City Wants Public Input as Academy Boulevard Study Begins Plan to Guide Revitalization of Critical City Corridor
The City of Colorado Springs is embarking on a study of a six-mile stretch of Academy Boulevard between Maizeland and Drennan roads. The Academy Boulevard Corridor Great Streets Plan is an element of the larger Academy Boulevard Corridor Revitalization Plan.The first of two public meetings that will support plan development takes place June 24, 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Sierra High School, 2250 Jet Wing Dr., Colorado Springs. A short presentation begins at 5 p.m.and will be followed by a question and answer session. This first meeting will be the public's first chance to examine existing conditions along the six-mile corridor and discuss traffic and pedestrian safety, neighborhood and community building, and commercial development.Key properties along the corridor will be evaluated, including major commercial business, multi-family and vacant developable properties within a quarter mile of Academy Boulevard.
The $250,000 study is funded through a Federal Transit Administration grant, designated for planning studies. City officials say this time of economic downturn is exactly when planners should be looking to the future and investing in revitalization of key corridors such as Academy Boulevard. City staff also point out that after several decades as a State highway, the roadway itself is now under City jurisdiction.The Colorado Springs office of CH2M HILL, with support from several Colorado Springs- and Colorado-based firms, will conduct the study, which is expected to be complete by the end of the year. The study will include an aggressive public involvement program involving the many stakeholders, residents, neighborhoods, businesses and cultural communities along the Academy corridor.More study information will be available soon on the project's Web page, which will be a part of the City's Web site, www.AcademyBlvdGreatStreets.com. |
Great Streets Concepts Will Steer Academy Corridor Plan
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What are Great Streets? The Great Streets web site (www.greatstreets.org) describes them as "a new respect for local communities and traditions in how streets are planned, built and maintained. Streets are central to building these new, 'traditional' communities because of the critical role they play in creating a unique community identity, healthy business environment and public space for citizens to use and enjoy." Some characteristics of Great Streets include:
- Great Streets are representative of their places. A Great Street reflects the neighborhood through which it passes and has a scale and design appropriate to the character of the abutting properties and land uses.
- Great Streets allow people to walk comfortably and safely. The pedestrian environment on, along and near the street is well-designed and well-furnished.
- Great Streets provide mobility. Great Streets strike an appropriate balance among the three elements of modern mobility: through travel, local circulation and access.
- Great Streets facilitate place-making. Great Streets incorporate within them places that are memorable and interesting. These may include plazas, pocket parks, attractive intersections and corners, or simply wide sidewalks fostering an active street life.
- Great Streets are green. Great Streets provide an attractive and refreshing environment by working with natural systems. They incorporate environmentally sensitive design standards and green development techniques.
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Let Your Voice Be Heard |
What: Academy Boulevard Corridor Great Streets Public MeetingWhen: June 24, 2010, 4:30-6:30 p.m., presentation at 5 p.m.Where: Sierra High School Commons Room, 2250 Jet Wing Dr. |
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The Academy Boulevard Corridor Great Streets team wants to hear from you. If you have comments or questions, send us an email at [email protected] or call us at 719.385.5391. You can also visit our Web site for more information, www.AcademyBlvdGreatStreets.com.
Sincerely,
Academy Boulevard Corridor Great StreetsTeam
The Academy Boulevard Corridor Great Streets Plan is being conducted by the City of Colorado Springs and Mountain Metropolitan Transit.
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ABC Great Streets Public Meeting | |
Public input will play a critical role in the creation of the Academy Boulevard Corridor Great Streets Plan. Residents, business owners, developers, property owners and community members are encouraged to attend the first public meeting to share their ideas and learn more about the future of this important corridor.
When: June 24, 2010, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Presentation at 5 p.m.
Where: Sierra High School, 2250 Jet Wing Drive |
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