Neighborhood Analysis

PHYSICAL ANALYSIS Hamilton County, South Cumminsville & White Water Township Devyani Chandrashekar | Aharon Brown University of Cincinnati School of Planning PLAN 7006 | Professor: Leah Hollstein | T. A Molly Potter Masters in Community Planning Spring Semester 2017

Introduction

Table of Contents

Hamilton County Natural Features and Urban Form

South Cumminsville - Population Housing Density

- Land Use, Land Cover & Zoning - Current State of Neighborhood - Transportation Analysis - Property Parcel & Building Analysis - Historical Evolution Analysis - Urban Image and Urban Character Analysis

Whitewater Township - Environmental Analysis

- Development Suitability Analysis

Conclusion

Bibliography

Introduction

This portfolio is comprised of the work done over the course of an entire semester for PLAN 7006 Methods of Physical Planning in the Masters of Community Planning program at the University of Cincinnati. Over the course of this portfolio we will be giving an in depth analysis of 3 distinct projects we have worked on. The first is an analysis of the topography and development of Hamilton County as a whole. These maps will be displayed first in the text.

Next what will comprise the majority of the text is study on the neighborhood South Cumminsville, one of Cincinnati’s aging communities that is in dire need of investment. Lastly, we will be looking at a proposed development in Whitewater Township, a more rural environment in the county. Each of these are unique projects and have been created over the course of the semester.

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Physical Analysis Hamilton County

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Topography

This map is a display of Hamilton County with a focus on its 3 features topography, surface water network, and commercial and industrial uses. The county sits on the southwestern edge of Ohio and is home to the City of Cincinnati. In this map we display the topography we begin to see that the City of Cincinnati sits at a lower elevation that the surrounding area. Furthermore the drainage basins of the land are where the major highway arteries sit.

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Topographic Configuration

PLAN7006 METHODS OF PHYSICAL ANALYSIS Instructor : Prof Leah Hollstein PLAN 7006 | Physical Analysis Aharon Brown | Devyani Chandrashekar

Natural Features and Urban Form

Topological Configuration

| Spring 2017

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Surface Water Network with Topography

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Surface Water

The surface water network examines where the water bodies drained over time. Both the East and the West ends of Cincinnati are hilltops that have significantly higher elevations than the center. Studying the surface water network we can determine that the water drained into the lower ends of Cincinnati. In the case of Hamilton County the water would drain into what has become the foundation for where the development in Cincinnati sprang forth. There are little to no other areas that are as large as the drainage basin that sits in the center of Cincinnati. This area can account for the fertile soil that was present in Cincinnati that allowed for the pork industry to take rise in the region.

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Commercial and Industrial Landuses

Looking at the last map it becomes evident that commercial and industrial development occurred at the lowest point in the city, the drainage basins. The West and East edges have some businesses on these sides but the bulk of the development cut through the city. The vast majority of development occurred directly along the main drainage basin in the city.This same corridor became one of two major highway arteries running through the city, interstate 75.

This same area most of the city’s development came about through existing transportation networks. The highway correlates directly with the city’s water basins and continue into the north of the city.

Historically, the population and commercial vitality of Cincinnati has developed because of existing transportation networks. This trend continues to this day.

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Commercial and Industrial Uses

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South Cumminsville

Over the past few decades this community has been in decline. The neighborhood has undergone radical changes in the early 70s and has failed to find solid footing ever since. We will examine this history and determine what has kept the neighborhood alive for so long.

For the purposes of this portfolio we will give an explanation of several characteristics we studied about the neighborhood over the course of the semester. The topics range from Population to the neighborhood’s Urban Character analysis. South Cumminsville is a beautiful neighborhood situated on the Westside of the city in the lower Mill Creek Valley. Despite its setbacks it has a lot to offer including beautiful housing with unique post renaissance architecture, and a small close knit community feel. It is our hope that this portfolio highlights some of the best aspects of the community.

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South Cumminsville Timeline

Population Housing Density

For this map we studied population and housing density for Hamilton County, the City of Cincinnati, and South Cumminsville. The objective was to compare the density of the larger areas to S. Cumminsville in order to determine projected growth in the neighborhood. S. Cumminsville has been impacted with development that altered the trajectory of the area and they have slowly progressed over the years.

