WARD 1 Master Plan • Cleveland, Ohio

480

WARD 1 Master Plan Prepared for Harvard Community Services Center 18240 Harvard Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44128 Phone: (216) 991-8585

by the Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative Kent State University 1309 Euclid Avenue, Suite 200 Cleveland, Ohio 44115 (216) 357-3434 March 2014

CONTENTS



1

Master Plan Goals...................................................................................................................................................................... 1

2

Summary................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1

3

The Context for Planning Purpose and Goals of the Plan.................................................................................................................................. 2 Planning Process / Community Engagement..................................................................................... 4 Previous Studies ............................................................................................................................................................................ 5



4 5



Existing Conditions Overview...............................................................................................................................................................................................11 Corridors................................................................................................................................................................................................19 Recommendations: Lee Road Corridor Streetscape Improvements.........................................................................................................................................21 Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Transit Improvements............................................................................27 Power Lines and Utilities................................................................................................................................................33 Lee/Harvard Intersection............................................................................................................................................ 35 Lee/Miles Intersection..................................................................................................................................................... 41

6 7

Community Assets: Schools Overview...............................................................................................................................................................................................43

8

Community Priorities for Implementation From Plan to Implementation............................................................................................................................ 68 Implementation Table.................................................................................................................................................... 68



Community Assets: Parks and Green Spaces Overview...............................................................................................................................................................................................55 Green Space System.......................................................................................................................................................... 59 Green Connections............................................................................................................................................................. 61

1. MASTER PLAN GOALS The goals of the Ward 1 Master Plan are to: •

enhance street edges and create a seamless transition between Cleveland and neighboring Shaker Heights;

•

create a clear and consistent identity for the neighborhood;

•

improve wayfinding and signage in ways that connect residents and visitors with opportunities for recreation and active living

•

improve retail access and visibility;

•

make pedestrian and bicycle improvements;

•

highlight neighborhood assets and amenities;

•

create and enhance playgrounds and green spaces for existing residents, and to attract new residents;

•

identify a preferred location for a new recreation center; and

•

attract appropriate development to prime sites.

2. SUMMARY The planning process for the Ward I Master Plan Update began in May of 2012, and completed in October of 2013. The process consisted of a series of steering committee and public meetings with the Harvard Community Center and its constituents to discuss the needs and desires of the community, such that this plan might be formally adopted by the Cleveland City Planning Commission. A diverse group of Ward 1 citizens and stakeholders were convened to provide vision for the update of previous plans for the area, completed by the Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative. The aim of this plan is to provide a framework for a shared vision of the community,which might provide direction for constructive dialogue and completion of projects in the neighborhood.

1

THE CONTEXT FOR PLANNING PURPOSE & GOALS OF THE PLAN The Lee-Harvard and Lee-Seville-Miles neighborhoods are characterized by wellmaintained, single-family homes, a stable population, and the one of the highest per capita income levels in the City of Cleveland. The quality and character of the residential areas is not matched by the commercial corridors (Lee Road, Miles Avenue, and Harvard Avenue) that run through the neighborhood. In contrast to the reinvestment and pride that is evident in the residential areas, the commercial corridors have numerous underutilized properties and a lower overall standard of property maintenance. While there are many successful businesses, numerous churches, and several prominent green spaces along the commercial corridors, the overall impression of the commercial corridors undermines the character of the residential neighborhood. This plan was developed as a formal strategy to embody the spirit of the neighborhood’s will and desires as it moves into implementation of public and private projects. This planning document should serve as a guideline for community improvements in the built environment, and as a record of the issues and priorities of the community at the time of the document. This document shall also be presented to the City Planning Commission for Review and acceptance. There are many on-going studies and finished studies which impact the neighborhood, in addition to this master plan update. Those plans are considered in this plan and referenced where necessary, as this document shall serve as a reference point for further studies in the neighborhood and beyond.

2

There are also many economic factors and constraints to consider in the context of this plan. Since the financial crisis of 2008, community resilience has focused around highlighting community assets and stabilizing neighborhoods. While the Ward I area overall fared well in terms of overall foreclosures, particularly within the context of the city as a whole, a renewed focus and caution of retaining existing housing and commercial stock remains a priority for the neighborhood. In addition to this, potential major infill projects are noted in this plan, as priorities for the community. New housing stock, green space, and a recreational facility are three such priorities. The goals of this plan are to: 1. Enhance the street edges and create a seamless transition between Cleveland and neighboring Shaker Heights; 2. Create a clear and consistent identity for the neighborhood. 3. Improve wayfinding and signage in ways that connect residents and visitors with opportunities for recreation and active living. 4. Improve retail access and visibility. 5. Make pedestrian and bicycle improvements. 6. Highlight neighborhood assets and amenities. 7. Create and enhance playgrounds and green spaces for existing residents, and to attract new residents. 8. Identify a preferred location for a recreation center. 9. Attract appropriate development to prime sites.

Housing conditions vary throughout the ward, but are in a generally well kept state.

The Lee-Harvard Shopping plaza serves as the neighborhood’s retail anchor.

Active living and health-related programs are an important part of the neighborhood’s identity.

3

PLANNING PROCESS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT The Lee-Harvard-Miles neighborhood approached the Kent State University Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative (CUDC) in May of 2012 to help create a master plan update for Ward I. The proposed Master Plan Update would re-examine the issues and priorities of the previous Master Plan, and reopen the discussion on a variety of topics which are now priorities for Ward I. Beginning with community based planning and design efforts led by the CUDC, with input from key local advisors and stakeholders, a series of meetings were held to determine the best possible options for improvements to the neighborhood’s fabric and key locations. A steering committee comprised of local representatives, City Councilman Terrell Pruitt and his designees, business leaders, property owners and tenants, and staff from of the City Departments of Economic Development, Community Development and Planning. Key to the plan was the participation and input of the community at large, fostered through three community meetings which took place throughout the project.

