Casey Downtown Enhancement Plan

Historic Downtown Casey Introduction p. 2 Existing Conditions p. 4 Downtown Concepts p. 18 Community Character p. 22 Implementation Plan p. 24

a downtown enhancement plan March 2014 - Draft for Public Comment

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Introduction Historic Casey Casey was first settled as the result of the completion of the National Trail and a new north/south road (later to become Route 49) through Clark County. In the 1853, the post office and the community were named after the Honorable Zadoc Casey, who at the time was serving part of five consecutive terms as an Illinois U.S. Senator.

At the turn of the 20th century, the discovery of oil made Casey a boomtown and the instant prosperity affected every part of local life. Shortly following the first oil well was drilled in Pennsylvania in 1857, Clark County began its experiments with oil drilling.

Although, it wasn’t until techniques and tools improved by the early 1900s that the boom was fully realized. By 1907, twothousand wells had been drilled in a 9,000 acre area between Casey and Westfield filling twenty-four million barrels in a single year. The oil boom brought much wealth to the community of Casey and whether it is in the fields or in the architecture; its lasting effects are still visible as you make your way around town.

Intent of the Plan The Casey Downtown Enhancement Plan is intended to address current issues and improve and protect the appearance, value, and function of properties in the downtown area, especially including those commercial and civic uses. This comprehensive approach to revitalization planning considers the physical, economic, social and political dimensions of a downtown. In all the plan strives to identify issues and opportunities of the downtown, to frame the community character, analyze existing conditions, and give action and implementation steps to address any negative conditions.

This planning document is intended to be a “living guide” for the future overall development of Historic Downtown Casey. It serves to meet the following objectives: MSA Professional Services

Objective 1: Identify and analyze the issues and opportunities specific to downtown Casey.

Objective 2: Identify and analyze existing conditions of downtown Casey.

Objective 3: Identify policies and programs which will work to enhance the characteristics and qualities that make downtown Casey unique and that are important to the downtown’s heritage and quality of life.

Objective 4: Develop a concept for downtown Casey which outlines a guide for enhancements which are in line with the Comprehensive Plan.

Objective 5: Create an implementation plan which addresses the policies and programs in a way that allows downtown Casey to achieve the goals of the plan.

Guiding Principles Urban communities are complex, made up of many interrelated space. The spaces within which we live our lives are formed and changed over time by the interplay of economic, environmental and social forces. Decisions are made each day that impact the quality and function of these spaces, sometime improving our lives and sometimes making it more difficult to meet our needs. In a sustainable community economic prosperity finds balance with environmental protection and quality of life considerations, and this balance is maintained over time. In a sustainable community, businesses thrive and people are out in public throughout the day and throughout the year, working, socializing and recreating. It’s with these principles in mind, this Plan is created.

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Public Participation Public participation is essential to any good plan and Casey has ensured a quality plan by involving stakeholders from the beginning. Because this downtown plan was done in conjunction with the Casey Comprehensive Plan, public participation was strong. This facilitated involvement engaged input, feedback and discussion from downtown property owners, business owners, local developers, and downtown residents. The empowerment derived from the citizens of Casey ensured this plan was tailored specifically for Casey by Casey. This plan was discussed and developed over three Public Meetings and all meeting were public meetings and traditionally noticed as such.

Project Milestones October 2013 Steering Committee #1 Walkabout and

November 2013 Visual Preference Survey February 2014

Public Meeting

April 2014

Public Review

May 2014

Council Adoption

Vision The participants also were asked to use a word or phrase to describe downtown Casey in the future which was then put together to form a Vision Statement for the Downtown:

Vision Statement Historic Downtown Casey is a charmingly quaint business community where residents and tourists enjoy the beauty of Casey through the architecture and unique sights. The local culture celebrates a long, diverse heritage which is visible throughout the friendly community.

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Existing Conditions Planning Area

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The Casey Downtown Planning Area approximately five (5) blocks of North and South Central Avenue and approximately four (4) blocks of East and West Main Street. Alabama Street to the north, Jefferson Avenue to the south, NW 1st Street to the west and NE 2nd Street to the east create the rough boundaries to the area.

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Existing Conditions Inventory A crucial early step towards establishing a vision and promoting redevelopment in downtown Casey is analyzing the existing environment. What assets currently exist and are they being utilized to their full potential? What are the current shortcomings and how are they hindering redevelopment? This plan seeks to answer these questions.

