Village of Newark: Rekindling its Sense of Place

Village of Newark

rekindling its sense of place Design Connect AAP Report Fall 2018

Cornell University Design Connect AAP Report Fall 2018 Project Manager: Herman, William Bachelors of Landscape Architecture Contributors : Colban, Kaia Bachelors of Applied Economics Guzelocak, Polen Bachelors of Architecture Hassun, Jihany Masters of Landscape Architecture Hill, Genesis Masters of Regional Planning Kifetew, Yabework Bachelors of Urban Planning Stark, Gwen Bachelors of Landscape Architecture

table of contents

towards a new vision for the Village of Newark *Introduction *Analysis *Community Outreach Event *Concept *Proposal *Vision *After thoughts

Introduction

on the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor

scopeof project Urban renewal in the 1950s and 60s cut away the uniqueness of the village, demolishing many multi-story buildings, leaving awkwardly plac parking lots and non-uniform one-story buildings.

Our work will aid in current revitalization efforts to improve the town’s identity including redeveloping activity spaces, aesthetics, business plan, and walkability of the downtown area.

All modifications are designed with the intention of boosting civic pride and increasing the desire to travel and reside in the village.

: key facts on demographic and their method of transportation Other

Walking

Driving

DRI exerpts

relevant to current project

Our Client, Mayor Jonathan Taylor, recently applied for $10 million from the New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) but unfortunately lost the bid. Our plans can help make Newark a contender for future grant applications.

Analysis

identifying economic catalysts

Aesthetic of the downtown core

3 principles of making a city visually attractive: order, compactness, and locality. Newark already has buildings of similar heights and follows a grid organization, creating a sense of order and unity. Most buildings are made of brick so by continuing this local material visual harmony, variety, and distinctiveness can be achieved.

Blackmar St.

East Sherman Ave.

Willow Ave.

Siegrist St. . ay St Murr

Harrison St. .

West Shore Blvd

Van Burren St .

Commercial

HW 31 Main St.

Mason St.

Existing businesses are currently spread out through the village’s downtown core.

Given the great distance between different types of business offerings consumers are left reliant on their cars to commute between them. This inconvenience and lack of offering encourages consumers to attend big-box retailers just outside of the limits of the village.

Scott St.

spatial dynamic of existing retail space

East Ave.

East Union St.

East Miller St. West Miller St.

Residential Businesses Government Services

Church St. High St.

Institutional

Maple Ct.

Religious Hotel Educational Downtown Boundary

N

Pedestrian Walkways Boat Dock Roads Canal

Williams St.

Commercial spatial dynamic of proposed retail space

Our recommendation entails an increased density of retail spaces on both sides of Main St., increased community-oriented programming on the edge of the canal port, centralized parking and a better integration with alternative transportation modes such as bike and pedestrian routes.

cilitator allowed for a better gaging of the project’s scope. Returning to our studios, our team executed a series of site analysis to better discern the site’s existing conditions. This was done through mapping, diagramming and writing.

process

instrumenting design thinking towards a new vision In order to break down our large mandate into manageable pieces, design thinking was instrumented towards the development of a new vision for the Village of Newark. Prior to visiting the site our team collected qualitative and quantitative data on site’s physical conditions and previous revitalization efforts. Information on the Village of Newark’s existing socio-economic status were also mined and reviewed. Our site visit in early September accompanied by the mayor and economic development fa-

To the occasion of our Community Outreach Event (COE) held at Village of Newark’s high school consisted of a second site visit where our team engaged with the community (stakeholders). Findings from the COE’s workshop and discussions led to a re-assessment of previous analysis while considering new data. The assimilation of all inputs led to a conception of a design suggesting a master plan for re-development in certain focus areas. Such plan balances economic revitalization with the needs of the community. Alas, graphics and writing towards the end of our report are dedicated towards the theoretical implementation of our design guidelines and strategies.

Research site conditions, history & previous downtown revitalization projects

Site Visit to visualize issues as well as potential in redeveloping

Site Analysis

Community Outreach

mapping of existing conditions throughout the town

to engage community members and determine most important factors to focus on

Re-assessment concepts anazlyzed previously, considering the input received from the citizens of Newark

Design Conception to develop master plan for re-development considering commercial growth and other needs of the community

Theoretical Implementation

The Community engaging with the stakeholders

Drawing Urban Imaginaries with Community Members. Source: Gwen Stark, 2018.

Listening to the voices of the community

A community outreach event was led in late October where over fifty community members attended and enthusiastically shared with us their urban imaginaries. Not only did we engage in one-onone conversations with attendees but also carried out three distinct activities that allowed us to collect data on community member’s circulation trends, perception of identity and sense of place, and retail / service demands.

Families, friends & Neighbors of

Planning

NEWARK

Families, friends & Neighbors of

NEWARK

Families, friends & Neighbors of

NEWARK

workshops and dynamics of COE

Much planning and occurred prior to the community outreach event. Inspired from existing local marketing, a poster was designed inviting families, friends and neighbors of the village of Newark to attend. Careful thought and deliberation went into designing the activities carried out at the event to ensure the collection of data that would allow for us to develop a coherent and representative proposal. A rigorous schedule for the day of the event was respected.

Join the cornell university design connect team for snacks, crafts, and family friendly discussion!