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Population Density Trends 1970-2016

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Population and Housing Density Comparison

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Population and Housing Density Comparison

The creation of interstate 74 cut off the area from its northern half, a neighborhood now known as Northside. Additionally, a large swath of housing in the area where Interstate 74 was built was demolished displacing thousands of residents. This drastically decreased the population of the neighborhood and number of available houses still in good condition.

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During this time the community suffered even more economically. The central business district was a part of the north which has harmed the economic vitality of S. Cumminsville. With little businesses still left in the area residents began to leave over time further lowering the population. The homes of these residents were left vacant and contribute to the diminishing condition of the remaining housing stock. Other residents who stayed have managed to keep their houses in good condition. Overall, it was the combination of all of these events that harmed South Cumminsville. The decrease in population can be traced to this point in time and accounts for the poor condition of the neighborhood.

Currently there are 3 people per sq. mile with a housing density of 2.98 units per sq. mile.

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Visualizing Density

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Land Use, Land Cover & Zoning

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In assignment 3 we examined land use, land cover and zoning of South Cumminsville. Studying these characteristics is important for planners in order to best utilize the land most efficiently. Before considering any development planners have a responsibility to determine the suitability of that land for the project. Zoning boards should then create areas that align with the most efficient use of that space. In this analysis we discovered that the majority of the land cover in Cumminsville is dedicated to open land around 107.46 acres and urban low and medium density around 76.68 acres. When looking at the existing land uses public land covers 39% of the neighborhood at 149.16 acres.

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Land Cover Types on the Aerial Photograph

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Next is vacant land at 18% with 68.61 acres. Public utility 14% 54.94 acres is the third most abundant land use type. So much of the neighborhood is on the decline which correlates with so much empty space present. Single family housing is the next most used land use type followed by industrial uses. This aligns with the makeup of the neighborhood with residents in the Northern half and industry in the South.

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Land Cover Types with Parcel Lines and Roads

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When we look at the existing zoning we see that the vast majority of the area is dedicated to manufacturing in the south along the Mill Creek and West Fork Mill Creek.

Manufacturing general is 27% or 80.9 acres with manufacturing limited being 16% and 47.07 acres. 32% of the land is zoned for single family residential use (2000 sq. ft.).

This is around 96.94 acres of land dedicated to single family parcels. It is clear that the neighborhood wants to keep the area split between industrial and residential use.

In the next map we will see the projected development in the neighborhood.

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Existing Land Use – Neighborhood Level

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Existing Land Use – Neighborhood Business District

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Existing Zoning

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South Cumminsville

Comparative Analysis: Existing Land Use/Zoning

Type Single family Two Family Multi Family

Land Use Acres

% of Land Use

Zoning Acres

% of Zoning

30.3 2.324 2.122

7.99% 0.61% 0.56%

96.94 22.99 34.732

32.33% 7.67% 11.58%

Heavy Industrial/General Light Industrial/Limited

14.139 30.009

3.73% 7.91%

80.9 47.074

26.98% 15.70%

Parks and Recreation Public/Semi Public space Vacant Land

20.278 149.16 68.616

5.35% 39.32% 18.09%

10.57

3.53%

0.4 0.35 0.3 0.25 0.2 0.15 0.1 0.05

Commercial Institutional Office Public Utility Multi Use Not Available

4.103 1.082 0.077 54.94 0.403 1.806

PLAN7006 METHODS OF PHYSICAL ANALYSIS Instructor : Prof Leah Hollstein Aharon Brown | Devyani Chandrashekar

1.08% 0.29% 0.02% 14.48% 0.11% 0.48%

6.607

2.20% 0

Land Cover, Land Use & Zoning

Analysis 6 : Comparative Analysis - Land Use and Zoning

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Current State of Neighborhood For this analysis we had to examine the City of Cincinnati’s neighborhood plan to study the future development projects scheduled for South Cumminsville. Despite the number of setbacks South Cumminsville has had over the years it is determined to become a commercially viable and desired neighborhood once more. It is important for planners to observe community plans in order to find the direction the neighborhood wants to move in, and what is feasible for that neighborhood to achieve.