Past Planning Efforts No previous downtown plans have been officially adopted by the City of Casey. However, many groups have existed and do exist with the best interest of Downtown Casey in mind. The City of Casey recognized the need for a downtown strategy as the passage of time and changes in consumer habits, transportation patterns, and economic conditions have put stress on the future of the Downtown.

City of Casey Downtown Sidewalk Enhancement In 2010, the City received an Illinois Transportation Enhancement Grant through the Illinois Department of Transportation which will improve the streetscape at five (5) intersections in Downtown Casey. At a price of $545,580, the streetscape improvements include: • • • • • • •

Brick Banding and Scored Concrete Sidewalks Landscaped areas Street Trees Accessible Ramps Bench Seating District Markers Crosswalks

The work is scheduled to start in the Spring of 2014 and be complete by that same Fall.

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Downtown {Virtual} Walkabout In preparation for this plan, the City planned a Downtown Walkabout on October 29, 2013 where the Downtown Steering Committee would walk around the Downtown recording their observations by writing down comments and by creating a photo inventory. However, inclement weather prevented the group from exploring the Downtown, so a virtual tour was presented. Here participants viewed recent photos of each building, sidewalk, and street and had a conversation about the current use and condition of the photo as well as potential upgrades and future uses.

The virtual walkabout is summarized in the following text.

Transportation Parking The participants felt that downtown has the potential to provide ample parking for both businesses and residents. There are currently no time limits or restrictions in regards to on-street parking. It was stated that some business owners and residents take advantage of the free unlimited parking throughout the day which limits the number of spaces for downtown patrons.

There were also safety concerns with the angle parking. Visibility while reversing out of the space was seen as difficult near intersections on Main Street. Some were interested in changing from angle parking to parallel but worried about the loss of parking spaces in that scenario.

Truck Traffic Casey’s economy relies on heavy truck traffic which supports the local farming community and local industries. The current route uses both Main Street and Central Avenue in Downtown Casey.

There was concern that the vibrations from the consistent traffic was damaging the structural integrity of the buildings along Main

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and Central. There has been talk about rerouting the truck traffic to around the City, but no routes have been proposed.

The existing turn radius’ at the intersection of Main and Central are extremely tight and semi-trucks have jumped the curbs in past resulting in the destruction of building awnings and store fronts. Some unattractive barriers have been installed as a prevention/protection measure at the cost of the building owners.

Pedestrian On the whole, the sidewalks throughout the Downtown are in good condition and accessible ramps are available at many of the curbs. The participants did sight a couple of areas where either the sidewalks seem too narrow or where there are no barriers between the sidewalk and parking areas.

Cycling Currently, there are few, if any, existing amenities which facilitate cyclist in Downtown Casey. The participants noted many who biked throughout town, however, no bike racks are provided in the downtown. There are also no designated bike lanes or routes within the study area.

Narrow sidewalk 1

2 Crosswalk Needed

3 Crosswalk Needed 4 Bad Turn Radius 5 Difficult traffic flow through Intersection Angle parking is dangerous 6 7 Central Avenue barrier to westside of town Need enforcement for parking 8

9 Potential to reroute heavy truck traffic

Need bike racks throughout 10

Pedestrian Access difficult over tracks 11

Potential to introduce bike lanes 12

STUDYTransportation AREA ASSETS LIABILITIES 13 Unfriendly sidewalk for pedestrians

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Existing Conditions Inventory Aesthetics & Placemaking Landscaping & Green Space The use of landscaping, both in the form of beds and planters, was viewed as a great way to help soften the urban hardscape.

This was particularly desired where parking lots abutted the sidewalks and streets. Maintenance of these planting areas was a concern as it falls on the business owners to oversee. The participants felt that the maintenance of the planting beds and planters should fall to the business owners.

There were several vacant lots discussed as well as lots which they thought would be vacant in the near future. The participants rallied around the idea of designating one or more of these vacant lots as a green space for gathering either formally or informally.

The existing trees are extremely mature and in need of replacement.

Keeping them trimmed is key until that replacement. Some will be replaced in an upcoming Streetscape Project funded through an Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program Grant.

As for the urban fabric, there are many vacant spaces and “holes” down Central Avenue which create an unsafe feeling for pedestrians. Moreover, having hardscape from building front to curb was considered desirable for the core of Downtown while incorporating some turf in right of way was found to be attractive on the edge of downtown where it transitions into residential.