Saturday, October 20th

Newark High school gym 625 Peirson Ave, Newark

Join the cornell university design connect team for snacks, crafts, and family friendly discussion!

Saturday, October 20th

Newark High school gym 625 Peirson Ave, Newark

Join the cornell university design connect team for snacks, crafts, and family friendly discussion!

Saturday, October 20th

Newark High school gym 625 Peirson Ave, Newark

NEWARK COMMUNITY OUTREACH AGENDA October 20, 2018 @ 1:30 - 4:30 | Village of Newark

625 Peirson Ave, Newark, NY 14513 | Large Group Instruction room (50 person capacity)

SCHEDULE

11:15 AM | Meet at Kennedy Hall with everything ready to go 11:30 AM | Depart for Newark 1:00 PM | Meet Jonathan Taylor and begin to set up event 1:35 PM | Begin Discussion and repeat when needed for new arrivals 1:45 PM | Breakout sessions 4:10 PM | Begin cleaning up if no one is left 4:30 PM | Depart from Newark 6:00 PM | Arrive in Ithaca

FORMAT : Open House

When the citizens enter the room, they will be greeted and given a short checkbox survey containing demographic questions. The surveys are anonymous. The event will start out with everyone at the discussion station for an extended introduction (presentation) of the current revitalization efforts for those who are there at 1:30. At the end of it, we will explain the “ground rules” or the manner in which the event will be operating. This will be followed by the opportunity for the citizens to go to the various activity stations. The format of the outreach event will be an open house style. This styles gives members of the community the most flexibility. Citizens are able to move about freely between the 3 stations in an order of their choosing. Each station has a different visual activity with its own prompt targeted on gathering specific types of data. At least one member of the Design Connect team will be running each station and help facilitate the area. At the discussion station, a design connect member will continuously give a shortened version of the introduction to those who arriving later as well as speak to those citizens who have more to contribute. Note that we will have an optional exit slip where the citizens may tell us any other opinions that they may have not been able to express through the various activities. The citizens are encouraged to take as much time as they need for each activity station. We believe that each station will take between 5-15 minutes to complete to make sure this event does not take up a large part of their day. Next to each station will be a large sign of the name of the station as well as 1 sentence about what they are doing there/ the desired data to gather.

ACTIVITIES

DISCUSSION (EVERYONE)

SET UP: A few chairs will be positioned in a grid system facing the screen and a table will be near the door containing the entry survey and if possible, a separate table for the exit survey.

The surveys will either be handed to the Design connect member at the station or placed in a container on the tables.

This will be our opportunity to address the community and talk about the current DRI and other big picture topics. We are striving to get everyone on the same page in order to let the community have the most effective input. We will emphasize how the purpose of the event is to gather information from their village in order to properly suggest alterations. It is re-enforcing the democratic aspect of this process. We will explain what Design Connect does and our involvement with this particular project. We will go over the “ground rules” of the event and explain the overall organization of the event. Within this presentation will be an explanation of

each activity and what we are aiming to understand better and an emphasis on how the data we gather today will help direct our design. A vision is a collective process and we want our interventions in the downtown area to be grounded in a general consensus. Positioned on a table near the (main) entrance to the large group instruction room (LGI) will be a table with a short demographic survey. This will be used to make better sense of the data we collect and to make sure we are representing the interests of the community equally. The survey will contain the following questions: age range, occupation, method of travel to work, were they born in Newark, have they lived there for more than 2 year, name (optional) and gender (optional).

Once completed the first time, the discussion area will act as a place for a quick recap of everything that was presented during the introduction for the sporadically arriving citizens. It will also be a place for members of the community to talk to the Design Connect team and share other opinions and viewpoints that they either were not able to communicate in the activity or were not comfortable sharing in the particular information. As citizens leave, they are encouraged to fill out a quick exit slip. This will contain an open section for feedback about the event itself as well as the opportunity to let us know anything else they think is relevant to the project.

GOAL: Explain the purpose of the event, our involvement and broadly what information we are trying to gather as well as the format of the event.

MATERIALS: 1. Computer with access to presentation 2. Projector and screen 3. Survey (printed out) 4. Pens/ pencils 5. 2 tables and chairs 6. (OPT) 2 container for surveys

COLLAGE (JIHANY, KAIA)

SET UP: On the main table will be 80-100 randomly colored sheets of origami paper, roughly 3” to 4” squares. The main table will also contain a large foam board. On the 2-3 sub tables will be piles of washable markers with chairs surrounding the tables. Once done drawing, the citizens will either pin or give the DC member the drawing to pin in order to create a larger collage of ideas.

Citizens are prompted to draw their favorite part of downtown Newark, their favorite thing to do there, what Newark means to them or what they value most within the downtown area.

They will go to the main table to receive their paper and then able to go to the various sub tables to draw. Once completed, the citizens can either pin their drawing to the board of the DC member will do it for them. At the end of the event, we hope to have a large, colorful and beautiful collage which we will temporarily take back to Cornell at the end of the event. This is a good method of expression for the citizens and allows us to understand what the people really value and love to do. It is also a good station for children who are encouraged to submit as many drawings as they want to. This could also provide temporary relief for parents attending the event with their children.

Parallel to this activity, and run at the same station will be a word collage. With the same prompt, the citizens are encouraged to write out a word or phrase which they think captures the current sense of identity for the area. This is a good method for those who are not comfortable drawing. We will turn our findings from this into a word cloud to compliment the college.