The neighborhood has a distinct identity as a family oriented environment and we wanted to highlight the elements of their community plan that would bring these features to the forefront of the area to spur its revitalization.

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Neighborhood Planning

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In-Process, Proposed, and Recently Completed Development Projects

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South Cumminsville is beset by a declining population, aging housing stock, and numerous economic and social challenges. In the neighborhood plan it was important for S. Cumminsville to be realistic about its goals and challenges.

It’s location to the Mill Creek makes it desirable to industry; however, in the future if the neighborhood were to shed it’s old industrial roots it is important that the area focus on its homeowners. The neighborhood set out 3 strategies: Open Space Improvement, Mobility Enhancement, and Economic Development Opportunities.

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S. Cumminsville has several acres of vacant and undeveloped land. They planned on filling this with green infrastructure to improve the aesthetic. For enhancing the mobility the neighborhood wanted to build a bike trail along the Mill Creek. This would attract people to the neighborhood and the increased interest in the area would bring economic development opportunity. The neighborhood has partnered with Ohio Department of Transportation to connect their roads to the central business district in Northside.

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Abandoned/Vacant ResidentialBuildings

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Transportation Analysis On this map we analyzed the transportation network and connectivity of South Cumminsville. The creation of interstate 74 cut off most of the neighborhood’s access to the surrounding area. This also affected the ability for people to find South Cumminsville. The lack of outside traffic being drawn into the neighborhood has had a negative effect on its growth. It is important that Urban Planners take into account the connectivity of the neighborhood internally and to external regions. The area isn’t entirely self-sustaining and would benefit from more commercial activity with neighboring areas.

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Classification of Urban Street Hierarchy

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Connectivity

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When looking at the street patterns of S. Cumminsville we determined that there is a high degree of internal connectivity about 57.62 intersections per sq. mile. The local roads lay in a basic grid pattern and allow for access to adjacent streets. Only 13% of the total length of the streets are dedicated to cul-de-sac’s.

There are multiple local roads, and two minor arterials that allow for transport to other parts of the neighborhood. The longest road, Beekman St is a minor arterial that connects north to south. This road could be extended to reach Northside but instead is connected to the freeway Interstate 74. When looking at the external connectivity the numbers are lower a ratio of 0.54 average miles between access points.

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Overall transportation and connectivity in the neighborhood is fairly decent. The final map shows that 3.61% of the residential parcels are within a 1200 sq. ft. walkability buffer. The area wants to retain its family friendly environment and given that it is very small this helps their cause and allows for a lot of walkability.

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Pedestrian Shed

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Building Conditions Analysis

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Property Parcel & Building Analysis outh Cumminsville is focused on growing its population to its former numbers before so many residents were displaced. The decline in the housing stock and population didn’t have too much effect on the condition of the housing. For the 6th analysis we were focused on studying properties, parcels, and building conditions. Most of the houses in South Cumminsville are occupied by long term residents who often pass on their homes to their children.

The condition of those houses are often quite good. The vacant properties from residents who have long sense moved are in need of repair. As we learned earlier in the land use maps a lot of the land in S. Cumminsville is vacant.

These empty parcels are owned by local municipalities.

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The focus area is on the houses that line Beekman St. across from the park. To understand the character of the built environment in the neighborhood it is crucial for planners to studying its’ buildings. The first several homes are in fair condition. There are minor details that show the age of the home.