Streetscape Elements There are utility boxes located within the right of way which are considered unattractive and poorly located. Ideas for sprucing the boxes up with art were discussed. While there are benches provided during favorable weather, they do not stay out all year round. A desire for more permanent seating was expressed.

Some trash receptacles can be found throughout the downtown

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however, many have been removed due to vandalism. Trash was a concern for the look of downtown.

Lighting A standard light fixture currently exists throughout Casey. This pedestrian light has a black, round pole with decorative base and ornamentation at the top with three frosted globe. Banner hardware is available, although only Holiday banners are used.

The participants would like to see other poles (traffic lights, stop signs, etc.) Painted black to help them recess into the background.

The Arts The use of public art in the form of murals on the sides of deteriorating buildings was suggested to help “fix up” some eye sores while adding some community character to the downtown.

Some suggested places were on the side of the Senior Center and at the south corners of Main and Central.

Signage The participants would like to see signs removed from buildings of businesses which no longer exist. To that same comment, there were concerns about removing signs which have historical and/or aesthetic value. They would also like to see some uniform wayfinding signage which currently does not exist.

Tourism The best example of placemaking which currently exists in Casey would be the Guinness Book of World Record holders. The World’s Largest Wind-chime is located across from City hall.

Next to City Hall, the World’s Largest Rocking Chair is going in. Casey also boasts the World’s Largest Crochet Needles and the World’s Largest Golf Tee. The group felt the full potential of tourist activity has yet to be realized for the Downtown. They did voice concern that once these sites are fully functional, parking availability may become and issue in the Downtown.

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2 Future Rocking Chair

1 Existing pedestrian lights More Architecturally Pleasing City Hall 3

4 Largest Windchime 5 Maintenance of Planting Beds Permanent Large Flower Pots at Corners 6 7 Potential mural site

Paint traffic poles black 8

9 Potential mural site 10 Vacant Lot - Potential for ornamental fencing Introduce permanent seating 11 12 Potential mural site 13 No Trash/Recycling Receptacles

Architecture Much of Downtown Casey was built at the turn of the 19th Century through the 1920s. The buildings are of red/dark brown masonry with little or no setback and between 1 and 3 stories in height. The tallest building in the downtown is 4 stories. The styles of the buildings are typical of downtowns in the Midwest for the time.

Some of the upgrades to the buildings have a residential, not commercial feel which was seen as a negative by the committee. Other upgrades or infill development does not appear to fit within the existing fabric of the downtown.

The use of vinyl siding, aluminum and one-story pole structures was viewed as out of character for the historic core of downtown, but were better used in the periphery/ transitional areas.

Old Signs need to be removed 14 15 Install uniform wayfinding signage throughout

Mature trees needs trimmed or replaced 16

STUDY AREA Aesthetics & Placemaking ASSETS LIABILITIES 0

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Existing Conditions Inventory Land Use Retail/Commercial Space The participants would like to see the ground floors and corner buildings used for retail space. They felt this would help make the downtown cohesive and make for a better economic force.

New retail uses they would like to see are a bakery and gift shop.

They also do not have a small grocer or specialty food shop.

The need for more local restaurants may be in demand with the growth of tourism.

Office Space There are a few offices located within the study area. The participants would prefer they use upper story units or in the back of the building allowing street-front, ground floor space available for retail.

Storage Space The participants pointed out a number of buildings which are currently only used for storage. Some of these properties are kept up while others are not. If the properties continue to be used for storage, it was desired that the items not be seen from the street, leaving the front windows clutter free and more aesthetically pleasing.

Residential Units There are several upper story residential units within the study area which are in good condition and currently rented out. The participants expressed a desire to have even more units on the market to help fill up vacant space throughout the downtown.

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Future Tourist Attraction

2 Civic - City Hall

3 Tourist Attraction 4 Retail use would be advantageous 5 Residential Units 6 Central Ave. as a barrier 7 8

Potential green space/courtyard site

Storage Only

STUDY AREA Land Use ASSETS 3 LIABILITIES 6 0

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Existing Conditions Inventory

Not architecturally interesting. Space concerns for City. Needs softscape to keep up with surounding improvements. Gutters need replaced

Good paint scheme.

Building in bad condition. Poorly done new windows.

Good architectural value.

Roof leaks. Large amount of square footage to rehabilitate.

Upper story windows need to fit the space.

The awning color is not ideal.

Nice building.

Not appropriate scale and design for downtown.

