HomeMy WebLinkAbout149-98 OVERSIZE PLANSIMPROVEMENTS PLAN
City Of Wilmington, North Carolina
June, 1984
CITY COUNCIL
William Schwartz, Mayor
Donald Betz
E. A. Bordeau
Irving Fogler
Luther H. Jordan, Jr.
Edward A. Pate
Robert D. Shipp
CITY MANAGER
William B. Farris
DIRECTOR OF PLANNING & DEVELOPMt,NT
Arcelia Wicker, Sr.
PROJECTSTAFF
Michael L. Hargett, Project Director
Alvin G. McCollum, Project Engineer
Artis R. Bryant, City Real Estate Officer
Garland Meadows, Superintendent of Parks
Lynne Williams, Management Analyst
GRAPHICS
Althea H. Cole
SECRETARIAL
Dorothy M. Chavious
The preparation of this report was financed, in part, through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds provided by
the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanicand
Atmospheric Administration.
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DIvISION OF
COASTAL MANAGEMENI
Overview
Coastal seaports throughout the country are rediscovering the diverse potential of their urban waterfronts. Accompanying this
rediscovery has been increased emphasis on improving public access to this unique resource. Revitalized waterfronts provide an
excellent setting for leisure activities and are a proven stimulus for private investment in downtown areas.
Numerous local plans and studies have recognized the need for improved access to the river. The most recent of these is
"Wilmington Looks to the River - A Plan for the Redevelopment of the City's Riverfront" adopted by City Council in August,
1982, The plan specifically identifies a riverfront walkway ;Is a means of addressing the access issue. Provision of the walkway
was further identified as a priority activity and as such was included in the plan's Action Agenda.
In the Spring of 1983, the City applied for and received a planning grant under the Coastal Area Management Act to assist
in pe)forminga study to locate, plan fog; design and estimate costs for a riverfront walkway. This Improvements Plan summarizes
study findings and presents a program of improvements to achieve a continuous walkway linking public and private development
in the downtown riverfront area.
STUDY AREA ANALYSIS
For purposes of detailed analysis, the study area boundaries were defined as
Cape Fear Technical Institute on the north, Front Street on the east, the
Memorial Lift Bridge on the south and the Cape Fear River on the west. A
numer of existing and expected conditions were examined in relation to the
proposed walkway. These analyses are summarized individually as follows:
Ownership -
Property record research was performed to determine current ownership,
total assessed value, present use and most recent sale date. This information
was transferred to maps of the study area for use in evaluating alternative
walkway alignments. The information also provided a reference source for
contacting affected property owners.
Utilities -
System maps were prepared for water, sewer, electric power, telephone and
cable television service in the area. Applicable departments were also
consulted regarding planned improvements to city utilities. This informa-
tion identified potential physical constraints in the design of the facility as
well as possible corridors for the walkway alignment through the use of
common easements.
Land Use -
Existing and proposed development was identified and mapped based on
applicable plans and ordinances, existing data sources, field survey and
interviews with private developers and city officials. This analysis provided
the basis for identifying linkages between the walkway and existing and
proposed development in the study area. The analysis also aided in
determining appropriate physical attributes for the various segments of the
walkway. Existing land use is depicted on the map below; future
development is reflected on the Improvements Plan on the reverse side.
Streetscape -
Review of available data as well as extensive field inspection was performed
to familiarize project team members with streetscape elements of the stucly
area. Recognition of strengths and weaknesses related to this factor
influenced the type and range of imporvements included in the walkway.
Minimal improvements were identified for interesting or aesthetically
pleasing areas while the need for more substantial improvements was
identified in vast, sterile or unsightly areas.
Circulation/Parking -
The focus of this analysis was on identification of directional flow and
volume of traffic, condition of existing facilities, pedestrian/vehicle conflicts
and access to parking facilities. Correcting deficiencies in pedestrian
facilities and making more effective use of existing parking were
important considerations in the design of the walkway.
Site Visits -
Waterfront improvements in several eastern North Carolina cities were
toured by project team members to obtain a first-hand look at structural
design, compatibility with adjoining areas and the impact on downtown
revitalization. While conditions differed from those in Wilmington in some
instances, many similarities were observed. Ideas anal experiences offered
by representatives in the areas visited proved to be very worthwhile in
developing plans for a facility locally. To augment on -site visits, available
literature regarding waterfront development throughout the country was
also reviewed.
Advisory Group -
An advisory group comprised of representatives from private business, non-
profit preservation and business promotion organizations and government
was formed to assist in developing plans for the walkway. The group
provided input at the outset by identifying the range of issues and needs the
project should address. Individuals were consulted on ley issues throughout
plan development and preliminary plans were reviewed by the group as a
whole. Input and review from appropriate city operations was sought at
various stages of plan development.