GOAL: Find the values (physical and abstract) and current sense of identity of the members of the community for the downtown area. We hope to analyze the individual and communal values.

MATERIALS: 1. Origami paper (80-100 sheets) 2. Markers a. Variety of Crayola markers 3. Foam board (white) 4. Thumb tacks (clear) 5. Index cards (100 cnt)

MAPPING (GWEN, POLEN)

SET UP: 2 tables with a total of 4 maps. 3 maps of the downtown area approximately 2’x3’ and 1 map of the catchment area with the same sizing. No chairs are needed for the activity. If these are able to be set up on easels, then tables would not be necessary.

In this station, we will present the citizens with three identical maps of the downtown area. They are prompted to draw their most traveled routes, noting their starting location and destination. If the locations are outside of the provided map, they should simply write out where they were going (i.e. home, work, pizza, church). One map will be for walking, one for vehicle travel and one for other (biking, jogging and public transport). Citizens will take turns drawing on the three large maps and on each, putting 1-2 thumbtacks down on each in the place that they visit or go to most within the downtown area. We will try to have a tally count for the each of the maps in order to understand the depth of each map.

On the other end of the station will be a map of the catchment area with the boundaries expressed in the DRI. here, citizens will be prompted to place a thumb tack on the places they travel to the most outside of Newark. It can be multiple places but the reasoning or specific destination within each of those areas should be placed on a post it note nearby. We will tally the amount of people who participate in this activity. This will help us understand the reasons people travel outside of Newark with the intent of bringing those types of activities closer to the downtown area.

GOAL: Discover the most traveled routes and subsequently the most passed by storefronts (possibly represented as a heat map), the most heavily populated areas and how Newark is integrated into the larger Network of ares.

MATERIALS: 1. 3 maps of Newark with low contrast (mounted on foam core) 2. 12 sharpies (3 per station) a. Vehicle = red b. Walking = blue c. Other = green d. Catchment = black 3. Clear thumb tacks/ skinny ones 4. Post its

BUSINESSES (GENESIS, YABE)

SET UP: 1 large foam board set up on a table. If it is able to be set up on an easel, then tables would not be necessary.

The purpose of this station is to obtain input on the types of businesses and programming (community wide activities) the current citizens enjoy and dislike as well as what

else they would like to see in the downtown area. A large white foam board will contain a T chart with different categories: food, retail, entertainment, social service, recreation/ physical activity, industry and personal services (ex: dry cleaning) lining the first column. The second column will be titled “Existing.” We will start the process of adding different businesses in the downtown area but leave plenty of room in each category for the citizens to add various existing businesses. The third column will be titled “Suggested” where the citizens can put the names of specific businesses or types that they would like to see within each category. Likewise, we will start the process of adding businesses to this column but leave ample room for the citizens input. If a member of the community comes to this station and sees that the business or programming that they were going to write has already been posted, they are encouraged to place a green dot sticker if they like that place/idea and want to see more of it, or a red dot sticker if they want less of it or think it will be a bad implementation.

GOAL: Understand the likes and dislikes of the current business, establishments and programming as well as which they would like to see in the downtown area.

MATERIALS: 1. 2 tables 2. 1 big “science fair style” board or 1 foam core board 3. Post it notes 4. 6 sharpies 5. Green and red dot stickers

Food 6’x3’

Discussion

6’x3’

Misc.

6’x3’

Citizen

Food

Discussion

≈ 37 ft

Screen

6’x3’

Design Connect: Vision of Downtown (Newark)

≈ 50 ft

6’x3’

6’x3’

Community Outreach Event: Layout

6’x3’ 6’x3’

Business Business Mapping

Mapping 6’x3’

October 20, 2018 | 1:30-4:30 625 Peirson Ave | Large Group Instruction Room

Design Connect Member

Collage Sub

6’x3’

6’x3’

Collage Sub

Local authorities collaborated in the promotion of the event and its objectives. Closer to the date, when we had a better idea of number of attendees a medium size room was chosen to foster an intimate setting. Table arrangements encourage cross-pollination between workstations and allowed for community members to participate in the order they preferred.

6’x3’

with the community for input

Collage Main

Communicating

Collage Sub

Projector

Newark Official

6’x3’

EXISTING BUSINESSES FOOD

Station 1 to the voices of the community

Community members were asked to share their opinions on existing programs and businesses in the downtown area as well as what they would like to see succeed in the future.

Specific recommendations based on community feedback include the following: (1) a Canal Café on the waterfront to increase canal traffic year round with can allow boat access; (2) a Cinema in the current location of the Rite-Aid with the option to host private events; (3) a Dog Park in convenient location along the canal can allow; (4) an Amphitheater at the entry point of the Erie Canal Port; (5) New Recreation Center in a convenient location with proximity to the downtown core to service local families with an active lifestyle.