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STUDY AREA Property Inventory {Main Street} For optimal results, an architectural / structural engineering feasibility study needs to be done on many of the existing buildings in the study area. There are improvements being made, however, many buildings still show significant signs of neglect and do not contribute to the appearance and vitality of Downtown Casey.

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Infill building - not masonry, but fits with feel of surrounding architecture

Building in bad condition, may need to be demolished.

Used for storage. Masonry needs cleaned and garage door needs painted.

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Infill site - most likely pole buliding structure.

Building in decent condition but needs some exterior aesthtic upgrades suh as new paint and restored windows.

STUDY AREA Property Inventory {Main Street} For optimal results, an architectural / structural engineering feasibility study needs to be done on many of the existing buildings in the study area. There are improvements being made, however, many buildings still show significant signs of neglect and do not contribute to the appearance and vitality of Downtown Casey.

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Existing Conditions Inventory Corner parking lot in good condition. Needs landscaping to help dress up entrance into downtown.

Tallest building in downtown and in bad condition. Currently is vacant on ground floor.

Building in fair condition.

Unique architectural detailing on south portion with improper renovations on north side (single window and dryvit).

0Awning is unattractive.

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Attractive building in good condition. Unique use of restaurant.

Maintenance is imparitive.

STUDY AREA Property Inventory {Central Ave} Building in good condition with recent exterior upgrades.

For optimal results, an architectural / structural engineering feasibility study needs to be done on many of the existing buildings in the study area. There are improvements being made, however, many buildings still show significant signs of neglect and do not contribute to the appearance and vitality of Downtown Casey.

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Building in good condition with recent exterior upgrades. Ideal retail location.

Buildings in fair condition but in need of exterior upgrades: paint, awsning windows, tuckpointing, etc.

Parking lot paved, but needs upgrades: landscaping, ornamental fencing and striping.

Building in good condition with recent exterior upgrades.

Building in fair condition, needs some exterior upgrades Paint on south wall, new shutter, new ground floor entrances.. Vacant lot needs infill development (parking lot, park, building, etc.)

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STUDY AREA Property Inventory {Central Ave} For optimal results, an architectural / structural engineering feasibility study needs to be done on many of the existing buildings in the study area. There are improvements being made, however, many buildings still show significant signs of neglect and do not contribute to the appearance and vitality of Downtown Casey.

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Existing Conditions Inventory New building, small in scale, good setback, some masonry elements.

Buildings in fair condition but in need of exterior upgrades: paint, awnings, windows, tuckpointing, etc.

Building in bad condition.

Needs windows and exterior upgrades such as paint, awning and front door.

New building with great mason detail and landscaping. There are no windows and entrance visible from street.

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Fair condition building which needs new roof and exterior upgrades such as paint, windows, and doors.

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Buildings in good condition, just needs a new coat of paint and potential the addition of an awning.

STUDY AREA Property Inventory {Central Ave} For optimal results, an architectural / structural engineering feasibility study needs to be done on many of the existing buildings in the study area. There are improvements being made, however, many buildings still show significant signs of neglect and do not contribute to the appearance and vitality of Downtown Casey.

17 Building in fair condition.

Rehab exterior by removing wood paneling, wood awning, and vinyl siding and shutters.

New windows, front entrance and awning needed. Paint metal cornice.

Building in fair condition.

Needs exterior upgrades such as removal of metal and vinyl siding and paint.

Buildings in poor condition.

Needs removal of metal siding. New windows, awning, and front entrance.

Building in fair condition.

Needs exterior upgrades such as paint, awning, signage and front door.

Parking lot needs resurfaced and striped.

Aesthetic improvements could mean ornamental fencing and landscaping.

Fair condition building.

Property needs some upgrades for safety and aesthetics such as landscaping and parking stripes.

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STUDY AREA Property Inventory {Central Ave} For optimal results, an architectural / structural engineering feasibility study needs to be done on many of the existing buildings in the study area. There are improvements being made, however, many buildings still show significant signs of neglect and do not contribute to the appearance and vitality of Downtown Casey.

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Downtown Concepts Aesthetics & Placemaking The following renderings demonstrate how some of the buildings, parcels and street environment could be enhanced in downtown Casey.

Building Facades The addition of a traditional awning, restoring the rose ornamentation and adding a paint scheme transforms this downtown building.

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Parking Lots The addition of ornamental fencing and landscaping creates a more appealing parking environment by screening vehicles without hiding them. Additionally, a welcome mural enhanced the exposed wall.

