUSTON STREET

NORTHISLANDAVENUE

WEST WILSON STREET

Proposed- City Hall Plaza

BATAVIAAVENUE

NORTHWATERSTREET

The overall experience along Houston should direct users aenon and frame views to City Hall, the Plaof the river at the streets eastern terminus. Though the trees that have grown between the plaza and th

provide potenal precious animal habitat, residents wished to open the plaza u p to the river and provid

access to the water. Residents felt that the view across the river and the ability to walk along its bank

crical. The habitat to the north of City Hall should connue to be protected. It should remain a ped

zone with no bike trac at all, so the birds are not disturbed, said a resident. Consider the vi ew corridor

and along the river and provide elements across the river to draw peoples aenon and begin to merge t

sides of the City together.

The Plaza should be made more inving with colorful shade structures and seang. It should become a r

for cyclists and pedestrians. Signage should be improved as this is a crical fulcrum point in the River W

trail systems. Its like the OHare for cyclists today, said one resident. Consider an informaonal kio

general informaon on the area, the river, and the trail systems. Design the space for mulple uses in

special events. When redevelopment occurs build to the lot line along the southern edge to enclose par

space, but ensure that the view corridor from the North Island and Wilson Street intersecon remain

to City Hall. Consider the potenal for a concession to serve the many users of the trail. Separate the bpedestrian trac and remove obstacles from the path system. Make this a central public space that will b

from which and to which paths extend; a Plaza in the heart of the Civic Center of the City.

District Oppor

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PROPOSEDEXISTING

HOUSTON STREET

WEST WILSON STREET

Proposed- North Island Avenue

BATAVIA

AVENUE

NORTHW

ATERSTREET

Narrow driving lanes to 11 feet to allow for in

sidewalk width. Work with property owners

sides to modify the parking lots so that a labuer and ornamental fence can be add

bump outs to provide spaces for pedestrian

slow trac. Add street trees in grates to so

environment. When redevelopment occur

visual and physical access to the river priori

intersecon of Wilson and North Island Av

important visually as it can be seen from f

on the east side of the City. The pedestrian

this intersecon is shared with bikes and clu

ulies. Add bump outs to provide space for m

waing, and interacon with other com

members.

Remove or relocate obstacles and above

ulies in the pedestrian right-of-way. Addcrosswalks at the intersecon and gateway e

to announce this as the entryway to the Civic


30

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ataviaStreetscapeMasterPlan

DISTRIC

T2:NorthIsland


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31

District 3: River StreetIntersecon with Wilson Street


32/85

RIVERS

TREET

WEBSTER STREET

COLUMBIASTREET

EAST STATE STREET

EAST WILSON STREET


River Street within the study area has dierent character zones.

Its character changes from urban near the intersecon with

Wilson Street to residenal and suburban as we travel to the

north or south away from downtown.

Urban Zone

The urban heart of River Street and the most acve is the block

just north of the intersecon with Wilson Street. It has a high

concentraon of historic buildings, the majority occupied by

businesses and restaurants. These buildings are primarily built

directly along the edge of the street creang a sense of enclosure

which is lacking in other districts. Where buildings are set back

low brick walls and trees hold the street edge. The use of stone orbrick in the historic facades and brick pavers adds to the warmth

of the built environment of this secon of the street. The sense

of enclosure is further enhanced by the scale of some of the

buildings reaching three stories on the east side and the closing

of the southern vista by the elegant neo-classical faade of the

historic bank building. The street and the area in general is served

by a municipal parking structure and large surface lot at State

Street. North of the State Street intersecon the character of the

street and the land use begins to change.

There is great potenal for redevelopment in this secon of the

street. Its obvious charm and its locaon between Wilson Street

and the Bridge to the south and the Peace Bridge to the north

make the potenal of this stretch of River Street intriguing.

There are issues to be addressed, however. Within just this one

block there is a surprising mixture of materials. There are bricks

used as pavers are now weathered into poor condion, concretepavers, and plain concrete sidewalks. The diversity of materials

and street furniture creates a visual discordance that needs to be

addressed. There are few street trees and residents stated that

the street, though pleasant and quiet, can become very hot in

summer. There are serious issues with grade changes including

the terminaon of the sidewalk directly into a stairs to a basement

level on the northeast corner of the Wilson intersecon.

North of State Street

The land use changes north of the State Street Intersecon. The

east side of the street takes on a pleasant residenal character

even though many of the buildings now host commercial oces.

The Peace Bridge approach is wedged between a restaurant and

a retaining wall to the industrial site of the North. This creates a

safety issue as cyclists oen approach the bridge at speeds unable

to see and react away from pedestrian and other bike trac. The

City has installed a convex mirror to try to alleviate this problem

but more permanent soluon is needed.

North of the Peace Bridge the street edge begins to disintegrate.

There is no recognizable sidewalk in front of the Larson-Becker

property and the building is a reminder of the districts industrial

past. The west side also lacks shade trees. There are many

elongated curb cuts interrupng the sidewalk that also doubles

its funcon as part of the Fox River Trail.