Only the house that is vacant is in poor condition. It is the property of the homeowner

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Building Parcel Numbers and Characteristics

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Summary of Building/Parcel Data and Characteristics Sl No 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 Missing Parcel on Map

Address 1905 Elmore Beekman Beekman 3757 Beekman 3723 Beekman 3705 Beekman 3703 Beekman 1857 Dreman 3441 Beekman Beekman 3640 Llewellyn 3494 Beekman 3702 Beekman 3704 Beekman 3708 Beekman 3710 Beekman 3712 Beekman 3714 Beekman 3716 Beekman 3718 Beekman 3720 Beekman 3722 Beekman 3728 Beekman 3730 Beekman 3732 Beekman 3734 Beekman 3736 Beekman 3738 Beekman 3740 Beekman 3742 Beekman 3744 Beekman 3748 Beekman 3750 Beekman 3754 Beekman Beekman 74 Beekman 73 Beekman 64 Beekman 63 Beekman 66 1829 Elmore 3436 Beekman

Building Owner's Name Garfield Commons Apartments LLC State of Ohio City of Cincinnati City of Cincinnati DUKE ENERGY OHIO INC Donald S & Cathleen A Kuester Donald S & Cathleen A Kuester Reliable Castings Corp Oday Inc City of Cincinnati Este Ventures LLC James TR Tenbrink B & LD Enterprises LLC Anna Ruth & Harry Seymore Lonnie Baynes Patrick Lewis Teresa Ann & Matthew J Baker Kristi Williams Kathleen B Riemenschneider Annie Barnes R L Grice Mildred Smith Starkie Walker CAMJ LLC Reggie Binford James & Mary Akins Emma Binford Oscar Lenzy Jr Shockly Yome Investments Cornel D. Hoskins Cornel D Hoskins Barnes Walter & Louise Kimberly Kemp Rousseau O'Neal State of Ohio State of Ohio State of Ohio State of Ohio State of Ohio City of Cincinnati FD Lawrence Electric Co.

Parcel Size 1.37 acres/ 59538 sq. ft.

0.07 acres/3000 sq ft.

0.3 acres/12989 sq. ft 1.287 acres/55640 sq. ft.

0.214 acres/9460 sq. ft.

0.366 acres/15677 sq. ft.

0.344 acres/15098 sq. ft.

0.644 acres/27438 sq. ft.

0.91 acres/39707 sq. ft.

0.19 acres/8421 sq. ft.

0.283 acres/109928 sq. ft.

0.597 acres/25991 sq.ft.

0.125 acres/5358 sq. ft.

0.094 acres/3982 sq. ft.

0.098 acres/4105 sq. ft.

0.094 acres/3942 sq. ft.

0.082 acres/3444 sq. ft.

0.112 acres/4640 sq. ft.

0.092 acres/3815 sq. ft.

0.089 acres/3732 sq. ft.

0.092 acres/3815 sq. ft.

0.095 acres/3956 sq. ft.

0.085 acres/3548 sq. ft.

0.07 acres/3041 sq. ft.

0.07 acres/2895 sq.ft.

0.073 acres/3013 sq. ft.

0.071 acres/2971 sq. ft.

0.07 acres/3081 sq. ft.

0.07 acres/2907 sq. ft.

0.06 acres/2598 sq. ft.

0.06 acres/2490 sq. ft.

0.1 acres/4457 sq ft.

0.026 acres/1063 sq. ft.

0.06 acres/2588 sq. ft.

0.0 acres/89 sq. ft.

0.039 acres/170 sq. ft.

0.007 acres/309 sq. ft.

0.023 acres/1011 sq. ft.

0.039 acres/1692 sq. ft.

0.050 acres/2198 sq. ft.

2.580 acres/112402 sq.ft.

Total Market Value Building Floor Area $349,360.00 572.01 $0.00 0 $0.00 0 $141,360.00 0 $8,190.00 50 $40,130.00 93 $68,630.00 195 $7,010.00 448 $313,900.00 148.18 $9,170.00 0 $200,000.00 106 $119,070.00 448 $70,810.00 169 $38,650.00 34 $53,000.00 35 $26,080.00 34 $26,920.00 30 $27,050.00 37 $30,730.00 36 $34,470.00 35 $29,200.00 35 $32,540.00 35 $19,490.00 31 $27,060.00 27 $18,450.00 27 $28,200.00 27 $34,070.00 27 $18,810.00 28 $13,000.00 27 $18,610.00 25 $1,010.00 26 $1,450.00 49 $170.00 12 $1,130.00 0 $0.00 0 $0.00 0 $0.00 0 $0.00 0 $0.00 0 $0.00 0 $524,320.00 388 0 $9,170.00

