I couldn't let this topic go without a comment since I touched upon it a couple years ago . . .
While Genesee Street is in bad need of a make-over, and FREE (not the proposed- pay-station) parking is needed near business places, preferably right on the street, for them to compete with their suburban peers, the idea of a median down the middle seems wrong-headed.
A median will destroy Genesee Street's special character. That street's width, combined with it cutting diagonally across other streets and the long view-shed from Smith Hill to Oneida Square creates a unique urban environment that is beautiful and prominently displays iconic pieces of architecture. The wide views give a feeling that one is in a place of importance. Indeed, it is our place for parades and important events.
A median would make Genesee St. feel more intimate -- more like a suburb. But people look to downtowns for excitement! The median will destroy the unique niche that only Genesee can fill.
That said, I like the idea of remaking Genesee St. without a median. Look at the Champs Elysée as a model. Reduction of traffic lanes should be done only if supported by a traffic study based on current traffic PLUS that which would be generated by full occupancy of existing buildings. Pedestrians should be given the right of way in designated crosswalks between Franklin Sq. and Court St. On street parking should be increased with diagonal parking on at least one side if the lanes can be narrowed or both sides if lanes are eliminated.
But whatever is done a traffic study must support any proposed changes to lanes.
3 comments:
Although it is agreed that the current design of Genesee St. should be maintained in any downtown design scenario, your leap to "full occupancy of existing buildings"is perplexing. The missing ingrediant for decades in matters relating to Utica's downtown is that of market. The market studies that have been done to justify such projects as the Hotel Utica, the Stanley, the Boston Store, downtown housing and others all proved to be faulty. An objective study should be done to justify any major new taxpayer financed investment in the downtown. I suspect that will show the need for plans to maintain the current level of use, not the pototential to fill empty space.
Your point about market studies is well taken, Anonymous. My point in asking for a traffic study including an estimate based on full occupancy is to ensure that millions of taxpayer dollars are not wasted REDUCING traffic capacity below that which is either needed now or may be needed merely by filling existing structures. That estimate should not be complicated to make. We should not spend $$ to destroy what will be needed in the future.
Regarding making any investment in downtown at all, that is inescapable. Genesee Street is in bad shape from what can be seen. My understanding is that what is beneath the surface is worse. People with properties downtown have been paying taxes for years and are entitled to expect basic infrastructure to be maintained. In addition EPA / DEC is imposing certain requirements re the sewer system that cannot be avoided.
No one could argue with the position to maintain the basic infrastructure, charm and importance of the urban core. That makes the waste of unecessary gimmics such as the roundabout sinful.
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