Beauful historic buildings already anchor 3 corne

intersecon and create a natural locaon for a gateway

Street. The South East corner is a development site. Th

are narrow and trac along Washington Street/Route

around this corner creang a disturbing interjecon. Scu

the corner are aracve and provide local character, but

to be of greater scale to make an impression on passin

South of the Wilson Street Intersecon

The block directly south of the intersecon acts as a tran

the downtown urban commercial feel of Wilson to the

neighborhoods to the south. There is a very large par

the west side of the street. It is unsightly and though it l

river it also provides unwelcome views to a ulity towe

river walk. The entry across the pedestrian way is oveinterrupts the pedestrian way.

River Street - Overall RecommendaonsThere is a proposal to designate a secon of River S

special River District using the block between Wilso

Peace Bridge as its primary core.

Why a River District? The name River District suggests

of an area of individual charm where residents and v

will be drawn. We are drawn to themes that oer

assuredness, identy, and connuity. This area has a v

character, historic architecture, sense of human

adjacency to the river. There is already the basis of a

row and residents and visitors already come to the area t

to be entertained. We like dened spaces and the bloc

Wilson and the Peace Bridge has that sense of enclos

of the buildings on the west side open up to the river a

increase this link to the river.

Currently there are restricted views to the river but

proposals to link the street to the river by way of a p

This park could be in many locaons; however, if it can

from the Wilson Avenue Bridge and the Peace Bridge,

exposure would aid redevelopment. Residents imagine

taking place downtown and various aracons and s

by the bridges with a new park opening out onto the

River Street. This park would aract restaurants that c

use of the borrowed open space and views. The ope

river side building wall would also allow new developm

to the east with views to the river. If we can open u

side in a similar way, we would create an outdoor roo

the bridges, focused on the river with connuous river

joining together a series of green spaces in the long t

spaces opening onto the river could stch downtown

river. The potenal mix of historic buildings, parks anseems to inspire condence that this area of the City c

impetus for a downtown revival. A resident said at a c

meeng concerning the woonerf, We would then

icon; a compelling reason to come to downtown that

everyone, and somethin g unique to put Batavia on the

lived down on River Street for 22 years. There has bee

on the Challenge project.District Overview

32

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DISTRICT3:RiverStreet


33/85


34/85

Proposed- River Street; North of State Street Intersection

PROPEXISTING

COLUMBIA STREET

EAST STATE STREET

EAST WILSON STREET

RIVERS

TREET

COLUMBIA STREET

EAST STATE STREET

EAST WILSON STREET

FRANKLINSTREET


34

CityofB



Improve the pedestrian and trail system to draw

redevelopment north toward the Challenge property.

Improve the approach to the Peace Bridge by adding

a plaza for orientaon. At a minimum, remove part of

the retaining wall to the north of the approach and

replace with railings to improve sight lines. Add ramps

from the bridge down to a connuaon of the river

trail. Complete the sidewalk network to the north.

Narrow the through lanes slightly north of Columbia

Street to create more space for a wider shared use

path. Add street trees and encourage property ownersto add trees to their property to create an alle or

double row of trees. Group exisng driveways and

narrow to 24 openings along the western edge of the

street. Eliminate overhead ulies in the long-term; it

is very expensive and it will have to occur slowly as the

area redevelops. A long me resident of River Street

said We need something out in front; there are no

curbs, (it is) all gravel and asphalt, something can be

done to it to make it look beer. It could be greened

up, soen up.


35/85

Add a speed table to reduce speed and add color to the intersecon and a gateway arch. These elements would

mark the intersecon as the entry to the district and slow down trac. Great care must be taken with grading

and drainage as State Street approaches River Street at a very steep grade.

Proposed- Intersection with State Street

PROPEXISTING

RIVERS

TREET

COLUMBIASTREET

EAST WILSON STREET

RIVERS

TREET

COLUMBIASTREET

EAST WILSON STREET

District Oppor

35


36/85

Unify paving treatments, street furniture, and street lights. Address

grading, access, and ADA issues. Add trac bump outs and street trees in

grates. Future development should have views and connecons to the park

and the river.

The development of this secon of River Street as a Woonerf

The redevelopment of this block of River Street as a curbless Woonerf

was discussed. What is a Woonerf? A woonerf is a common term in

Dutch trac code restricng motorized trac to walking pace such that

pedestrians and cyclists share the street with motorists. The techniques

of shared spaces, trac calming, and low speed limits are used and are

intended to improve pedestrian, bicycle, and a utomobile safety. By specicdesign intervenons, cars have to slow down. It is treated as a single public

space that is shared with respect for all users. Jogs in road alignment can

further slow down trac. Residents were intrigued by this concept. If

developed in associaon with a new park, the creaon of a woonerf would

draw regional aenon to River Street; the exibility to close for special

events provides a seng for fesvals and special events and could add

impetus to redevelopment.

PROPEXISTING

Woonerf Brighton England by Gehl Architects

EAST WILSON STREET

COLUMBIA STREET

RIVERS

TREET

EAST WILSON STREET

EAST STATE ST

COLUMBIA STREET

RIVERS

TREET

Proposed- River Street; Wilson to State Street


36




37/85

Beauful historic buildings frame the intersecon but we will need to draw aenon to the entryway to the new

River District to the north. Add a gateway arch to the northern entry to River Street announcing a unique area of

the City. This gateway could be historic or contemporary. It would mark the intersecon as the entry to a special

place. It could be complimented with a similar arch at the State Street intersecon further dening the area. Add

bump outs to expand the narrow sidewalks, provide pedestrian gathering spaces, shorten crossing distances,

and provide space for sidewalk cafs. This is the locaon of an historic event when Charles Lindberg, the famous

aviator, ew over the City and dropped autographed photos of himself over the intersecon. Add a plaque or an

informaonal kiosk to commemorate the occasion.

