Neighborhood Assessment Toolkit

The Neighborhood Assessment Toolkit A community resource from the Nashville Civic Design Center

THE NASHVILLE CIVIC DESIGN CENTER

Natural

Rural

Suburban

Core

Centers

Districts

FOREWORD In a 2016, the Nashville Civic Design Center (NCDC) surveyed Nashvillians on their perspectives of the rapid growth our city is experiencing. Of the nearly 600 respondents, 70% noted a new development within five blocks of their residence during the last three years. 88% responded as having a new project within 1mile. And yet, two-thirds of respondents expressed not feeling as if they had any voice in those new developments emerging around them.

This Toolkit is a response to that concern, and is an effort to assist all Nashvillians towards reengaging with the changes to their surrounding environment.

The Neighborhood Assessment Toolkit (NAT) is a Nashville specific development resource designed for community organizations, associations, and individuals when facing design and development opportunities within their community. This Toolkit contains resources to conduct a neighborhood assessment, test new development against the 10 Principles of NCDC, and provide a means through which to outline community feedback on incoming development. The 10 Principles, an outcome of NCDC’s The Plan of Nashville, are believed to provide the strongest measure in which to view development, while still being flexible enough to adapt to the unique context each Nashville neighborhood finds itself in. The 10 Principles are: 1.Respect Nashville’s natural and built environment 2.Waterways, particularly the Cumberland River, as central to Nashville’s identity 3.Reestablish the streets as the principle public space of community and connectivity 4.Develop a convenient and efficient transportation infrastructure 5.Provide for a comprehensive, interconnected greenway and park system

6.Develop economically viable neighborhood centers throughout all of Nashville 7.Raise the quality of the public realm with civic structures and spaces 8.Integrate public art into the design of the city 9.Strengthen the unique identity of neighborhoods 10.Infuse visual order in the city by strengthening sightlines to and from civic landmarks and natural features

NCDC recognizes Nashville is in dire need of such a Toolkit. Similar resources are now more than 10 years old, and work within the context of a vastly different Nashville and region than exists today. Likewise, NCDC hopes to instill and affirm the value of equitable, participatory, and community-based planning and design, as well as community education and active citizenship for an engaged and empowered citizenry. By empowering local groups and associations through the Toolkit, NCDC also intends to acknowledge and affirm the unique histories and cultures present throughout Nashville, and provide communities a greater voice in determining the future of their locale. Finally, NCDC aims to foster community initiated considerations on the intersection of design, the built environment, and community health.

By engaging thoughtfully with these issues early in a project, NCDC intends for more holistically mindful development that builds towards a healthier and cohesive Nashville for all.

Above: Tennessee State Capital (2014)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 Foreword ...….……………………....……….………….i What is the Built Environment ………..…………………. 1 The 10 Principles …………………….…....……….…………. 2 Glossary of Terms ………………………………..…...………. 3 Neighborhood Strategies ………………..…….....………. 5 Components and Steps …………..…...…………...……… 6 Assessment Resources ………………..……...…….……... 8

 Neighborhood Assessment ……………………….………… 10 Neighborhood Priorities …….……………………………. 15 Development Assessment ……………………………….. 17

 Development Scorecard …………………………….……….. 22 Scorecard Summary ………………..………………………. 27

 Appendix ………………………………………….………………… 29

CONTENTS ii

NEIGHBORHOOD ASSESSMENT TOOLKIT

Clockwise from top left: Bedford Commons Green Roof (2009: Jim Roof), Sidewalks in Green Hills (2012: Gary Layda), Downton Nashville (2012: Bruce Cain), Residential Units in Midtown (2015: Zach Rolen) Beaman Park Nature Center (2008: Gary Layda)

WHAT IS THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Simply put, the BUILT ENVIRONMENT are the places around us that are built or manipulated by people.

This includes elements such as roads, parks, buildings, infrastructure and public spaces.

This housing development, rural road, and suburban shopping center are all pieces of the built environment. Even the landscaping around each is considered a component.