Historic Designation No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No

Building Heigh in Ft. 36ft 0 0 12ft 0 12ft 12ft 0 12ft 0 12ft 12ft 36ft 24ft 24ft 24ft 20ft 20ft 24ft 12ft 12ft 24 ft 12ft 24ft 24ft 24ft 36ft 24ft 12ft 12ft 0 12ft 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12ft

Year Built Floor Area Ratio 1925 0.00960731 N/A 0 N/A 0 2015 0 N/A 0.005285412 1986 0.005932257 2002 0.012915618 N/A 0.016327721 1986 0.003731836 N/A 0 1954 0.000964268 1953 0.017236736 1930 0.03154162 1923 0.008538423 1925 0.008526188 1924 0.008625063 1924 0.008710801 1925 0.007974138 1923 0.009436435 1924 0.009378349 1924 0.009174312 1922 0.008847321 1925 0.008737317 1918 0.008878658 1913 0.009326425 1898 0.008961168 1895 0.009087849 1900 0.009087958 1923 0.009287926 1926 0.009622787 N/A 0.010441767 N/A 0.010993942 N/A 0.011288805 N/A 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 1954 0.003451896

Building Use Apartment 40+ Apartment 40+ Apartment 40+ Municipality Owned Commercial Utility Car Wash Drive-In Rest or Food Ser Vacant Commercial Supermarket Municipality Owned Light Manufacturing Industrial Warehouse Retail/Apartment Over Single Family Single Family Single Family Single Family Single Family Single Family Single Family Single Family Two Family Single Family Single Family Single Family Single Family Single Family Single Family Single Family Single Family Vacant Residential Vacant Residential Vacant Commercial Vacant Residential State of Ohio State of Ohio State of Ohio State of Ohio State of Ohio Municipality Owned Industrial Warehouse

Zoning Classification 403 403 403 640 489 453 435 400 421 640 340 350 404 510 510 510 510 510 510 510 510 520 510 510 510 510 510 510 510 510 500 500 400 500 610 610 610 610 610 640 350

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Most of the other properties are in good condition and are occupied by long-time homeowners. This sample is an adequate representation of the housing condition in the rest of the neighborhood. The average age of the homes range from $25k-$30k. The age range varies around the early to mid-1920s and reflect this post-colonial style. The oldest home found on the street was built in 1895. Given the fact that the neighborhood has a long history finding older homes like this one is not uncommon. In the next analysis we will work to uncover a portion of that history.

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At this point in our analysis it was important to look at the evolution of the neighborhood to the present. Studying the historical evolution of a neighborhood helps planners to know the character of the area and how that area came to be. There are important lessons to be learned from the past especially in regards to development. What worked and what didn’t and how these lessons can be applied to future developments.

Historical Evolution Analysis 50

Comparison of Historic Urban Conditions with Current Conditions

1904 SANBORN MAP OF BEEKMAN AVENUE

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2015 MAP OF BEEKMAN AVENUE

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Chronology of the Neighborhood’s Historical Evolution

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For these maps we start to look at the growth and development around 5 different years. 1956, 1975, 1990, 2001, 2015. Between the maps of 1956 and 1975 you can see the signs of development in the area largely due from the creation of interstate 74 which occurred a year prior. Large swaths of the housing stock were carved out in this time.

South Cumminsville was founded in the late 1800s and annexed shortly around 1873. In its earlier years it was a population of predominantly residents who identified as having German nationality.

The neighborhood reached the height of its population in the mid-1950s when Millvale Apartments were created in the neighborhood. An influx of African American residents came to South Cumminsville to live in the affordable housing project and this shifted the demographics of the area to over 50% African American. When I-74 hit those residents were displaced from their homes to other parts of the city.

Not much development occurred in the subsequent years following this event.

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Historical Growth Patterns Diagram

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Urban Image Analysis Kevin Lynch has given planners a method to outline the defining features of an environment. Planners have a responsibility to be able to define the built environment and recognize the distinct features found in that area. In his text he identifies 5 criteria for that define urban environments they are; Paths, Edges, Nodes, Districts, and Landmarks. All of these features are found in urban environments and lay out what makes them unique.