Proposed- The Intersection of Wilson and River Street

PROPEXISTING

COLUMBIA STREET

EAST STATE STREET

RIVERS

TREET

EAST WILSON STREET

COLUMBIA STREET

EAST STATE STREET

RIVERS

TREET

EAST WILSON STREET

District Oppor

37


38/85

Opportunity- South River Street


38


Add a gateway element and plaza to the southwest corner of

Wilson Street to allow space for pedestrians to step away from

trac. This element was discussed and many suggesons made

by community members. One resident suggested a water feature

that made use of the slope located on the southeast corner. It

could appear as if it were arising out of the slope itself. On the

west side, add street trees in grates for the rst 130 of River Street

south of the intersecon. Narrow the entry to the parking lot and

add entry features as well as a landscape buer.

PROPEXISTING

RIVERS

TREET

COLUMBIA STREET

EAST STATE STREET

EAST WILSON STREET

DISTRI

CT3:RiverStreet

RIVERS

TREET

COLUMBIA STREET

EAST STATE STREET

EAST WILSON STREET


39/85

39

REET

EET

AVENUE


40/85

PRAIRIESTREET

WASHINGTONST

RIVERSTREET

VANBURENSTRE

NORTHISLANDA

WATERSTREET

BATAVIAAVENUE

District 4: Wilson Street


Wilson Street is the main east-west thoroughfare

through downtown Batavia. The Wilson Street

Bridge is also the only vehicular river crossing in the

downtown and has been since the rst bridge was

constructed in 1837. The locaon of the bridge ensures

that Wilson Street will connue to handle large trac

volumes even if another bridge is constructed in the

downtown. It ha s been referred to as the Spine of the

City as it links together the road network of the areaon both sides of the river, from Kirk to Randall Road.

It also links neighborhoods to the downtown and joins

together a series of diering urban environments

within the downtown itself.

We discussed at community meengs how a journey

through a town is like reading a novel in 3 dimensions:

It can be wonderful or dull and it is from this street

that most people will get their impression of the

downtown. Therefore the appearance of the street

environment, in all its various su b-zones, is crical for

future redevelopment.

The character of the street varies greatly as it

progresses across the river valley, fortunately, we have

the foundaon for a truly great street. The spaces

and buildings along its length chronicle the history

of the town. It passes through contemporary and

historic districts punctuated by the elegant facades of

churches, banks, and civic buildings. It has dramac

changes in topography and from the heights it provides

distant views of church spires emerging from the tree

covered blus. At the river crossing, views open up to

the dam to the north and to Clark Island to the south.

The recently completed and award-winning bridge

redesign as well as the blocks just east and west of the

river are ne examples of how to create a streetscape

that is both automove and pedestrian friendly with

good enclosure from surrounding buildings, many

of which have historical signicance. The addion of

street trees, midblock pedestrian crossings, a

made public sculpture all help create a un

diverse experience that should serve as a jum

point for the rest of the corridor developmen

Though there are gaps in the buil ding fabric and

of the street where recent development

less than sensive to its character, Wilson S

extraordinary strengths. By joining its unique sp

buildings together with an inving streetscap

have a dignied, appealing, and hopefully ca

thoroughfare in the center of our downtown.

District Overview

40

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Wilson Street Overall Recommendaons

Wilson Street is the main thoroughfare into and through

our downtown. It funnels trac across the river and

provides a great opportunity to display downtown

Batavia in its best light. It acts as a collector as it

intersects with state routes and local roads. We wish

to create welcoming entryways at major intersecons,

marking them as gateways into our community and

downtown. These gateways will have mulple funcons:

they will announce our downtown and display its unique

character, indicate to drivers that they are entering a

community not just a connecon between two state

routes, and by drawing drivers aenon, they can help

advise drivers of the potenal presence of pedestrians

and cyclists. Bump outs will reduce crossing distances

for pedestrians and colored crosswalks will clearly

demarcate safe crossings. When accompanied by

suitable signage, we hope that we can engender

respect for all users of our streets and help us all see

that our roads have many funcons. There are secons

of the street where the sidewalks have connuous

curb cuts that are useful for vehicular access but do

not provide a safe environment for pedestrians. Curb

cuts do not have to totally eliminated, but can be

grouped to reduce potenal barriers for pedestrians

and increase their safety.

Joining the pieces together

We wish to develop Wilson Street as a procession way

through our downtown; kning together the various

spaces and signicant buildings along its length. To

do so, we have to create a sense of enclosure that

some secons of the street no longer possess. We

can reestablish the street edge with streetscape

treatments and by adding walls, railings, and landscape

buers where today there are open parking lots. We

can enhance signicant buildings by adding public

space and creang appropriate sengs such as the

plaza suggested in front of the East Side Community

Center and at the Bapst Church at Washington

Avenue. We can make beer use of the public facilies

we have, for example, opening up the library groundsto Wilson Street and making the open space visible.