Why The Built Environment Matters In addition to being the stage in which daily life plays out, the built environment impacts our health, sense of place, and connections to self and others. A poorly constructed built environment can hinder or even decrease one’s ability to engage in health promoting behavior (such as accessing fresh foods, safe walking or recreation). A strong and unique built environment however may provide these, while also fostering a sense of place — assisting the individual in orienting around a city while providing spaces to interact and connect to others. Finally, humans have repeatedly been shown to develop psychological and emotional attachments to places, including the BUILT ENVIRONMENT. These places, especially when changed, affect how we view ourselves and the world around us.

These images present two very different elements of the built environment; the park is inviting and fostering of community, while the back alley sends a less welcoming message not conducive to public life.

TEN PRINCIPLES The Ten Principles emerged from the Plan of Nashville: Avenues to a Great City. During the course of the book’s publication, over 800 Nashvillians participated in thousands of hours of design charrates, vision sessions, and community engagement meetings. From those, the Ten Principles emerged as the recommended lens in which to view all incoming development to Nashville-Davidson County.

1. Respect Nashville’s Natural and Built Environment Nashville’s unique features include its natural landscape, and the ways this landscape has been shaped by architecture and design of all types. These treasures should be enriched through the conservation and enhancement of the landscape’s natural and built features, through environmentally conscious design, and the preservation of historic buildings.

2. Waterways, Particularly the Cumberland River, as Central to Nashville’s Identity The Cumberland River is one of Nashville’s greatest assets, and is central to the physical and historical identity of the City. Recognizing this, new amenities should increase recreational use, connectivity between neighborhoods, access and transportation, all while balancing the conservation of natural habitats and water quality.

3. Reestablish the Streets as the Principle Public Space of Community and Connectivity The network of streets is the city’s connective tissue and the primary means in which Nashville is woven together.

These spaces should provide rational and accessible connections among neighborhoods and downtown, while exhibiting design standards that ensure a high level of material and aesthetic quality for all modes of transportation, including pedestrians.

4. Develop a Convenient and Efficient Transportation Infrastructure As Nashville grows, so too does the need for a multimodal transportation system that is affordable and easy to use. The design of transportation infrastructure should distinguish between the mobility of high-speed through traffic and the access needs of local traffic, while balancing the requirements of pedestrians, bicycles, automobiles and mass transit. New development should be mindful of current plans and infrastructure needs required for expanding transit options.

5. Provide for a Comprehensive, Interconnected Greenway and Park System Parks and greenways are spaces that promote health through physical and social activity, and as such should be available to all neighborhoods. Increasing park and greenway connectivity to neighborhoods, downtown, the Cumberland, and each other also offers the potential for the city’s public greenspace to become an alternative transportation network.

6. Develop Economically Viable Neighborhood Centers Throughout all of Nashville As downtown development is considered, NCDC recognizes the importance of a diversity of uses that reinforce each other economically and socially. An accessible assortment of housing types and prices, commercial uses, services that support the needs for daily living, and entertainment options should be targeted with consideration for workers, residents, and visitor alike.

7. Raise the Quality of the Public Realm with Civic Structures and Spaces Well-designed civic buildings and spaces reinforce a sense of community pride, and sets standards for design in the city at large. Recognizing the multiple layered histories and relationships present in these places, NCDC desires civic buildings and spaces that set those design standards, while being built with consideration to other civic locations and connectivity opportunities along the city’s transportation network.

8. Integrate Public Art Into the Design of the City Realizing the power art possesses, NCDC acknowledges the importance of integrating public art into the fabric and design of Nashville. Whenever possible, this artwork should reflect the diverse and unique cultures and histories present across the city.

9. Strengthen the Unique Identity of Neighborhoods Each of Nashville’s neighborhoods possesses distinct natural features, cultural histories, built heritage, and commercial needs. These distinctions should be enhanced by community involvement in preservation and development decisions through strong neighborhood organizations. Cohesive organization of each depends on a clear center and strong boundaries, a hierarchy of streets and range of parks, a network of transportation options such as sidewalks and bike lanes, and a diversity of residential and commercial offerings.

10. Infuse Visual Order in the City by Strengthening Sightlines to and from Civic Landmarks and Natural Features Recognizing the wealth of civic structures and natural features, NCDC hopes to increase Nashville’s visual aesthetics through the creation of sightlines and view corridors across the city. These sightlines, both sweeping and grand to small and intimate, should serve to orient and connect the city around significant landmarks and natural features.