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Urban Image Analysis Maps

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Urban Character Analysis Map

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Urban Character Analysis When visiting our neighborhood of South Cumminsville we wanted to properly highlight each of these criteria and what features in the community best exemplify them. We chose several of the neighborhoods most defining areas.

The main street in South Cumminsville is Beekman St. it connects both the residential north to the industrial south and is the main minor arterial street used. This was the path. The edge of the neighborhood lies atop Beekman st to interstate 74 overpass. For nodes we chose a centrally located intersection which housed a local restaurant, Mr. Gene’s Dog House.

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The industrial southern half of the neighborhood served as the District since it is vastly different than the single family homes north and only holds manufacturing plants. Landmarks we chose one of the largest churches in the neighborhood New Friendship Church of the Living God, its beautiful architecture makes it an attraction. This was the last assignment studying South Cumminsville. The next project looks at a proposed development in a rural area in Hamilton County.

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Urban Character Analysis Map

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South Cumminsville

White Water Township For this assignment we were tasked with locating a site to study in a more remote area of Hamilton County to study environmental resources and determine that site’s suitability for development or conservation in some cases. The county is largely comprised of the City of Cincinnati which has been developed well over the last century. On the outskirts of the city are vestiges of smaller, more secluded townships.

There was a vast amount of land to choose from, but we chose to study an entire square mile area with very minimal building already present which led us to settle on a small plot of land in the Southwest corner of the county, in Whitewater Township. This small township is categorized by the small tributary that runs through it so named Whitewater River. Adjacent to the river is a small plot of farmland on the other is a lake being used as a quarry. Both of these are important to our chosen area of study and helped influence the type of analysis we conducted on the region.

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White Water Township Site in Consideration

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WATERSHED MANAGEMENT & PROTECT

WHITE WATER TOWNSHIP

Key Findings: The site selected covers a wide area the majority being river adjacent to agricultural land. The existing waterbody multiple use including irrigation of farmland and a commercial use for canoeing an kayaking in the Whitewater River. Both the east and west sides of the rive are prone to flooding with heavy rainfall. This makes any residential deve opment unsuitable for the area.

Topography and Surficial Hydrology Map

Additionally, there are commercial activities that the land is suited for. The river can be used for moderate recreational activities. It is also suitable for irrigating farmland. To prevent high numbers of pesticides from seeping into the water, a watershed management site would be ideal for this location to improve quality and prevent overdevelopment. The area is flat land and pollutants from the nearby quarry and farm would have an impact on water quality. The water quality and should be monitored and protected.

L E G E N D WATER STREAM WETLAND RIPARIAN AREA E L E V A T I O N (ft) 450 - 550 551 - 650 651 - 750 751 - 850 851 - 900 0 0.05 0.1

PLAN7006 METHODS OF PHYSICAL ANALYSIS Instructor : Prof Leah Hollstein Aharon Brown | Devyani Chandrashekar

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES ANALYSIS

Analysis 1 : Topography and Surficial Hydrology Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community

0.2

0.3

68

Mile 0.4

Topography and Surface Hydrology

This assignment we were instructed to select a site and determine the environmental resource in the area that we wanted to study. Topo Whitewater Township and the vast majority of the surrounding area has almost no developed land aside from a few houses and areas. Our site has no residential development in part due to the type of soil found there. The site selected covers a wide area the majority being a river adjacent to agricultural land. The existing waterbody has multiple uses including irrigation of farmland and a commercial use for canoeing and kayaking in the Whitewater River. Both the east and west sides of the river are prone to flooding with heavy rainfall. This makes any residential development unsuitable for the area. It can be classified as a wetland.

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Slope Analysis Slope In addition to the water in the area it is also very flat. When studying the area we thought of building a small structure here because of its slope. There are no hills or valleys that would need to be removed, filled in, or leveled. Overall, this map mimics the findings in map one concerning topology. The site is majority flatland which is desirable for development; however, the type of soil found in this area does not have a large bearing capacity. This brings us to the final map which explains what soil types are found here.