By creang recognizable spaces we can emphasize the

local character of the street and divide the street into

idenable walkable secons.District O

41

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ONSTREET

REET

ENSTREET

DAVENUE

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AV

ENUE


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PRAIRIES

WASHINGTO

RIVERSTR

VANBURE

NORTHISLAND

WATERSTR

BATAVIAA

1

2

3456

1. Aer a long approach from Kirk Road the downtown proper b

the intersecon with Prairie Street. Wilson Street jogs revealing view

exisng strip shopping center and rail crossing. The north side of the

characterized by historic residenal buildings many of which are being co

to commercial use and the street is lined by large mature trees. The

planted new trees on the south side but they are sll immature. The so

of the street is dominated by strip commercial developments and large

lots. The buildings on the south side are set back from the street and t

large parking lots, displaying none of the charm and individuality or c

of the tradional downtown. This is a primary locaon for a major g

into the downtown. This stretch funcons as a transion to downtow

itself transioning to a more commercial oriented urban character tha

reected in the streetscape treatment

2. The street edge connues to deteriorate on the south side clos

Buren Street with large parking lots with no discernable street edge.

3. The rst of the historic churches, now the East Side Community

Center, graces the NE corner of Van Buren and Wilson Street. Its spire

and warm stone faade is a major visual event along the street and

a reminder of how Wilson Street and downtown Batavia could be

presented to the visitor.

4. The intersecon of Washington Street and Wilson Street is

one of the main entryways into the downtown from the north. It is

heavily tracked and residents stated at community meengs that

they felt unsafe crossing this intersecon. Part of the reason for this

is that it acts as a staggered intersecon along with South River Street

creang a complex trac paern. Unlike River Street where the vista

terminaon to the south is the stone faade of an historic bank, the

visual terminaon of Washington Street on Wilson is a gas staon that

presents almost no edge to the street. There is no indicaon that a

visitor is entering a community downtown. However, the First BapstChurchholds the prominent NW corner of the intersecon creang the

next major visual event along the Street. The block on the north side of

the street between Washington and River Street has great potenal for

redevelopment.

5. Elegant historic buildings frame the intersecon with River Street, forming a major node that

should be enhanced. Their scale, the texture of the materials used and their historic character add to the

complexity of this view. This is also a busy intersecon as it forms a staggered intersecon with Wilson

Street. The turning radii at the corners of the intersecon are large to accommodate turning truck trac

with a corresponding discomforng eect on the pedestrian environment. The site on the SE corner

of the intersecon is open and awaits redevelopment. A temporary installaon of sculpture adds visual

interest and an edge to the site.

6. Historic buildings line both sides of the street as we approach the new bridge and the river.

Improvements made by the City along with the construcon of the new bridge have given this block a very

unique character within the downtown. The two and three story building heights as well as the connuous

building edge create a sense of enclosure and a true feeling of a downtown signicance. The recently

completed and award-winning bridge redesign and the streetscape treatment of the blocks directly to

the east and west of the river are a ne example of how to create a streetscape that is both automove

and pedestrian friendly. These blocks have good enclosure from surrounding buildings, many which hold

historical signicance. They are lined with street trees and have midblock pedestrian crossings and locallymade public sculpture that together create a unique and diverse experience.

Existing Conditions- Approaching From the East


42

Cityof


DISTRIC

T4:WilsonStreet

ONSTREET

REET

ENSTREET

DAVENUE

TREET

AVENUE

RAIRIES

TREET


43/85

images for reference/ not final placement

Gateway at the Prairie Street intersecon

Develop this intersecon as a major

into downtown. Add signage welcoming

to downtown. The turn of Wilson Street

intersecon can be seen from a long distance

a vista terminaon that can be used as a sta

sculptural element that will aract the ae

drivers and announce the downtown. Curr

most prominent element is the signage for

mall on the south side. Gateway elements can

without detracng from commercial signag

elements will signal this as the eastern entry

the downtown district. Add low walls or d

fences to adjacent properes at the interse

enclose the space. Add colored crosswalks a

outs to indicate the presence of pedestrian

improve safety. Examine the potenal to na

exing lanes to the accepted norm of 11 with 8

parking to provide more space for the p

environment, however, Wilson Street shoul

free and clear where access for emergency v

crical. Invesgate the potenal of adding pl

the triangular island of open space currently

by the rail lines. Upgrade street lighng and i

pedestrian scaled lighng to create a more

seng.

EXISTING

WASHINGTO

RIVERSTR

VANBURE

NORTHISLAN

WATERST

BATAVIAA PR

A

Existing Co

Proposed- Prairie Street Intersection

43

TONSTREET

TREET

RENSTREET

NDAVENUE

TREET

AVENUE

PRAIRIESTREET


44/85

A landscaped edge to commercial strip

The street edge has been eroded on the south side

of the street. Where properes are set back from

the building line and there are large ill-dened

parking lots add low walls, a landscape buer and/

or an ornamental fence to enclose the street edge.

Delineate entryways with entry columns. In the long

term, reduce and improve the commercial signage.