PRINCIPLES 2

GLOSSARY OF TERMS Below are common terms and definitions used within city planning and development. Understanding these interrelated terms will assist in developing a comprehensive understanding of your neighborhood’s context, and proposed development projects. Definitions are derived from the Greenbelt Alliance Land Use Planning Dictionary.

Buffer Zone: A transitional area of land between two distinct land uses to lessen the impact of one land use type on another. For example, a commercial area that borders a residential neighborhood may be subject to additional restrictions on height, noise, or fencing requirements to insulate the neighborhood from the effects of the commercial zone.

Built Environment: All aspects of our surroundings constructed by people, such as buildings, roads, and parks.

Buildout: The maximum amount of development allowed on a given site under the current applicable planning and zoning regulations.

Charrette: A planning session where citizens, planners, and developers collaborate on the development of a plan or design for a project. Charrettes ensure that the final plan fully incorporates both public and stakeholder input.

Conditional Use Permit: A permit that authorizes usages not consistent with the zoning ordinance on a defined site. A public hearing is required in order to obtain a Condition Use Permit (CUP), approval is usually contingent on fulfillment of certain conditions by the developer. Approval of a CUP doesn’t represent a change in zoning.

Community Plan/Community Character: A public document that provides specific guidelines and direction for future land uses, developments, and public improvements within a given community.

Complete Streets: Streets designed with elements that promote safe access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities. Common elements include, but aren’t limited to, bike lanes, medians, sidewalks, and bus stops.

Corridors/Arteries: A type of street with high-speed (30-50mph) high-volume traffic, that connects major points.

Development Intensity/Density: A measure of the degree of development on a site. High density urban cores are high intensity, while low density rural communities are low intensity.

Easement: The right to use property owned by another for specific purposes, or to gain access to another property.

Flood Plain: An area of low-lying ground adjacent to a river and subject to flooding. Floodplains usually carry special building requirements.

Floor Area Ratio: The ratio of a building’s total floor area to the area of the lot on which the building stands. For example, on a site with 10,000 net square feet of land area, a floor area ratio of 1.0 will allow a maximum of 10,000 gross sq. ft. of building floor area to be built. Commonly used in zoning, FARs are typically applied on a parcel-by-parcel basis as opposed to an average FAR for an entire land use or zoning district.

Incentive Zoning: The allowing of more intensive use of land by developers if projects include a community or public benefit, such as preservation of open space, provision for low- and moderate-income housing, or plans for public spaces are included in a project.

Inclusionary Zoning: A regulatory program that requires development projects to designate a specific percentage of housing units as affordable, for households with moderate, low, and very-low incomes.

Infill: Development of vacant land within and between areas or lots that are already largely developed.

Land Banking: The purchase of land by a local government for use or resale at a later date. Banked lands have been used for development of low- and moderate-income housing, expansion of parks, and development of industrial and commercial centers.

Federal rail-banking law allows railroads to bank unused rail corridors for future rail use while allowing interim use as trails and greenways.

New Urbanism: An urban design movement which promotes walkable neighborhoods, mixed-use and transit-oriented development, and design practices common prior to the rise of the automobile in the 1930s.

Overlay Zone: A set of zoning requirements that is placed upon a base zone. Overlay zones are generally used when a particular area requires special protection (as in a historic preservation district) or has a special problem (such as steep slopes, flooding or earthquake faults). Development within an overlay zone must adhere to both the overlay and base zone restrictions.

Planned Unit Development (also called “Special Permit (SP)� zoning): Land use zoning that allows the adoption of a set of development standards that are specific to the particular project being proposed. PUD/SP zones usually do not contain detailed development standards; these are established during the process of considering the proposals and adopted by ordinance if the project is approved.

Road Diet: The reduction of the number and/or width of traffic lanes present to improve safety or provide space for other uses such as wider sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and turn lanes.

Transects/T-Zones: A serious of defined zones, ranging from least populated natural environment to the densest urban areas.

Each carries unique suggested development strategies and intensities.

Transit Oriented Development: Focusing redevelopment and new construction around transit nodes, enhancing access to mass transit options to curb car usage, and encourage mixed-use neighborhoods.

Zoning: Legislatively dividing a city or county into areas, or zones, which specify allowable uses for property and size restrictions for buildings within these areas.