ENTERTAIN

RECREATION

Raspberry ice-cream shop +1 Parkers +6 Craft 120 restaurant +2 Corner Tavern Downtown parking?* -1 Library,museum, canal, victorian homes “Add more plays” Outdoor movie night +1 Local businesses +1 “I love all the new programs offered at the public library/community center, its a community gem” +2 College* Arcadia sports & awards* Car wash, pet wash Local hospital like +3 Vet +1

RETAIL

Water planters +1, -1

SOCIAL SERVICES

Good industrial base

PERSONAL SERVICES

INDUSTRY

SUGGESTED BUSINESSES

GENERAL SUGGESTIONS

Ampitheatre/performance space on slope by Eerie canal +1 More coffee shops +2 Fewer pizza parlors +1 Opn air cafe in place of office building Home style cafeteria Transform Reed manufacturing building a multiuse retail, resaurant, theater building Theatre again +5 Playground, water park +3 Upscale restaurants with chef - need gluten free! +16 Bigger farmer’s market on Saturdays +5 Support the new coffee place +5 * KFC, Arby’s, Taco Bell, Chick-fil-A +2, -6 Starbucks Entertainment for teens +1 Entertainment set up like Linden St. in Geneva with blocked-off streets for dining, socializing and e__nment +1 Better rec centers - bring back old skating rink, public pool +4 Party house (wedding, dance) +2 Bring Perkins back Boutique like/specialty shopping +1 More live performances, open mic!

Dog park +6 Multiuse indoor sports complex More support for arts, visual performing +2 Library? +3 Better sports programs at an earlier age +1 Garden Inn needs a franchise name +1 Hotel improvement +3 More medical services +1 Keep improving village infrastructure to help draw mroe industry in the village

Improve appearance of downtown buildings, make them have character +2 New facades, more choesive look to downtown! *Sidewalks in good repair for walking and maintained +5 Roads need more work - too many potholes +1 Too many stoplights on route 31 and 88 :) Need more “teeth” in sidewalk maintenance rules and village code - too dangerous! +1 Make the building behind Arcadia Sports a Micro Distillary with Big Dock on it No empty buildings Return to Newarkfest +1, -1 Make features like ice skating rink near Lincoln School better known Wider main streets - Route 88 underground wiring +1 Some more green space with tables and benches +1 More trees and green space +3 More public transportation Nice open park +1 Modern, new community center +2 Need more quality childcare centers +3 Train station +3 Tax incentives Rehab +1 Zombie houses +1 Pet store Take care of wild life +1 Services for senior citizens (accesibility) Develop canal front more +3 Need more handicap parking for existing businesses

Station 2 to the voices of the community

Community members were prompted to draw their most travelled routes by car, walking, or other forms of transportation to determine the preferred routes throughout the downtown area.

Station 3 to the voices of the community

Community members were asked to draw or describe what they value most about the Village of Newark to develop a collage of values.

Concept

building upon existing the voices of the community

Reconnecting the downtown core to the canal both physically by facilitating access and visually by allowing for visual openings and way finding along the main streets leading to the canal.

DOWNTOWN CORE

CANAL

DOWNTOWN CORE

CIVIC POLE.

ERIE CANAL

redefining retail and DOWNTOWN CORE service shopping in the downtown core Redesigning Main St. between Van Buren St. and Maple St. to accommodate a refurbished ‘Downtown Destination’. Small shops selling unique, local products help the local economic development plan and other revitalization efforts.

HW 31

East Union St.

East Miller St. West Miller St.

DESTINATION DOWNTOWN

DOWNTOWN DESTINATION DOWNTOWN DESTINATION

CULTURAL High St. POLE.

Reinforcing network of community spaces and events that gather citizens and tourists alike through programming, coherent way-finding signage, turning parking lots into multi-use spaces, and integrating the underutilized Canal waterfront into the downtown core. v

Van Burren S t.

East Ave.

The design concept identified three main strategies that ties together our proposed guidelines. First we acknowledged the historical past of the village by emphasizing the presence of the Erie canal in the urban fabric of the downtown area. Second, to rethink the pedestrian experience on the main’s street commercial strip. Third, to reconnect identified civic, community and recreational poles in the downtown area. This holistic approach is leveraged from the local economy framework model.

.

West Shore Blvd

Main St.

DOWNTOWN DESTINATION that k of community spaces and events nd tourists alike through well-targeted connecting communities erent way-finding signage and retrofitting into the network lots into ecological, multi-use spaces.

CANAL

Scott St.

the sense of place back into the urban fabric

Harrison St.

Mason St.

weaving

Siegrist St.

Main St.

Street between Van Burren St and Maple weaving heritage back bished ‘Downtown Destination’ as small into the downtown core CANAL ue, local products. Opening with the help c development plan and other revitaliza-

Willow Ave.

Church St. High St.

Maple Ct.

RECREATIONAL POLE. N

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES

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new model for the local economic framework

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Locally Owned Businesses and Good Business Networks Community Capital Building community networks through local investment in community events

Anchor Institutions Strong education and healthcare system

Local Government Improving zoning regulations for downtown Maintenance of publicinfrastructure Investing resources

Independent retail, locally owned cafes, restaurants, farmer’s markets

Entrepreneur Ed and Technical Assistance

LOCAL ECONOMY FRAMEWORK What makes a healthy, equitable, economy?

Health and Wellness Mental, spiritual well-being

Business oriented education and youth mentorship programs

Work and Labor Cooperatives and unions within the workforce

Independent Media and Arts Building culture, having a shared identity, Investing in public art, live performances, local talent

Proposal

requalifying the downtown core

h

recr

e g a t i er

e r u t l u c d

on a ti

e

sensible

approach towards dynamic urban furtures Building off our synthetic urban dynamic analysis and proposed programming, this section will provide suggested design guidelines implement these ideas into the the urban fabric of the village’s downtown core. The approach is sensible and has the intention to bring out a sense of place both amongst older and younger generations.

i t o a n n i t es

the erie canal weaving heritage back into the downtown core

Illustrating the city’s historical past, the Port of Newark has often been described as underutilized during our community outreach event.