Add pedestrian scale lighng and trees in grates to

create a more conducive environment for pedestrians.

PROPOSED

WASHINGT

RIVERST

VANBUR

NORTHISLAN

WATERST

BATAVIAA PR

A

Proposed- Strip Commercial


44

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TREET

NDAVENUE

TREET

AVENUE

STREET

WASHING

TONS

TREET

ANBURENS

TREET


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EXISTING

RIVERST

NORTHISLA

WATERST

BATAVIA

PRAIRIEW

A VAN

Public space for a public building

The East Side Community Center is housed in a superb and historically signicant building. Its spire dominates

this secon of the street and the warm locally quarried limestone adds color and texture to the street. A secon

of the street at the intersecon is already painted out acng as a bump-out into the street. This bump-out can

be made into a public space in front of the church. It will act as a gathering space and encourage internal uses to

be brought out onto the street. This space should be protected from turning trac with bollards that will clearly

demarcate the space.

District Oppor

Proposed- East Side Community Center and Plaza

45

TREET

ANDAVENUE

STREET

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ESTREET

WASHING

TONS

TREET

VANBUR

ENSTREET


46/85

A Gateway at the Washington Street interseconThis intersecon is an important entryway into the downtown from the north. Create a gateway that can be seen from a di

north on Washington Street. Develop an edge to the street on the south side by bumping out into the street in front of the gas

and adding an in-ground planter with low railings and corner columns. Add colored crosswalks to demarcate the crossing a

to pedestrian safety. Create an entry plaza in front of the Bapst Church on the NW corner. This will create a suitable seng

building and also act as an entryway to future development on this block. Add street trees in grates where space permits.

PROPOSED

RIVERST

NORTHISLA

WATERS

BATAVIA

PRAIRIEW

A VA

Proposed- Washington Street Intersection


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ESTREET

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STREET

URENSTREET

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STREET

AAVENUE


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PRAIRI

WASHING

RIVERS

VANBU

NORTHISLA

WATER

BATAVIA

1 2

3

4 5

EXISTING

1,2. Intersecon with Batavia Avenue

There is no indicaon, by way of signage or gateway elements, that Wilson Street is the

major link through downtown and across the river. However Wilson Street does provide

a dignied entryway into downtown from the west. It is lined by historic buildings on the

north side and by the library to the south. An open site and an alley way on the north

side could be upgraded and used for outdoor dining. Though the library has a signicant

presence on Batavia Avenue, local business owners have expressed their concern that

the building faces away from Wilson Street and discourages pedestrian use. The change

in grade from the street to the rear of the library discourages public use of the library

garden and this signicant public space and resource is underulized. Residents stated

that this intersecon was parcularly hazardous for pedestrians though there are bump-

outs that reduce pedestrian crossing distance. The right hand turn onto Batavia Avenue

is considered parcularly dangerous with cars taking the corner at speed. Wilson Street

climbs steeply to its intersecon with the Avenue and there are issues with access. The

grade at the intersecon on the NE corner is extremely steep and the exisng steps will

have to be supplemented or replaced by a ramp.

3. The Library at Water Street

Two walls ank a small opening at the top of a ight of steps on the SW corner of

the intersecon of Wilson and Water Street. The opening leads to the rear of the

library and the library garden. This space is the only major public open space in

this part of downtown. It remains hidden from view behind volunteer trees and an

entryway that does not encourage exploraon of the s ite.

4. East of the intersecon of Wilson and Water Street, the street takes on a

dramac change in character. This area was lled and developed since the 1960s;

the design of the buildings and their sites represent the atudes of their me of

development. They are low in scale and set back from the street. Each building has

mulple entryways to large surface parking lots. A railing borders the sidewalk along

the south side of the street. Many of the planters that once hosted a line of trees

are bare. The shopping mall that is below street level is set back from the street

edge. The mall has a large parking lot facing the street. The pedestrian environment

in this area is extremely harsh. This type of development extends to North Island

Avenue and the River on the north side of the street. A few remaining trees of some

height help keep the street edge on both sides of the street. The entryway into themall on the south side is considered dangerous by many residents. The City has

added signage and a crosswalk to improve safety. As we approach the intersecon

with Shumway, the buildings on the south side come closer to the street edge and

the street wall revives creang a sense of enclosure.

5. The intersecon with North Island Av

Shumway plays a crical role in the funco

aesthecs of the street. It can be seen from

east along Wilson. Its historic buildings on

side connue the historic urban fabric an

the entryway to the bridge. They also ac

terminaons to the views from City Hall. How

narrow sidewalks at this intersecon create

neck for pedestrians and cyclists. Ulies o

corner further diminish the ped estrian envir

Existing Conditions

Existing Conditions- Approaching From the West

48



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URENSTREET

ANDAVENUE

RSTREET

BATAVIA

AVEN

UE


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PRAIRI

WASHING

RIVER

VANBU

NORTHISLA

WATERBA

PROPOSED

Batavia Avenue to Water Street

Create a gateway that will aract the aenon of passersby and signal the importance of Wilson Street. Add

signage to direct visitors downtown. Add in ground planters on the west side where there is space a nd in the

long-term replace the generic retaining wall with one with more local characteriscs. Improve pedestrian safety

by adding colored crosswalks. Consider prevenng right turn on red as residents said this created dangerous

condions at this intersecon. By narrowing lane widths, the north sidewalk can be expanded and ADA issues

at the Batavia intersecon addressed. Unify paving materials. Consider alternate treatments for alleyways and

empty sites as they could be locaons for outdoor seang and dining.