Envisioning South Broadway (Urban Design Associates)

GLOSSARY OF TERMS 4

NEIGHBORHOOD STRATEGIES The following strategies and questions are intended to assist your group in strategically communicating with developers, while thinking through how a development project fits into the larger neighborhood context.

STRATEGY 1: If you don’t already, it may be helpful to establish a development committee within your neighborhood group. This group should act as the point of contact between prospective development projects and the neighborhood group.

This committee should be responsible for staying in touch with your councilmember, check Metro Planning’s Development Tracker, and keeping an eye out for neighborhood properties listed for sale.

A development committee should commit to meet regularly to discuss potential projects, or known development proposals. This may include meetings with developers, who should be made aware of the committee’s presence when pursuing a project.

STRATEGY 2: Either as a neighborhood or development committee, discuss pros and cons of development in the neighborhood. Think of over these questions:

• What is the vision of our group for the neighborhood? Is this vision shared by others outside of this group?

• Has recent development aligned with that vision?

• What kinds of new development have come to the neighborhood?

• Have these development changed the neighborhood? If so, how?

• Who are the people currently living in the neighborhood?

• If people are moving to the neighborhood, are they getting involved?

• Is new development affecting traffic in the neighborhood?

If so, how?

Left: Street Planters along roadside, Right: Parklet in Lenox Village.

ALSO CONSIDER Each Metro Nashville department has a master plan that guides their work.

Reviewing these plans as they relate to your neighborhood will help your group to know what is and isn’t supported for the community. Likewise, being aware of any zoning overlays, preservation districts, and general building codes will support your rights as a neighborhood in negotiating development projects.

When first informed of a potential project, review the the following questions with the development committee and/or neighborhood group: •

What are the pros and cons of this development?

•

If housing a part of this project, is affordable or workforce a component of the project?

•

Is the project using green infrastructure beyond Metro’s requirements?

•

How does the project connect with, or encourage walking or biking infrastructure?

ALSO CONSIDER Identifying a point person from the developer’s team and the neighborhood group that can be the primary persons of contact.

Being clear in your expectations before the project begins. The more developers know beforehand, the easier it is to implement suggestions.

Consider creating a Community Benefits Agreement with the developers. CBA’s are legal documents outlining an agreed upon list of promises each side will deliver.

The following are a list of suggested questions you may want to discuss with the developer prior to the start of a specific project.

This is only a partial list, and it’s important to have as many questions as possible answered prior to the start of the project.* •

During what hours will construction occur between?

•

Will work take place on weekends and holidays?

•

How will disruption to vehicle and pedestrian traffic be avoided and/or communicated to local residents?

•

How will the existing and nearby infrastructure be affected during the project?

•

Will there be any temporary or permanent loss of on street parking?

•

How will site-generated airborne pollution and noise be mitigated?

•

What sorts of pollution mitigation measures will be used during any demolition, sandblasting, and concrete or brick cutting?

•

Will any cleanup program be instituted to collect site generated dirt and materials from the site and adjacent areas?

*Questions derived from Historic Germantown Neighborhood Association’s Good Neighbor 2.2

NEIGHBORHOOD STRATEGIES 6

TOOLKIT COMPONENTS AND STEPS TOOLKIT COMPONENTS •

Neighborhood Assessment and Priorities identification

•

Development Assessment

•

Development Scorecard

TOOLKIT STEPS Organization expresses interest in the Neighborhood Assessment Toolkit

NCDC meets with organization leadership/ representatives and overviews Toolkit

Organization can apply for NCDC assistance with completing the Toolkit, which includes:

Organization completes neighborhood assessment, and outlines neighborhood priorities

Neighborhood Mapping Assessment Facilitation Priorities Identification Assistance

Organization identifies priorities, and potential locations.