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WHITE WATER TOWNSHIP

WATERSHED MANAGEMENT & PROTECTI

Key Findings: This map echoes the findings in map one. The majority of the si is majority flatland and could be suitable for development; however, the type soil found in this area does not have a large bearing capacity. Commercial use outside of limited recreational activities like kayaking wouldn’t be suitable for th area.

The land, while flat does not have a soil type appropriate for development of large building structures; moreover, too much development would negatively impact the drinkability of the water. No leveling would be required for this area given its minimal slope but the amount of water in the area would make large scale developments impossible.

1.3 %

L E G E N D 10 % 10 - 15 % 15 - 20 % 20 - 25 % 25 - 30 %

E L E V A T I O N (ft)

1.4 % 5.5 %

450 - 550 551 - 650 651 - 750 751 - 850 851 - 900

91.8 %

0 0.05 0.1

PLAN7006 METHODS OF PHYSICAL ANALYSIS PLAN 7006 | Physical Analysis | Spring 2017 ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES ANALYSIS Instructor : Prof Leah Hollstein Aharon Brown | Devyani Chandrashekar

Analysis 2 : Slope Analysis

Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID,

0.2

0.3

71

Mile 0.4

EdF PfE FoB2

CdF St

MaB Ju CdD Ju

W

St

On the final map for our environmental resource analysis we were tasked with analyzing the soil. Utilizing the National Web Soil Survey Database along with the Hamilton County Soils Table we were able to see all the soil types found on our site. The county soils table helped us to examine what types of soil are suitable for building in this area.

St

Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community

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Soil Analysis

Most of the soil types found on the site are Stonelick fine sandy loam, and Jules silt loam. Despite the relatively flat land examined, neither of these types of soil are fit for building but are capable to be mined for construction materials. The soil types are able to be used for construction materials and topsoil.

There was a small quarry on site that had already begun to dig up the soil to sell.

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Development Suitability Analysis Continuing with the examination of our planned site in Whitewater Township, our next assignment was to determine the suitability for development here. Given the amount of information that we had discovered on the previous assignment we knew enough about our area to propose a project be done here. The goal was to either conserve the area or develop on the site. Analyzing the findings we determined hydro suitability to be around 40%, Slope suitability was 10%, and soil suitability was around 50%. With all we knew about the site proposing a project of any large scale development would be unfeasible and an argument for such a project would be absolutely untenable. The scale determining development suitability was very low.

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Priority Map for Development

Composite Map

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Priority Map for Conservation

Composite Map

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Conservation Suitability Analysis Conservation of the area is the best solution the scale determining this factor was high; however, the Whitewater River is already used for recreational activities like Kayaking and Fishing. We sought to expand on this revelation by proposing the area be preserved. The frequent flooding of the river makes the area a wetlands. Additionally, the flooding has created a small lake next to the river. We wanted to conserve the wetlands but use the small lake for a recreational activity.

PLAN 7006 | Physical Analysis | Spring 2017

Looking at the measures for conservation, the same criteria that make the site a poor choice for development makes it highly desirable for conservation. The Whitewater River and lake are the primary water sources and need to be preserved because for their water quality.

Any development would dilute the area.

We wanted to utilize the existing water sources for our proposed development but nothing that could not be supported by the wetlands and soil types present.

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Proposal This map gives a depiction of the proposed conservation/wetlands study area. After examining the flat wetlands we believe that there can be a commercial use for training people in scuba diving. Discontinuing excavating the soil would preserve water quality making the lake clear enough to dive and retain drinkability and aquatic life to be observed. Additionally, other recreational activities in the Whitewater River like kayaking would remain unhindered. To attract the surrounding residents to the area a small trail and park can be built on the outskirts of the square mile leading into the conservation area and scuba school.