Proposed- Batavia Avenue and West Wilson Street Intersection

District Oppor

49

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NGTONSTREET

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URENSTREET

WATERS

TREET

NORTHI

SLAND

AVEN

UE

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EXISTING

PRAIR

WASHIN

RIVER

VANB

BATAV

The Library at Water Street

Open up the library site to Wilson Street. Add steps and a ramp that will

encourage people to use the site. The steps could also be used as a place tosit and watch downtown events. Remove scrub trees and add grassy terraces

along Water Street. There have been various designs put forward by community

members for the intersecon with Water Street, as of this me there has been

no nal decisions about the design.


Proposed- Library Site Redevelopment

50



WATERS

TREET

RIESTREET

NGTONSTREET

RSTREET

BURENSTREET

NORTHI

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UE

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PROPOSED

PRAIR

WASHIN

RIVER

VANB

BATAV

Water Street to North Island Avenue

East of the intersecon of Wilson and Water Street, examine the potenal to narrow the

through lanes from 12.5 to 11, and add 8 parallel parking lanes along both sides of street,

however, Wilson Street should remain free and clear where access for emergency vehicles

is crical. Widen sidewalks where possible and add street trees in tree grates. Reduce the

number of curb cuts and mulple entryways to large surface parking lots. Encourage the

addion of low walls, railings, and landscape buer on the north side of the street to create

an edge to the street and to soen the pedestrian environment. Add a landscape buer

along the south side of the street. Add bump-outs to increase pedestrian safety and a colored

crosswalk at the entry to the mall.

Opportunity- Water Street to North Island Avenue

District Oppor

51


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53

D 5: S A, 1 S, W S Access to the area is blocked to the south by the

treatment facility There are severe changes in grade

charm, the area is not pedestrian friendly. There are

no sidewalks along the west side of Water Street and

that would strengthen the individual charact

district The district should be more pedestria


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WATERSTREET

SHUMWAYAVENUE

1STSTREET

WILSON STREET

WILSON STREET

Ex O

District 5 covers a large area of the downtown though

it is an area in transion. It has direct access to the

river walk and the river and many notable historic

buildings of great character. Though there have

been signicant success stories such as the Water St.

Studios, the district has been slow to redevelop. One

of the reasons for this is the lack of area connecvity.

treatment facility. There are severe changes in grade

along the south west side that block the descent of

Main Street into the district. There is no public access

to the library site, the most important public space in

the district, between Wilson and First and the blocks

along Wilson Street from Shumway to Water Street

are long without intermediate streets.

The land use in this district was primarily industrial,

and though the historic buildings have a posndustrial

no sidewalks along the west side of Water Street and

the library site is bounded by volunteer and scrub

trees making access almost impossible. Remarkably,

residents have made an unpaved path down the

steep slopes from the library site to Water Street

by frequent use, showing that such a connecon is

desired. Residents stated at community meengs that

the sidewalks in the district are narrow and there are

major gaps in the pedestrian path system. Residents

expressed their concern over cars speeding down

First Street from Batavia Avenue making the crossingat First and Water Street unsafe. Along First Street

east of Water Street, people park their cars across the

sidewalks and there are many almost connuous curb-

cuts providing lile protecon for pedestrians. Though

there are notable excepons where buildings have

been rehabbed and planng add ed, there are few street

trees in this area making this a harsh environment for

pedestrians during the summer. The intersecon of

First and Shumway has wide radii making turning easy

for trucks but creang a wide expanse of hard top and

allowing high speed turns. Were guaranteeing people

are going to use their car because of the convenient

parking and poor sidewalks a resident commented at

a community meeng.

Overall Proposals

This district will be changed signicantly when the new

bridge is constructed. First Street will become one of

the major thoroughfares through downtown and the

roadway geometry may be altered. It is therefore

dicult to delineate denive proposals along the

potenal alignment of First Street.

There was consensus, however, amongst the aendees

at community meengs that the area needed to be

beer connected to the rest of downtown for all modes

of travel. It should have a disncve street character

district. The district should be more pedestria

The pedestrian path system should be compl

improved and a secondary pedestrian pathwa

developed. The area has few street trees

community called for a greener feel to the s

Safety for all modes of movement should be im

Bump-outs should be installed at major pe

crossings to reduce the crossing distance.

crosswalks should be introduced to clearly d

presence of pedestrians. Roadway geometrbe reconsidered especially at the interseco

and Water Street to improve safety for all m

travel. This could also improve the entryway

Street Studios. The installaon of a speed tab

be considered at this intersecon to slow dow

Similarly the intersecon of First and Shumw

be redesigned to reduce the scale of the inte

and make it easier and safer for pedestrians to

The library site should be opened up and

the primary public open space on the wes

downtown. This can be achieved by introducin

grassy terraces along the Water Street edge o

Stairs and ramps should be introduced to pro

of entry to the site from mulple direcons

at Wilson and Water Street and also at First a

Street, where they could act as gateway featur

also suggested that a parking structure could

along Water Street. This structure could be tu

the slope of the site and make use of the top

A sloped landscaped edge would minimize a

impact. Such a structure could have a plaza

green space on top and could become an

locaon for events with direct views across do

There have been detailed designs produ

Water Street by the community. This has

the addion of an archway at South Water St

the introducon of large scale public art piec

the street. These have not been reproduce

document as they are under review by the Cit

District Overview

54

Cityo

fBataviaStreetscapeMasterPlan

DISTRICT5:ShumwayAve.+1STS

t.+WaterSt.

