FAIRFIELD – Residents of this community told city leaders they want to walk between neighborhoods.
They want to walk or bike to school. And they want to do it safely, separate from motorized vehicles whenever possible.
Those comments were gathered last year when the city’s master plan was being revamped and updated and became the basis of a separate connectivity plan – the city’s first – now being developed.
“The number one overall comment (was) … we need connectivity, we need walkability,’’ said Erin Donovan-Lynn, the city’s planning manager.
An inter-department team of city leaders along with consultants MKSK and LJB Inc. are working on the plan, incorporating comments garnered during public hearings, and an online survey.
Goals of the plan are to connect to civic and cultural destinations, existing trails, town center and neighborhoods.
“This is a hot topic. This is what people want,’’ said Mayor Steve Miller.
Ten major routes were identified that would, over time, provide multi-use paths that would meet address five major concerns:
- Tie Fairfield’s Village Green area to regional trail and park networks
- Connect north to south
- Provide a path from Village Green to Ohio 4, retail, and school destinations
- Connect the Mack-Gilmore employment hub to Ohio 4 and the Miami-Erie Canal Trail and
- Improve connectivity along Ohio 4.
Besides meeting resident demand a connectivity plan, as it was implemented, would have other benefits – both health and economic, including higher property values close to trails.
For example, a home located a half mile from the Little Miami Scenic Trail would sell for about 9% less than a home adjacent to the trail, said Sean Hare, with MKSK.
Along Wasson Way – used in the Little Miami Scenic Trail to Xavier – a University of Cincinnati Economics Center study showed:
- $10 million in household savings intransportation costs;
- $16.5 million value in improved access to recreational facilities;
- 27.5 million less vehicle miles traveled, reducing CO2 emissions and
- Bicyling tourism produces $60 million annually in economic benefits in North Carolina’s Outer Banks.
“It’s (trails/paths) an incredible amenity to have,’’ Hare said.
Fairfield’s survey showed that 50-70 percent of respondents listed city parks, Village Green/town center, regional trails and their surrounding neighborhood were the most important places they wanted to access via walking or bicycling.
“A vast majority of people want separate facilities (trails/paths separate from motor traffic),” said Nick Dill, an engineer with Fairfield.
[Subscribe now for unlimited access to Cincinnati.com]
An open house to get feedback on the routing plan before a draft plan is created is set for 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, March 3, in the Fairfield Community Arts Center, 411 Wessel Dr.
“This isn’t a five- or even 10-year plan. This is a 20-year or longer plan,’’ said Mark Wendling, city manager. “This will be implemented over time, with grants or when roadway improvements are made.”
"plan" - Google News
February 14, 2020 at 04:57AM
https://ift.tt/2uIX0l3
Fairfield developing first connectivity plan for walking and bike routes - The Cincinnati Enquirer
"plan" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2un5VYV
Shoes Man Tutorial
Pos News Update
Meme Update
Korean Entertainment News
Japan News Update
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Fairfield developing first connectivity plan for walking and bike routes - The Cincinnati Enquirer"
Post a Comment