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Downtown Concepts Streetscape The addition of trees, planters, benches, and a bumpout creates a welcoming and safe environment for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicular traffic (see below). Additionally, Signage was introduced to the existing streetlights (see opposite page)

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Community Character Downtown Design Standards A healthy downtown boasts of a unique mix of uses such as commercial, residential, public and related uses all within a pedestrian-friendly environment. It is expected that Arcola’s Downtown area will continue to include a mix of retail and service commercial, office, institutional, higher density residential, public uses and/or park and recreation uses.

Uses in the downtown are expected to be integrated both vertically and horizontally.

Land Use Strategies 1. Older buildings with architectural character and historical interest are important to the image of the entire community. The City encourages and supports adaptive reuse projects that retain and restore the historic character of the structure.

of the ground floor level, awnings or canopies over entrances, etc.

C) It is not necessary to replicate historic architectural styles with new buildings, but there should be some consistency of the scale and rhythm of design features, such as windows and floor heights, that help fit a new building within a block of older buildings D) Building materials should be consistent with other nearby buildings. Brick and stone are strongly encouraged in most parts of downtown, but other quality, long-lasting materials may be appropriate in some places.

Building Height: Multi-story buildings (2-3 floors) are strongly encouraged on all downtown sites.

2. Wayfinding signage to key downtown locations is critical, especially for visitors. The City will develop a signage system from primary downtown entry points to key locations, including City Hall, the public library, and the tourist attractions (antiques, murals, etc.).

Relationship to the Street: Buildings and sites should be designed to establish visual and physical connections between the public realm of the street and the private realm of the building.

Design Strategies The City encourages all new development in the downtown area to maintain the urban fabric and character.

A) In most cases there should be no setback from the sidewalk, though occasional partial setbacks to create usable space, as for an outdoor seating area, are acceptable.

Design Context and Architectural Character: New buildings should fit their context.

Consider the following techniques: A) The surrounding context, especially adjacent buildings, should always be documented and considered before design begins. City reviewers should require photos of this context during the review process.

B) Buildings should incorporate architectural elements that provide visual interest and human scale, such as differentiation MSA Professional Services

Consider the following techniques (see side bar on opposite page):

B) The front door should face the primary street.

C) There should be clear vision windows on the street facade.

Retail and service spaces should have large, clear windows that provide good visual connection between the building interior and the sidewalk.

Garages: Street-facing garages doors should be avoided whenever possible.

Parking: Front yard parking is not permitted. Side yard parking

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should be separated from the sidewalk by a low fence or landscape buffer to partially obscure views of parking while retaining visual connections to maintain personal safety.

Landscaping: In places where the building is not building at the front property line, hardscape improvements and native plants should be used to provide visual interest and a comfortable pedestrian environment.

Lighting: Exterior lights should be full-cut-off fixtures that are directed to the ground to minimize glare and light pollution, and especially to avoid light trespass to residential uses. Limited uplighting is acceptable for architectural accentuation, flag lighting, and to highlight key civic features (e.g. church steeples).

Above are examples of landscaped street edges where the building is set back from the street. In some instances, the set back area includes outdoor seating areas.

Signs: Signs should be pedestrian-scaled. Desired sign types include building-mounted, window, projecting, monument and awning.

Signs should not be excessive in height or square footage. (See side bar) Service Areas: Trash and recycling containers, street-level mechanical, rooftop mechanical, outdoor storage, and loading docks should be located or screened so that they are not visible from a public street. Screening should be compatible with building architecture and other site features.

Stormwater: Green roofs, permeable pavement and other stormwater management technologies should be utilized as feasible to filter pollutants and infiltrate or delay runoff.

Preferred pedestrian-scaled sign alternatives.

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Implementation Implementation Plan The Downtown Enhancement Plan seeks to provide both short and long-term recommendations for the redevelopment of both private and public properties with the goal of creating a more vibrant and sustainable downtown. This chapter contains a compilation of the various actions recommended throughout the plan to translate this vision to reality. Each action is a designation of responsible parties, recommended time-frame for completion, and potential funding sources, in addition to, or in replace of, general tax revenues. Since many of the recommendations rely on coordination with the private market it is likely that the full breath of this Plan’s vision will take many years to achieve.

Streetscape Action #1: Enhance street environment for pedestrians and motor vehicles.

Currently, the streetscape lacks a cohesive and coherent look.