1. South Water Street

There is no sidewalk on the western edge of the street. The edge to the library site is overgrown with volun

and shrubs. There is a change in grade between Water Street and the mall to the east. A small entryway

connects the mall to Water Street. There are street trees in a parkway on the west side of the street close

Street but this only extends along the street to the stairs to the mall The stone tower of the Tower Busine


55/85

2

WATERSTREE

T

SHU

MWAYAVENUE

WILSON STREET

1

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

6

65. Intersecon of Shumway and Wilson Street.

There are mulple curb cuts and driveways on the south side as we approach the intersecon. The street is f

the intersecon by historic buildings and there is an aracve view of City Hall to the north. The sidewalks ar

and there are no street trees. The trac lanes are wide and there is a designated right hand turn lane.

Street but this only extends along the street to the stairs to the mall. The stone tower of the Tower Busine

dominates views along the street.

2. Intersecon of Water and First Street

This intersecon will gain in importance when the new bridge is constructed. Residents stated their con

speeding trac at the intersecon. First Avenue has a steep grade and jogs just to the west of the intersec

descend the hill at speed and have poor sight lines due to the jog in the road and the rise in the topography o

sites. There are no crosswalk demarcaons or signage to alert drivers to the potenal presence of pede

cyclists. Access to the Water Street Studios is convoluted running directly parallel to Water Street and dropp

grade.

4. Intersecon of First and Shumway Avenue

The intersecon was designed for truck trac with wide radii on the corners. Residents stated that the wid

of hard top was uninving and dangerous to cross as drivers speed through the intersecon. Parking lots dom

northern side of the intersecon. Historic buildings on the south side compliment the elegant faade of th

Hall.

3. First Street

There are many aracve buildings constructed with Batavia limestone along First Street. They hold the cor

street and guide our views east to the old City Hall, a ne limestone building. Many of these intersect with

at odd angles due to the skew in the street. This creates triangular shaped open spaces that are dicult to u

are mulple curb cuts along the street and parking directly across the pedestrian right-of-way. Most of

side of the street is lined with large parking lots with no buer between street, sidewalk and parking lot cr

inhospitable pedestrian environment.

6. Shumway: First Street to Flinn Drive Exisng

South of the old City Hall the urban fabric is fragmented. The sidewalks are not connuous and there ar

street treatments. Cars are parked across the public right-of-way on both sides of the street. Though there

links to the Riverwalk, signage is lacking. There is a sidewalk in front of the electric substaon, but the woo

is not a suitable edge to the street. The Riverwalk and street come together just to the north of Flinn Drive.

urban fabric is minimal and there are open views to buildings to the west and back towards the downtown.

south of Flinn Drive is blocked by the treatment facility. The Riverwalk ceases and a bridge connects to Clar

Exisng Cond

55

Opportunity- South Water Street


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NEED ORIGINAL IMAGES

South Water Street

Treat the intersecon of Wilson and South Water Street as a space. Add steps and ramps at

the Wilson Street corner up to the library garden. Add bump-outs to reduce crossing distancesand to provide a safe gathering space for pedestrians. Add colored cross walks to clearly dene

the potenal presence of pedestrians. Consider adding a gateway arch at the intersecon to

announce the Water Street Studios. Add a sidewalk on the west side of the street. Open up

the edge of the library site by removing scrub growth. Consider introducing stepped grassy

terraces along the Water Street edge of the library site. Add another ramp and steps to the

library from Water Street to the main entryway to the l ibrary on the south side of the building.

Accentuate the link between Water Street and the mall. Add street trees where possible and

increase denion of an edge to the street by encouraging owners to add railings or walls and

a landscape buer to their properes.

EXISTING

WATERSTREET

WILSON STREET


56

Cityo

fBataviaStreetscapeMasterPlan

DISTRICT5:ShumwayAvenue

Proposed- Intersection of Water and First Street


57/85

I W F S

Examine the geometry of this intersecon to improve sight lines and s afety. Consider alternate

geometry of the entryway to Water Street Studios. Consider adding a speed table to slow tracor a paern on the pavement of the intersecon. Add bump outs to reduce crossing distances

and to provide a safe gathering space for pedestrians. Add colored cross walks to clearly dene

the potenal presence of pedestrians. Treat the NW corner as a major entryway to the library

site. Add stairs and a ramp to improve access.

PROPOSED

WATERSTR

EET

SHUMWAYAVENUE

WILSON STREET

District Oppor

p

57

Opportunity- First Street Between Water St. and Shumway Ave.