Our design guidelines will propose a more articulate urban junction for the port. The intent is to increase accessibility and awareness of the Port’s location and amenities within the downtown core.

problematic zones

identifying problem and potential zones The T. Spencer Canal Port offers just over 83,000 sqft. of green space and recreation right off the downtown core of the Village of Newark. This well maintained space for leisure and recreation is underutilized and does not seem to respond to citizen’s needs.

potential zones

*

The Newark Chamber of Commerce and the outdoor theatre space are identified as high potential landmarks that drive interest to the north area of the Port.

*

The Arc Wayne Warehouse

Newark Chamber of Commerce

r

sidewalks + promenade parking spaces roads as public spaces

t.

Buren S

nce T. Spe

landmarks

Canal Knight

*

Port

al Erie Can

Main St.

Our mapping exercise of data collected characterizes the T. Spencer Canal Port as an enclave between four significant roadways that the city could not do without: on the East we have Main St., Highway 31 on the South, East Ave. on the West and finally Van Buren one way street on the North. Such framing by high speed transportation infrastructure is in contradiction with the area’s primary vocation as a recreational space. Although it does offer pedestrian access, the pedestrian is not prioritized, and the lack of pedestrian controlled lights at street crossing make it difficult for users to access the park.

This Port area is further framed by a surface area of 180,400 sqft. destined for parking spaces. These asphalted spaces do not hold any other function nor do they offer any leisure or environmental interest and have thus been identified as potential zones. The green edges host minimal vegetation to offset heat islands produced by these large impermeable surfaces.

East Ave.

By identifying problematic and potential zones of this area resulting from a site analysis and compilation of results from our community outreach event, we are able to derive possible solutions to better articulate the site into the existing urban fabric.

seggregation by transportation infrastructure

Craft 120 Restaurant

*

catholic charities

*

East Union St. N

to consider in this area include but are not limited to the following:

Building on existing development initiatives at the old ‘Arc Wayne’ warehouse building on Buren St. the proposed vision allows for a more inclusive and sustainable urban design approach.

A better articulation of existing infrastructure around T. Spencer Canal Port will allow for diversity in programming, as well as greater pedestrian accessibility to waterfront recreational spaces.

We have identified the importance of pedestrian accessibility in regards to park accessibility and street crossings.

It is highly recommended that East Ave bridge becomes accessible to pedestrians only as to maintain the bridge and Port’s historical aesthetic.

space activation

+ with seating and resting areas

e with

tive decora den r a rain g areas t s e r and

t.

Buren S

g

parkin

faces le sur ermeab

main paved ce entran g in d n e t x e e h t to port

ac r terr outdoo

with p spaces

es g spac

parkin

bump speed walk cross-

with

all directions cross-walk

tables picnic s

ace le surf

permeab

utdoor n of o o k i s n e he par ext onto t e c a r r te

wayfinding signage

ub / ural h r cult outdoo hitheatre amp

permeable surfaces

ornamental planting

wayfinding signage

pedestrian centric

*

new dog park

ing

rac pe ter

a landsc

integrated parking lot and raingarden + with seating and resting areas

all directions cross-walk

* East Ave.

In order to promote visitor spending at local shops, we have included in our design strategies leisure and recreational spaces that will entertain consumers to stay a while at the T. Spencer Canal Port. Such strategies include the outdoor terrace on Buren St., a designated area to host weekly farmer’s market in warm seasons and a winter market during cold season and multifunctional parking lots.

integrated parking lot and raingarden

paved d and covere nce way entra

Main St.

_Increase Pedestrian Accessibility to the canal port area; _Permeabilize asphalted parking surfaces; _Redesign parking for multifunctionality ; _Program for community oriented events / activities / workshops; _Reconsider necessity of parking spaces on Van Burren St; _Extension of paving material onto the streetscape both on Van Burren St; _Possibility of dedicating East Ave. for pedesrtian access only; _Dedicate a tangent green area for dog park; _Providing more seating and resting areas for pedestrians and park users; _Wayfinding signage marking the orienting users of distances between civic, cultural and recreational poles and downtown-destination.

articulating the urban infrastructure

design principles

Design strategies

g lot parkin ason e l b a e rm m se nal pe ket in war o i t c n u ar multif farmer’s m g n i t s o h

East Union St.

permeable multifunctional g parking lot integegratin son / sea m basketball court in war season ice skating rink in cold

speed bump cross-walk

’ and look around ers to ‘slow down iv dr al gn si to e material change of surfac

all directions cross-walk

N

characterizing the erie canal as a civic pole The suggested design strategies will characterize the Erie Canal as the civic pole of the Village of Newark. A space where locals and tourists alike will be able to gather to enact their citizenship, recreate and to appreciate the beautiful historic scenery of the Erie Canal. A reminder of the village’s history and a promise of its future.