The only unifying element is the pedestrian streetlight. The first step to creating a template will be with the improvements implemented through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program. The elements created in those four blocks will set the tone for the rest of the downtown. As new development occurs or changes are made to the right of way, they should follow the lead of the changes at the corner of Main and Central. This includes sidewalks, bike lanes, landscaping, signage, and color schemes. The changes should allow for pedestrians to fully use the sidewalks for walking, shopping, dining, and resting.

Responsible Parties: City Council, Illinois Department of Transportation, Developers, Building/Lot Owners Time-frame: (By 2030)

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Action #2: Provide guidance for future landscaping, signage, street trees, etc.

Design Standards should be created an applied to all parcels in the Downtown Study Area. The standards should be review prior to making changes to the exterior of a structure to ensure a cohesive downtown. Design Standards can be set for, but are not limited to, lighting, parking, landscaping, stormwater, service areas, facades, signage, projections, colors and materials. These standards are not intended to make every building look the same, but rather to ensure the buildings in the downtown compliment each other and project a unified message.

Responsible Parties: City Council, Developers, Building/Lot/ Business Owners Time-frame: (By 2015)

Action #3: Increase foot and bicycle traffic throughout Casey’s Downtown.

On the whole the sidewalks are in good condition in the study area and ensure ease for pedestrians. However, there are areas where crosswalks and pedestrians lights are needed to allow for safer crossing.

In addition, there are currently no bike lanes or bike amenities to accommodate safe and easy cycling through and around the Downtown. Bike lanes should be painted as part of a lane share and connected to parks, trails, neighborhoods and other destinations in and around Casey. Moreover, bike racks should be installed in the right of ways in every block of the study area.

Responsible Parties: Illinois Department of Transportation, City Council Time-frame: (By 2020)

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Public art is a way to set Downtown Casey apart from other downtowns. Art can come in the form of murals, statues, sculptures, street furniture, banners, etc. While art can be subjective, it can also tell a communities story, sell a business, or beautify an aging building.

A public art committee should be formed where interested parties can submit ideas for review and/or donate funds to implement art within the study area.

Responsible Parties: Private Investors, Building/Lot/Business Owners Time-frame: (By 2015)

Action #5: Improve existing infrastructure

The existing infrastructure include storm water, sanitary sewer, sidewalks, roads, lighting, traffic signals, will always need to be maintained. Current improvements would be to paint traffic signals, stop sign poles, and other right of way elements black to blend into the streetscape.

Responsible Parties: City Council, Illinois Department of Transportation Time-frame: (Ongoing)

Buildings & Lots Action #6: Enhance existing building stock.

Implementing a facade grant program would help to improve the exterior of the existing building stock in downtown Casey. Other programs which address life safety issues and condition of the buildings without compromising the architectural integrity should also be considered.

Responsible Parties: City Council, Developers, Building/Lot Owners Time-frame: (By 2030)

Action #7: Provide community green/open space.

Providing an open green space within the downtown provides a gathering place for residents, shoppers and diners. It encourages interaction and adds an aesthetic quality to the surrounding environment.

Responsible Parties: City Council, Developers, Building/Lot Owners Time-frame: (By 2030)

Action #8: Preserve historic structures.

Structures within the study area which add to the historic character of the downtown should be carefully maintain to preserve their use for generations to come. Creating a list of contributing structures and ensuring their continued existence will help to keep the urban fabric of Downtown Casey intact.

Responsible Parties: City Council, Developers, Building Owners, Preservation Committee Time-frame: (On going)

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Implementation Downtown Character & Niche Action #9: Adopt Downtown Design Standards

To continue to have an aesthetically pleasing and historic downtown, the City should adopt Design Standards which would ensure the character of the downtown is preserved and enhanced.

The guidelines suggested in the Community Character Chapter of this Plan would make a good starting point to setting standards for the form of buildings such as height, setback, materials, and architectural style.

Responsible Parties: City of Casey Time-frame: (By 2015)

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Action Item

Short- Mid- LongTerm Term Term 2014-2015 2016-2020 2020+

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#1 Enhance street environment for pedestrians and motor vehicles. #2 Provide guidance for future landscaping, signage, street trees, etc. #3 Increase foot and bicycle traffic throughout Casey’s Downtown. #4 Increase presence of public art. #5 Improve existing infrastructure.

***on going***

#6 Enhance existing building stock #7

Provide community green/open space

#8 Preserve historic structures.

***on going***

#9 Adopt Downtown Design Guidelines

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