Organization assesses and scores proposed development based on the priorities

Design and development negotiations with developers

ASSESSMENT RESOURCES These resources are intended to assist in completing the Assessment portion of the Neighborhood Toolkit. Sections in the Toolkit reference the relevant number of each resource.* I. Zip Code Finder: http://maps.huge.info/zip.htm

II. Davidson County Census Tracts: http://maps.nashville.gov/webimages/ MapGallery/PDFMaps/2010%20Census% 20Tracts.pdf

III. Metro Council Districts http://www.nashville.gov/PlanningDepartment/Mapping-and-GIS/StaticMaps.aspx IV. Davidson County Data: http://www.city-data.com/county/ Davidson_County-TN.html

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Nashville Next: http://www.nashville.gov/ Government/NashvilleNext/TheNashvilleNext-Plan.aspx nMotion Materials: http://nmotion2015.com/ materials/ Neighborhood Design Guidelines: http://www.nashville.gov/ Historical-Commission/Services/ Preservation-Permits/Districts-and -Design-Guidelines.aspx Nashville Development Tracker:

V. WalkScore: https://www.walkscore.com/

VI. ParkScore: http://parkscore.tpl.org/map.php

VII. Metro Parcel/Zoning viewer: http://maps.nashville.gov/ParcelViewer/

VIII. Zoning Terms: http://www.nashville.gov/Planning-Department/ Rezoning-Subdivision/What-your-zoningallows.aspx

IX. Overlays: http://www.nashville.gov/Historical-Commission/ Services/Preservation-Permits/Districts-andDesign-Guidelines.aspx

X. Community Character Manual: http://www.nashville.gov/Planning-Department/ Community-Planning-Design/CCM.aspx

http://maps.nashville.gov/ developmenttracker/

Nashville Neighborhood Map: http://www.nashville.gov/ Portals/0/SiteContent/Planning/ docs/neighborhoods/ NeighborhoodsMapNov2016.pdf Neighborhoods Resource Center Census of Neighborhoods: http://www.tnrc.net/ neighborhood-organizations WalknBike Master Plan: http://nashvillewalknbike.com/ Police Precincts: http://www.nashville.gov/PoliceDepartment/Precincts.aspx Parks Master Plan: http://www.nashville.gov/Parksand-Recreation/Plan-To-Play.aspx

*Each resource is an independent, third party resource and is therefore subject to change. These changes may affect available information.

COMPONENTS AND STEPS 8

NEIGHBORHOOD ASSESSMENT Organization Name: ___________________________________________________________________________ Address of Organization: _______________________________________________________________________ Organization Leader(s): ________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Who Completed the Assessment: _________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Date Completed: _______/________/________

USE AND COMPLETION Step 1: Work through each section of the assessment, answering as many questions as possible.

Step 2: Questions that may require referencing additional resources are followed by the associated resource number from page 8.

Step 3: Part I of the assessment pertains to the neighborhood as a whole. Part II focuses on the specific parcel being developed. Both sections are intended to inform the scorecard completion, and resulting development suggestions.

Step 4: Using the information from the assessment, work through the scorecard found on page 19.

Left: Community Planning Meeting (2016), Above: Deadrick Street (2012: Gary Layda)

NEIGHBORHOOD ASSESSMENT 10

PART I – NEIGHBORHOOD ASSESSMENT 1. General Information How you classify and define your neighborhood is important. Use these questions as a guide.

Name of Neighborhood (best description): ______________________________________ Zip Code(s) (Resource I): ______________________________________ Census Tract(s) (Resource II): ______________________________________ Council District (Resource III): ______________________________________ Neighborhood Transect:  

 

Rural Suburban

Urban Downtown

Approximate Square Miles: __________________ Approximate Street Boundaries: ____________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ i.

North Boundary______________________________________

ii. East Boundary______________________________________

iii. South Boundary______________________________________ iv. West Boundary______________________________________ If there’s a better way to define your neighborhood, use this space to do so: _______________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Neighborhood Demographics Demographic information creates a better understanding of who lives in the neighborhood, and the types of places they live. While it may not be exact, use this information as a rough estimate. Fill out as many of the questions below as possible (Resource IV).

Approximate Population: ____________________

2a. RACE

15

White:

%

Black:

%

Hispanic/Latino:

%

Asian:

%

Mixed:

%

Other:

%

-Demographics Continued2b. AGE Median Resident Age:

%

Number of Households/Housing Units:

%

Household Density (per sq mile):

%

2c. HOUSING

HOUSEHOLD TYPES Student Housing:

Yes

No

N/A

Affordable Housing:

Yes

No

N/A

Mobile Homes:

%

HOUSING OCCUPANCY Owner Occupied:

%

Renter Occupied:

%

Average Household Size:

%

Median Household Income: $

2d. INCOME Ratio of Ave Income to Ave Rent:

%

Percentage Below Poverty:

%

Percentage Below 50% Poverty

%

Unemployment

%

3. Neighborhood Assets The following questions will help create an understanding of the neighborhood’s built environment. You may intuitively know many of these, but this space is to help pull together the collective knowledge of your group. Fill out as much as you know and can find.