Steps towards Erie Canal Port. Source: Gwen Stark, 2018.

the library a cultural experience beyond its four walls

The Newark Public Library currently hosts a plethora of activities for all ages. Capitalizing on its popularity as a landmark for cultural and community events we suggest a new focus promoting cultural experience beyond the library’s four walls. The design guidelines that follow intent to optimize the library’s outdoor spaces and to increase its visual presence from the street.

identifying problem and potential zones

Norman L. Waterman Funeral Home Dollar General

Limited diagonal parking spaces on the

seggregation by transportation infrastructure

residential properties

potential zones

*

Parking lots at the corner of Mason and West Miller St. have also been identified as potential spaces for multifunctional uses as well as components of human and natural ecological corridor.

The neo classical library building itself currently optimizes its footprint on the existing lot and has very little room to expand. Given the limited space, the potential of sharing some of its programming with the civic and recreation pole is recognized.

Allowing for a pervious threshold onto the streetscape not only to signal its presence and slow down traffic but also to allow for its cultural presence to be felt in the neighborhood is identified. Such overlap onto the streetscape would also encourage for a new dialogue between the Public Library and the Newark Arcadia Historical Society. As a cultural pole, this area demands for more shaded seating areas for resting and contemplation.

*

landmarks sidewalks + promenade parking spaces roads as public spaces

Mason St.

Currently the landmark for cultural and community oriented programming the Newark Public Library finds itself constricted to a neighborhood of residential character. The latter ensures a rather quiet and peaceful ambiance for the library users but may also bring about conflict in regards to certain activities that gathers a larger, and possibly louder crowd.

perimeter of the lot both on Mason and High streets offers convenience to its users. These monofunctional spaces have been identified as potential areas.

problematic zones

Newark Public Library

*

High St.

*

Newark Arcadia Historical Society

N

West Miller St. wayfinding signage

We have identified the lack of seating and resting spaces in this area and suggest that an investment be made towards urban furniture in the green perimeter surrounding the Public Library.

The latter has been characterized as the ‘Library Garden’.

with seating and resting areas

space activation

change of surface material to signal drivers to ‘slow down’

Such strategies include rethinking the diagonal parking spaces in front on Mason and High St. as multifunctional spaces and the possibility of integrating parklets into these during the warm season. As in the previous section, we advocate for permeable surfaces wherever possible. Parking spaces occupy a large surface area of the village’s downtown core and allowing for their asphalted surfaces to become permeable will not only orient the village towards a more sustainable future but also allow for better stormwater management directly on the site as well as the possibility to offer cooler shaded areas by allowing for planting in these spaces.

To make up for the lack of shaded seating area at the perimeter of the library and around the historical society, we have identified the parking lot of the Norman L. Waterman funeral home, at the corner of Mason and West Miller St., as a potential space that would largely benefit of a parking lot retrofitting.

+

Mason St.

In support of the concept of bringing the cultural capital of the Public Library outside of its four wall to the streets, allowing it to permeate into the mixed residential and institutional neighborhood has led us to identify design strategies for this area.

To increase the library and the historical society’s presence to passersby on the street we suggest a change of paving on Mason and High St. as we approach the aforementioned institutions. Such change of materiality on the ground would also have the second role of slowing down traffic as cars approached all direction crosswalk at the corner of Mason and High St.

integrated parking lot and raingarden

design principles

articulating the urban infrastructure

*

permeable surfaces

pedestrian centric

High St.

all directions cross-walk

place outdoor urban furniture in library garden

Design strategies to consider in this area include but are not limited to the following: _Promoting outdoor and indoor spaces to host cultural and community oriented activities during all seasons; _important pedestrian nexus to be prioritized and accommodated; _Reconsider monofunctional street parking spaces as polyvalent spaces; _Consistent signage to orient users from and to ‘downtown destination’, ‘civic’ and ‘recration’ pole; _Provide shaded resting areas for reading and contemplation.

permeable multifunctional parking space integegrating ‘parklets’ change of surface material to signal drivers to ‘slow down’

N

characterizing the library as a cultural pole The suggested design strategies will characterize the Public Library as the cultural pole of the Village of Newark.

An inclusive space where citizens and visitors alike can visit and acquire a sense of the local community’s values and culture in all seasons.

Newark Acadia Historical Society. Source: Google Maps, 2018.

community

an accessible and inclusive community hub for all In response to adamant demand for community spaces during our community outreach meeting we identified the Alex Eligh Community Center and the K&M Demay Skate Park as the locus for the recreation hub at the Village of Newark. This area already recognized as a community hub has the potential to deploy itself and attend a diverse demographic.

problematic zones

identifying problem and potential zones

residential properties

As seen elsewhere in the village’s downtown core, we have observed a lack of urban furniture in the area providing comfortable, shaded seating and resting area to pace and rhythm the pedestrian’s walk.

potential zones

*

Church St.

landmarks sidewalks + promenade parking spaces roads as public spaces

vacant building

*

East Ave.

This area is currently allocates about 39 000 sqft. to impervious parking lots serving the back of Central Park’s Presbyterian Church and find itself facing a neighborhood of residential character.

In contrast just over the 8,500 sft.

K&M Demay Skate park located on East Ave. is designated as public park space.

The more intimate setting of East Ave. in comparison to Newark’s Central Park on busy South Main St. present a good opportunity to integrate a children’s playground in the area and serve a more diverse public.

seggregation by transportation infrastructure

service local population in this area remains.