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COMMUNITY PARK

SCUBA DIVING

Lorem ipsum

CONCEPTUAL VIEW SCUBA DECK PRESERVE WETLANDS

WALKING TRAIL

Whitewater Wetlands Conservation and Scuba School

CONSERVE LAKE

SITE PLAN RENDERING CONCEPTUAL VIEW PLAN7006 METHODS OF PHYSICAL ANALYSIS DEVELOPMENT PLAN Instructor 7006 :|ProfPhysical Analysis | Spring 2017 Leah Hollstein Aharon Brown | Devyani Chandrashekar

SUITABILITY ANALYSIS

Analysis 3 : Whitewater Wetlands Conservation and Scuba School

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Conclusion

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In conclusion, over the course of the semester we have learned about the various methods planners use when studying the natural and built environment.

Despite the differences between the two there are a variety of techniques for analyzing both types of environments that planners can use to propose things. It is important for planners to know when to build and when to conserve and finding that distinction comes from a thorough analysis of the area.

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Wikipedia. January 19, 2018. Accessed January 21, 2018. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Cumminsville,_Cincinnati.”Welcome To Ohio History Central.” Ohio History Central. Accessed January 21, 2018. http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/w/Welcome_To_Ohio_ History_Central.

Rosen, Steven. “Rediscovering Lost PhotosFroma Long-Ago West End.” CityBeat Cincinnati. Accessed January 28, 2018.https://www.citybeat.com/arts-culture/big-picture/article/13003964/rediscovering-lost-photos-from-a-longago-west-end.

Konermann, Alyssa. “25,737 People Lived in Kenyon-Barr When the City RazeditTo the Ground.” Cincinnati Magazine. October 24, 2017. Accessed January 28, 2018. http://www.cincinnatimagazine.com/citywiseblog/lost-city-kenyon-barr-queensgate/.Holthaus, David. “Our Forgotten Neighborhoods: South Cumminsville.” WCPO. October 27, 2017. Accessed January 29, 2018. https://www.wcpo.com/longform/our-forgotten-neighborhoods-south-cumminsville.

Pride, Michaele. “Northside Cumminsville Neighborhood Framework Plan.” Pride, Michaele. “Https://www.uc.edu/cdc/ niehoff_studio/programs/great_streets/f09/reports/9_northside.pdf.”

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Https://www.uc.edu/cdc/niehoff_studio/programs/great_streets/f09/reports/9_northside.pdf. 2009. Accessed February 4, 2018. http://www.northside.net/History.shtmlCenter, Economic.

“Economic impact of I-74 interchange at Central Parkway.” 2014. Accessed February 4, 2018. http://city-egov.cincinnati-oh.gov/Webtop/ws/fyi/public/fyi_docs/Blob/3396.pdf;jsessionid=CA706A4EE6513E51A6EC32BA0974EB5E?rpp=-10&m=2&w=doc_no%3D%272877%27 Kult, Ann Heise. “The rise of South Cumminsville.” Cincinnati.com. June 03, 2016. Accessed February 12, 2018. https://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/2016/06/03/rise-south-cumminsville/85206518/.Associates, Urban Design.

“Revive Cincinnati: Lower Mill Creek Valley.” Neighborhoods of the Lower Mill Creek Valley. February 2011. Accessed February 11, 2018. https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/planning/assets/File/ReviveCincinnati_Report110303.pdf.

Twaddell, Hannah. “Making the Connection.” Planning Commissioners Journal, 2005, 1-2. https://canopy.uc.edu/ bbcswebdav/pid-26602292-dt-content-rid-66151799_1/xid-66151799_1.”

Street Connectivity Standards Change.” Metro Regional Services,2001. https://canopy.uc.edu/bbcswebdav/pid26602291-dt-content-rid-66151798_1/xid-66151798_1.Metzmeier, Mary.

Working In Neighborhoods. 2013. Accessed February 19, 2018. http://www.wincincy.org/win-and-south-cumminsvilleprepare-for-walkability-workshop-june-24th-25th

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PHYSICAL ANALYSIS Hamilton County, South Cumminsville & White Water Township Devyani Chandrashekar | Aharon Brown University of Cincinnati School of Planning PLAN 7006 | Professor: Leah Hollstein | T. A Molly Potter Masters in Community Planning Spring Semester 2017