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58



F S

First Street may be changed signicantly when the new bridge is

constructed and therefore improvements to First Street may bepostponed unl that me. Safety issues should be addressed in the

short term and while the sidewalk network completed. In the future

First Street should have a pedestrian oriented streetscape with

wide walks, street trees, trac calming measures, and well dened

streetscape edges.

EXISTING

SHUMWAYAVENUE



W

ATERSTREET

WILSON STREET

Opportunity- Intersection of First and Shumway Avenue


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59

I F S A

This intersecon could be completely altered to accommodate a future bridge approach.

It should be redesigned to slow trac and improve safety for all. Reduce the width oftravel lanes and enlarge the sidewalks. Add street trees where possible but consider the

keeping views to the faade of old City Hall from First Street open.

PROPOSED

WATERSTR

EET

SHUMWAYAVENUE

WILSON STREET

District Oppor

1stST

REET

Proposed- Shumway Avenue south of Wilson Street


60/85

60



I S W S.

Reduce the number of curb cuts and delineate entryways to adjacent sites. Reduce the width

of the trac lanes and widen the sidewalk on the east side. Add street trees in grates wherepossible. Delineate driveway locaons of the adjacent parking lot on west side of street. Add

railings or low walls and a la ndscape buer along the edge of the p arking lot. Colored crosswalks

should be introduced to clearly dene the presence of pedestrians at the intersecon.

EXISTING

WATERSTREET

SHUMWAYAVENUE

WILSON STREET



Opportunity- Shumway Avenue; First Street to Flinn Drive


61/85

61

S: F S F D

Complete the pedestrian sidewalk network and add bump-outs where possible. Add street trees

in grates. Replace the parking lot on the east side of the street that currently uses the public right

of way with parking spaces in the adjacent alley. Replace the angled parking on west side of street

with parallel parking. Make a clear, well signed entryway to the Riverwalk. Upgrade the fence

around the substaon. Add a wall and plant climbing vines to soen the visual impact of the wall.

The relocaon of this facility should be considered. Make use of the views to downtown and createa small plaza with minor gateway elements at the pedestrian bridge and river crossing just south of

Flinn Drive.

PROPOSED

WATERSTREET

SHUMWAYAVENUE

WILSON STREET

District Oppor

1stST

REET

FLINN DRIVE


62/85

Woonerf Brighton England by Ge

R

Lane widthsRoadway lane widths should be examined for potenally

minimized in all downtown Batavia districts to foster a

more pedestrian oriented experience. Narrower lane

widths can result in slower moving trac and increasedparkway space resulng in increased pedestrian safety

and overall improved pedestrian experience, however

free and clear access for emergency vehicles is crical.

Recommended through lane width: 11

Recommended turn lane width: 10

Recommended on street parking lane width: 8

CrosswalksAll intersecons in downtown Batavia should have

designated and well marked crosswalks. The use

of colored and/or specialty paved crosswalks is

recommended to increase vehicular awareness andmore clearly dierenate the pedestrian zone.

Crosswalk shall be 8 wide when possible (6 min) and

may be wider when appropriate.

To provide universal access, curb ramps and detectable

warning strips should be used at all intersecons and

crosswalks. Curb ramp slopes should not exceed 1:14

and cross slopes should not exceed 1:64. Minimum curb

ramp width is 4 but greater widths are recommended.

On longer blocks, especially those 400+ long, marked

midblock crossings are recommended to increase

pedestrian connecvity across the street. Use in

tandem with mid-block bump-outs is encouraged tominimize crossing distances.

Speed tablesThe use of speed tables is recommended at key

pedestrian-oriented intersecons to slow vehicular

trac and improve pedestrian safety. The use of

specialty roadway paving is recommended for a visualand textural dierenaon between the speed table

and the rest of the roadway.

Speed tables need to be raised so that they sit ush

with adjacent curbs and parkways (6 height typical).

The enre intersecon should be at this raised grade,

including pedestrian crosswalks.

Beyond the crosswalk, the speed table shall slope to

meet roadway grade at a 1:15 gradient.

Woonerf

A woonerf is a curbless shared street where equalpriority is given to all street users- cars, pedestrians,

and cyclists. The open, curbless design slows trac

and allows all type of users to interact organically in

the space.

A woonerf is recommended for River St. between

Wilson Street and State Street. This streetscape design

will create a new identy for the block and create a

Historic River Street commercial district that could be

blocked o and used for community fesvals.

In order to create an eecve and safe woonerf, the

following design consideraons must be met:

L : Top speed should be limited to 10mph or less

E : Specialty paving

within the woonerf area, unique furniture palee,

appropriate signage, and gateway elements should be

used to emphasize the importance and uniqueness of

this street.

T - The following measures

should be taken to encourage low vehicular speed:

Speed tables:raised tables at either end of

the woonerf should be implemented to slow vehicle

speed to acceptable levels as they enter the woonerf.See entry on speed tables for design guidelines.

N :Lane widths (eecve spacefor vehicular trac) should be minimized to e

reduced trac speeds.

Drive lane: 10

Park lane: 7

W : Through the use of st

placement, in ground planters, street furni

bollards, vehicular trac should be preven

heading straight through the woonerf space

instead take an oset curved route. Such imp

or changes in vehicular path should occur appro

every 150 so v

streetscape city of batavia final report

Documents