Park Presbyterian Church

Along with the K&M Demay Skate Park, both the Park Presbyterian church and the Alex Elign Community Center are contribute to the characterization of this area as a community hub.

An optimized use of the impervious parking spaces and the vacant building on the corner of Church St. and East Ave. would allow for the deployment of much needed recreational and community spaces identified during our community outreach event.

*

K&M Demay Skate Park

*

Alex Eligh Community Center

The challenge of balancing the neighborhood ambiance of East Ave. and the public infrastructure in demand to N

articulating the urban infrastructure

All open-air parking spaces are recommended to have permeable surfaces and function dually as a public space with shaded resting areas.

To complement our design suggestions mentioned above we believe it is important to address pedestrian security

design principles

A diverse park programming attending to the needs of all generations is addressed in this area. A new skate park tanget to a basketball court on the West side of East Ave. have also been indentified. We recommend a designated area on the South side of Church St., next to the Park Presbyterian church for a children’s playground, tangent to a parklet and a priority open-air parking zone.

space activation

permeable surfaces

children’s playground

*

wayfinding signage

parklet

Relocated Alex Eligh Community Center

priority parking + drop-off zone

integrated parking lot and raingarden + ing and seat with areas ing rest

skate park

to consider in this area include but are not limited to the following:

large pedestrian cross-walk

Church St.

pedestrian speed bump cross-walk

in relation to street crossing. As this area has a focus in servicing children, teenagers and elderly alike our design strategies recommends the implementation of wider speed-bump cross-walk along East Ave. and Church St. in addition to a large all-way pedestrian cross-walk at their intersection.

basketball court

East Ave.

The identified area, just off of Main St., provides a great opportunity to establish the much in-demand Recreation Center that would include indoor gymnasium, pool, theatre, studio spaces as well as an underground parking lot to servicing the Recreation Center clientèle. The vacant building on the east side of Church St. and East Ave. would host the relocated Alex Eligh Community Center. This new location will offer greater visibility and accessibility.

Design strategies

pedestrian speed bump cross-walk

_Increase Pedestrian Accessibility and security _Permeabilize asphalted parking surfaces _Redesign open-air parking spaces for multifunctionality _Program for community oriented events / activities / workshops _Offer recreation spaces for all ages and all seasons _Relocate Alex Elign Community Center for increased visibility

recreational center with underground parking

pedestrian centric

integrated parking lot and raingarden + with seating and resting areas

N

characterizing the community hub as a recreation pole The suggested design strategies will characterize the Community area as the recreational pole of the Village of Newark. New public infrastructure will address existing needs of local population and avoid displacement to nearby communities. It would attract and retain young professionals and families.

298 East Ave. Source: Google Maps, 2018.

destination

redefining retail and service shopping in the downtown core A requalification of the Main St. as it traces its way through the village’s downtown core will redefine shopper’s retail experience. Prioritizing the pedestrian experience in this area which will increase storefront’s presence for consumers. Consistent signage aesthetic will provide unity and a coherent message for downtown destination.

ion St. West Un problematic zones

identifying problem and potential zones This focus zone analyzes the edges of Main St. from the South side of West and East Union St. all the way to High St..

Here the Main St. makes room for, at its widest point, at the intersection with West Miller St., the equivalent of six lanes for traffic. Such a distance and a lack of visual connection sewing both East and West sides of Main St. make it uninviting for pedestrian strolling. In addition to that, traffic speed here is relatively high and does not make pedestrians at ease at street crossings and creates

seggregation by transportation infrastructure

town core. By accessibility by variable means of transportation accounts for a more inclusive design. This raises the possibility of linking Downtown Destination on Main St. to regional bike paths and trails.

East Miller and Church St., both perpendicular to Main St. have been identified as potential areas for slower traffic and pedestrian friendly areas. This addresses the possibility for these to be blocked off during festivals or community events in the downtown core without disturbing main traffic on major roads.

potential zones

*

sidewalks + promenade parking spaces roads as public spaces

East Miller St.

West Miller St.

Main St.

Out of all the areas identified as focus zone, downtown destination is the one allocating the most surface area to parking of all with a total just over 160,000 sqft.. These are high potential zones for alternative paths and small gardens spread out through the commercial area.

Church St.

High St.

*

Maple Ct.

Imperviable diagonal parking along Main St. blocks visual exposure of storefront and occupies space that could otherwise be allocated to decorative vegetation, urban furniture and parklets. Current street width offers the opportunity for complete street design allocating democratic space for pedestrian, bicycle and motor vehicles alike through the down-

landmarks

N

ion St. West Un

articulating the urban infrastructure space activation

wayfinding signage

*

West Miller St.

change of surface material to signal drivers to ‘slow down’

all directions cross-walk

East Miller St.

integrated parking lot and raingarden + urban park green the streets + offer rest areas near businesses storefronts

permeable surfaces

*complete streets*

pedestrian centric

integrated parking lot and raingarden + with seating and resting areas

cross-walk

High St.

change of surface material to signal drivers to ‘slow down’

wayfinding signage

*

Church St.

Maple Ct.

An all direction speed-bump cross walk at the intersection of Main St. with West and East Miller St. is proposed

Open-air parking lots are transformed into permeable surfaces and raingarden.

Urban furniture and shaded rest areas are integrated into these large spaces offering them an additional function.