Using the Walkscore® interactive map, list the number of each amenity located within the neighborhood (Resource V).

Number of Schools:

Number of Entertainment Venues:

Number of Parks:

Number of Bus Stops:

Number of Grocery Stores: Number of Bars/Restaurants:

NEIGHBORHOOD ASSESSMENT 12

-Assets ContinuedFill out the following categories using the collective knowledge of your group:

Transportation

Everywhere/ Almost Everywhere 66-100%

Some Places 34-65%

Rarely/ No Where 0-33%

The neighborhood has a network of streets that are connected, walkable, and unobstructed: The neighborhood consists of complete streets, which may include curbs, sidewalks, and bike lanes (these are some common elements): Public transportation is available to residents within a half mile walking distance of their residency: Accessible parking is available throughout the neighborhood:

Parks and Public Spaces

Everywhere/ Almost Everywhere 66-100%

Some Places 34-65%

Rarely/ No Where 0-33%

Everywhere/ Almost Everywhere 66-100%

Some Places 34-65%

Rarely/ No Where 0-33%

The neighborhood has parks that are within walking distance of public transportation and most homes: Neighborhood parks are connected with sidewalks and/or paths that allow people to access them by bike and/or foot: Public places (community centers, libraries, public squares etc) are located throughout the neighborhood: Public places are easily accessible by bike and/or foot: Existing public places have recreational facilities (basketball courts, playgrounds, work out rooms etc): Accessible greenways or multiuse paths are present in the neighborhood:

Food Availability Accessible and affordable food stores are located throughout the neighborhood: Food stores offer healthy fresh food options: There are alternative places to get fresh food in the neighborhood (community gardens, farmers markets, mobile food trucks):

Housing Availability

Everywhere/ Almost Everywhere 66-100%

Some Places 34-65%

Rarely/ No Where 0-33%

Affordable and/or workforce housing units are located within the neighborhood:

Mixed income housing developments are located within the neighborhood:

Rental properties are located within the neighborhood:

Current housing prices are compatible with current residents' income:

Current housing provides options to all people, in all stages of life:

Short term rentals (Airbnb, VRBO etc) are present in the neighborhood:

Social Services

Everywhere/ Almost Everywhere 66-100%

Some Places 34-65%

Rarely/ No Where 0-33%

Public services like clinics, hospitals, and police departments are located throughout the neighborhood:

Social service nonprofits are located throughout the neighborhood:

NEIGHBORHOOD ASSESSMENT 14

NEIGHBORHOOD PRIORITIES Based on the neighborhood assessment, come up with priority areas that capture the key issues or focuses for your neighborhood regarding development desires. This can be as simple as “more public spaces”, or more complex such as “increase healthy food stores within walkable distance from residential areas”.

PRIORITY 1:

___________________________________________________________________________________

Details: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________

Potential Location(s): _______________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________

PRIORITY 2:

___________________________________________________________________________________

Details: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________

Potential Location(s): _______________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________

PRIORITY 3:

___________________________________________________________________________________

Details: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________

Potential Location(s): _______________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________

PRINCIPLES Select the Principles that relate to you priority areas. This will assist in prioritizing aspects of the Development Scorecard.

 1. Respect Nashville’s natural and built environment  2.Waterways, particularly the Cumberland, as central to Nashville’s identity  3. Reestablish the streets as the principle public space of community and connectivity  4. Develop a convenient and efficient transportation infrastructure  5. Provide for a comprehensive, interconnected greenway and park system

 6. Develop economically viable neighborhood centers throughout all of Nashville  7. Raise the quality of the public realm with civic structures and spaces  8. Integrate public art into the design of the city  9. Strengthen the unique identity of neighborhoods  10. Infuse visual order in the city by strengthening sightlines to and from civic landmarks and natural features

Additional Comments: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

NEIGHBORHOOD ASSESSMENT 16

PART II – PROJECT ASSESSMENT 1. Site Data Answer as many of the questions as you know. This section can be completed incrementally as you learn more about the project.