These areas would also have the capacity to host events and fairs when necessary.

integrated parking lot and raingarden + with picnic area / children’s playground

Main St.

Physical linkages between these edgelike public spaces with multifunctional parking lots such as paths are also encouraged for strolling and discovery inside the blocks. Such an intervention would appreciate certain real estate currently underexploited for commercial and institutional purposes. It would also allow for the optimization of building façades and encourage a larger number of small merchants rather than fewer big box retailers.

to both slow down traffic and stimulate encourage commercial and public spaces in all four corners. The potential identified for both East Miller and Church St. as pedestrian friendly zones manifest itself through homogenous paving materiality from the north sidewalk through the street to south sidewalk where motor vehicles and pedestrian may circulate together at reduced speeds and where the street may be completely closed off to motor vehicles during special events.

Design strategies

integrated parking lot and raingarden + farmer’s / artesanal market area

design principles

The intention in this focus zone is to articulate the Main St. as a destination for retail and services in the downtown core of the Village of Newark. We believe that a step towards achieving this would entail making the West and East sides along with the cross-walks of Main St. more pedestrian friendly. Interventions such as the introduction of urban furniture at regular human-size intervals on the edge of sidewalks to allow for moments of resting, waiting, and contemplation. It is recommended that these be strategically placed in front of / facing existing and projected storefronts.

reducing street width at strategic corners

to consider in this area include but are not limited to the following: _Make the sidewalk / storefront interface more pedestrian friendly _Reduce speed of cars driving through this section by reducing street size on this stretch _Speed bumps _Aside from street trees, consider ‘parklets’ installed on street parking spots for summer months _Define coherent signage style indicating ‘downtown destination’ area. _Identify vacant realstate and indicate most promising / strategic locations for incoming businesses _Possibility of connecting to regional bike routes _Permeabilize parking spaces _Consider walking distance and pace, allow for comfortable pauses and interest points along the way

N

characterizing the main st. as downtown destination Main St., also known as Downtown Destination provides for a leisurely retail and service shopping experience for tourists and locals alike. Retrofitted storefronts, comfortable walkable landscapes and diverse product offering invites consumers all year round.

East Union at Main Street. Source: Gwen Stark, 2018.

Vision

articulating sense of place

‘‘

On the edge of the historic Erie Canal, the Village of Newark provides its residents and communities a place to play and work within a vibrant and active downtown at all seasons.

Contemporary Urban Design and Landscape Architecture practice has proven innovative and pragmatic when it comes to deriving solutions for such spaces.

Our proposal follows a thorough analysis and successful community outreach event. Throughout the desire for a more inclusive and dynamic downtown core stands out. Citizens feel an absence of civic and community spaces available to their families at all seasons. Currently enterprizes such as Wegman’s or Walmart seem to be fulfilling this need. ‘‘I go to Walmart to run into my neighbours’’ stated community member. ‘‘

seeking

a collective urban imaginary Urban renewal diminished the uniqueness of the Village of Newark. The removal of key buildings has not only uncharacterized the downtown core but also left behind some disparate voids in the urban fabric. A number of these voids have taken a new vocations as transportation infrastructure and parking lots.

These public spaces are not optimized.

It has been observed that the downtown core of the Village of Newark has the spacial resources needed to fulfill it’s community’s desires. Collaborative efforts from the planning, economic development and landscape departments can lead to a dynamic programming for the Village that will offer its youth with prospects of personal and professional growth.

An adapted vision statement leveraging from its proximity to national heritage of the Erie canal has been derived for the village. We believe that a more focused iteration will help target strategic development and programming identified in this report.

All generations gathering to participate at the annual Laurel 5km run. Source: Village of Newark Facebook Page, 2018.

After thoughts further developments

creative capital to compete. Possibly even to involve the local community to undertake participatory design initiatives in partnership with a team of professional designer. Such enterprise is desirable in this context to reinforce collaboration and dialogue between the diverse communities of the Village of Newark and evoke a sense of place.

what’s next ? translating the vision into bite-size design projects

This preliminary site analysis, derived design guidelines and proposed vision makes way for the next step. Taking up one focus area at the time, it is encouraged that bids for bite-size design projects be released. Bite-size projects implemented within the overarching themes identified in this report will allow for smaller firms with high Steps towards Erie Canal Port. Source: Gwen Stark, 2018.

Where budget is lacking, temporary urban furniture constructed out of recycled material is an option. Such ephemeral landscapes evokes the imaginary and allows for the testing of different ideas throughout the years, or seasons where a consensus is difficult to reach or where design intentions are acting upon private property where owners do not wish for permanent installations.

As emphasized throughout the report, the human-scale and pedestrian accessibility between important poles of the downtown core is to be emphasized in future projects at the Village of Newark.

This will encourage local and tourist flâneries, aimless strolling, and eventual consumption at local shops.

Cornell University Design Connect AAP Report Fall 2018 Project Manager: Herman, William Bachelors of Landscape Architecture Contributors : Colban, Kaia Bachelors of Applied Economics Guzelocak, Polen Bachelors of Architecture Hassun, Jihany Masters of Landscape Architecture Hill, Genesis Masters of Regional Planning Kifetew, Yabework Bachelors of Urban Planning Stark, Gwen Bachelors of Landscape Architecture

Village of Newark Design Connect AAP Report Fall 2018