Who is the owner(s) of the site? ______________________________________________________________________ Does the project site have an unofficial or ‘local’ name (such as “five points” in East Nashville or the “Batman Building” downtown): _______________________________________________________________________________________ What is the proposed project title, and give a brief description: ______________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ What are the boundaries of the site being developed? __________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Has a developer been assigned? Yes

No

In Progress

If yes, what is the developer/designer’s name?___________________________________________________________

How did the neighborhood hear about the project? _______________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Has the neighborhood or resident’s organization been in contact with the developer, designer, or relevant Metro departments? Yes

No

In Progress

Using the WalkScore® website, list how many of each amenity is within 1 mile (roughly 20min walk) from the site (Resource V): Number of Schools:

Number of Entertainment Venues:

Number of Parks:

Number of Bus Stops:

Number of Grocery Stores: Number of Bars/Restaurants:

Using the ParkScore Map, what is the park need around the proposed development (Resource VI)  Park  Serviced by Parks  Very High  High  Moderate

2. Amenities, Walkability and Transportation

Yes

No

Are there sidewalks running along the boundary of the site: Are there bike paths and/or greenways along the boundary of the site: Is the site within accessible walking distance (approx. 1/4 mile) of residential units: Is the site located along a major thoroughfare: Are there currently complete streets running along the boundary of the site: Is the site located within 1 mile of interstate on/off ramp(s): Is there any public art currently on the site:

3. Development Specifics Classifications like zoning and environmental conditions are crucial to approval and cost of a project. These questions will help to assess some additional pre-development steps for the site. Answer as many as able and necessary.

What is the site’s current zoning (Resource VII)? _______________________ What is the necessary zoning needed for the proposed project (Resource VIII)? _______________________ Has this zoning change process already begun? Yes

No

N/A

Is the site located within existing overlays (historic, urban, contextual etc) (Resource IX) Yes

No

N/A

Which Community Character Plan does the project fall within? (Resource X) Yes

No

N/A

If amendments are being made to the Community Policy, are they consistent with the Community Character Manual? Yes

No

N/A

No

N/A

Is the site located in a floodplain? Yes

What, if any, cleanup is needed for the site (leave blank if unknown or not applicable)? __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________

NEIGHBORHOOD ASSESSMENT 18

4. Community Input Have any community meetings or information sessions been conducted regarding the site? Yes

No

In Progress

Have any particular themes emerged regarding public perception and/or desires for the site? __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

NEIGHBORHOOD ASSESSMENT 20

DEVELOPMENT SCORECARD Scorecard Completed By: __________________________________________________________________ Date Completed: _______/________/________ Project Name & Location: __________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ Development Phase: ______________________________________________________________________ Developer/Architect: ______________________________________________________________________ Developer/Architect Contact Info: ___________________________________________________________

USE AND SCORING Step 1: Work through each Principle, assessing whether the project design sufficiently reflects elements of each principle. If the project does sufficiently reflect the principle, select “yes”. If the project does not sufficiently reflect the principle, select “no”. If the Principle is not applicable, select “N/A”.

Yes

No

N/A

X Step 2: For each Principle and as needed, write a short description of the project’s relevant design features within the “Design Notes” section

Step 3: As needed, write a short description of suggested design changes that should be made to the project in order to better reflect the Principle.

Step 4: At the end of the scorecard, circle your group’s answer to the two questions regarding the overall project design, and integration with the neighborhood at large.

After reviewing the proposed design, we feel the current project design positively reflects the 10 Principles of the Plan of Nashville.

YES

NO

After reviewing the proposed design, we feel the current project design will be a positive addition to our neighborhood.

YES

NO

Step 5: Summarize your group’s development suggestions at the end of the Scorecard. This should assist when presenting your feedback to the developer.

Left: Construction Along 21st Ave S. (2015)

DEVELOPMENT SCORECARD 22

Design Notes Yes

No

N/A

Yes

No

N/A

Yes

No

N/A

The preservation and enhancement of the landscapes natural features.

Environmentally sensitive building practices, including green or sustainable infrastructure.

A responsible approach to historic preservation.

Suggestions

Design Notes

Protection of riverbanks, waterways, and wetlands.

Environmentally sensitive uses of the river and lakes, balancing habitat, recreation, transportation, and water supply issues.

Amenities and public access along the riverfront.

A diverse variety of connections across the river, for both pedestrian and transportation uses.

Strong connections between neighborhoods and the river.

Suggestions

Design Description

Physical connections among the neighborhoods by means of a rational network of streets and avenues.

Design standards for streets that ensure a high level of quality— physical and aesthetic— for the pedestrian.

Streets promote walkability by providing accessible and connected sidewalks.

Suggestions

Design Notes Yes

No

N/A

Yes

No

N/A

Yes

No

N/A

The street system configured to the mobility needs of high speed through traffic, and local traffic access needs.

A system that balances the needs of pedestrians, bicycles, mass transit, and automobiles— including car storage.

An interconnected network for mass transit opportunities that fully integrate a 24-hour lifestyle.

Suggestions

Design Notes

Greenways and parks linking public spaces, streets, neighborhoods, and the Cumberland River.

Parks for all neighborhoods equipped for a variety of recreational, generational, and cultural activities.

Suggestions

Design Notes

More—and more diversified—residential opportunities within Nashville’s centers.

Public investment leveraged with private development.

A variety of uses that support workers, residents, and visitors; i.e., schools, retail, after-hours, and weekend activities.

A center that is “Nashville” and not an average or generic place.

Suggestions

DEVELOPMENT SCORECARD 24

Design Notes Yes

No

N/A

Yes

No

N/A

Yes

No

N/A

Civic buildings and spaces that reinforce a sense of civic pride.

Design standards for streets that ensure a high level of quality.

Connections to the surrounding city by means of vistas, streets, and greenways.

Civic buildings and spaces that set high standards for design of the city at large.

Suggestions

Design Notes

Integrate public art into buildings, public works, and parks.

Include artwork that reflects the rich, unique history of Nashville, and when possible, involve local artists.

Recognize that culture already exists in neighborhoods, and integrate public art responsibly through community feedback and input.

Suggestions

Design Notes

Strong neighborhood centers and boundaries.

A mixture of land uses and residential diversity within each neighborhood.

Cohesive organization for each neighborhood, with a hierarchy of streets as well as a range of parks.

Appropriate private development directed by public policies that reinforce each neighborhood’s natural features, cultural history, built heritage, and support commercial needs.

Continued community involvement through strong neighborhood organizations.

Suggestions

Design Notes Yes

No

N/A

View corridors to and from significant landmarks, especially the State Capitol.

View corridors and vistas of all types, from small and intimate, to sweeping and grand.

Suggestions

After reviewing the proposed design, we feel the current project design positively reflects the 10 Principles of the Plan of Nashville.

YES

NO

YES

NO

Comments:

After reviewing the proposed design, we feel the current project design will be a positive addition to the neighborhood.

Comments:

DEVELOPMENT SCORECARD 26

Summary of Recommended Changes (From Development Scorecard): __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

DEVELOPMENT SCORECARD 28

APPENDIX

Above: Envisioning Crosswalks Along Murfreesboro Pike, (2013 Eric Hoke, NCDC)

Right: Rendering of a Land Bridge over I-440, (2010: Brent Hunter NCDC).

Below: Gallatin Pike in Madison,

(2012: Ron Yearwood, NCDC), and Envisioned with Streetscaping, (2013: Erik Hoke NCDC)

Above: Envisioned Downtown B Cycle Station, (2014: Eric Hoke, NCDC) Left: Proposed Gardens and Walking Path to Trevecca, (2013: Eric Hoke, NCDC)

Bottom: Rendering of Neuhoff as Mixed Use Housing, (2007, SHoP Architects)

APPENDIX 30

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This publication was written and designed by: Mike Thompson, M.Ed. Research Fellow, Nashville Civic Design Center

Edited by: Gary Gaston, M.Ed. Executive Director, Nashville Civic Design Center

The Nashville Civic Design Center would like to give special thanks to Richard Audet and The Historic Germantown Neighborhood Association

Fall 2016, Revised Winter 2017 www.civicdesigncenter.org