4

The community meetings were focused around: 1. Presentation of Existing Conditions, including elements from the previous master plan to gain important issues in the community. 2. Conceptual design of important issues identified by the steering committee and public. 3. Plan refinement and implementation priorities for the community to determine the best possible course of action. The final plan document will be submitted to the City Planning Commission for review and adoption.

PREVIOUS STUDIES In 2000/2001, the CUDC developed a plan for the Lee Road / Harvard Avenue intersection that would build on the major reinvestment being made in the Lee-Harvard Shopping Center. Initially, the plan was to be a streetscape enhancement for Lee Road and Harvard Avenue that would extend the impact of the shopping center improvements further into the neighborhood. The streetscape plan evolved into a more ambitious redevelopment strategy for the shopping center and the surrounding blocks. This plan proved too ambitious for existing market conditions. Many residents were also concerned about the increase in rental units proposed in the plan, since Lee-Harvard’s stability and longterm viability is tied, to a large extent, to the high proportion of owner-occupied single family houses in the neighborhood.

In 2007, the CUDC developed a plan for the Lee Road and Miles Avenue corridors, which was updated in 2009 to include recommendations for Harvard Avenue and other parts of the neighborhood. In 2011, Neighborhood Progress Inc. facilitated the development of a Target Area Plan (TAP) for the Lee Miles area. This plan leverages an important corridor within a peripheral Cleveland community to enhance and define the identity of Lee-Miles and attract new residents and visitors to the neighborhood.

Although many ideas in the earlier plan have not been implemented, there remains a strong interest in the neighborhood in maximizing the positive economic and aesthetic impact of the shopping center reinvestments, and extending this impact further into the neighborhood. Also, several potential development sites have become available, particularly in the Miles Avenue corridor, since the earlier plan was completed. The Lee Road / Miles Avenue Master Plan revisits these issues, in an effort to identify short- and mid-term opportunities to improve the commercial corridors extending from the Lee-Harvard Shopping Center. The emphasis is on improvements that can be implemented incrementally, without requiring the large-scale redevelopment of the entire area. The Master Plan also looks at redevelopment opportunities for key sites in the corridors–projects that will have a catalytic effect on the neighborhood.

5

A proposed bicycle boulevard along E. 173rd St. would partially tear out the concrete barriers that have stood at the division between Cleveland and Shaker Heights.

CONNECTIONS: E. 173RD Bike Blvd. 80

LEE ROAD CORRIDOR

E. 173RD BIKE BLVD HARVARD AVE BIKE LANES E. 154TH ST. NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTOR

NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTOR TO JOHNSTON MILL TRAIL

78

6

Redevelopment plan for the Lee Road / Harvard Avenue Intersection (from the 2001 Lee-Harvard Plan)

7

- Maintain retail mix that creates unique districts

Lee-Miles

Lee-Miles - Focus on improving deteriorated

conditions inCitywide adjacent neighborhoods Connecting Cleveland 2020 Plan - Retail District Strategies SHAKER BL

Connecting Cleveland 2020 Citywide Plan - Development Opportunities 4.P.10 Fredrick Douglas Park - upgrade existing park 4.P.11 Kerruish Park - upgrade existing park, adding trails and a nature center 4.P.9 Miles Heights Park - upgrade existing park 4.R.6 Lee & Miles – opportunity for mixed-use (retail/housing) development

Buckeye-Shaker

183rd

4.H.13 4.R.6

190th

189th

189th

187th

186th Feiner

173rd

Way ne

181st

178th

177th

176th

175th

Ridgeton

s Charle

188th Restor Garden

Garden

Ingleside

Palda

173rd 174th

168th

Dynes

W ya tt

164th

160th

162nd

163rd

say

156th

188th

186th

183rd

177th

177th Mark

Busa Oval

169th

Holly Hill

158th

154th

143rd

146th

144th

Alonzo

Rexwood

175th

Oakdale

174th

139th

142nd 141st

Ram

Christine

Langly

Saybrook

Corlett

Nancy

Sorrento

Mile s

Judson

Lotus

De Forest

4.P.10

Velma Maplerow

HARVARD AV E

Judson

Lotus

Lee Heights

151st

Lotus

167th

Cranwood

Mila n

Judson

176th

155th

Westview

Caine

Kings

Michael

175th

Cloverside

151st

148th

147th

143rd

144th

141st

142nd

150th

Harvard

Ross

Sunset

Kares

Eldamere

146th

- Develop a parking plan to accommodate business - Restore architecturally distinct buildings - Improve retail mix to serve needs of local residents - Undertake streetscape improvements

139th

Kinsman Road UNION AV

Mt. Pleasant

Glendale

Lee

Crennell

AN R D

176th

161st

Benwood

KINSM

Stockbridge

169th

149th

Edgewood

Lee Heights

Glendale

Biltmore

Delrey

Shakerwood

Joann

169th

153rd

Talford

Kingsford

Lanbury

Woda

Wendy

Walden

Strandhill

Throckley

Biltmore

Kingsford

Wickfield

173rd

161st160th

Invermere

Walden

154th

149th

146th

Throckley

144th

143rd

142nd

140th

- Infill construction to reinforce pedstrian orientation - Establish Pedestrian Retail Overlay District east of East 116th - Capitalize on assets to create distinct places on the street - Consolidate retail by developing housing & office at east end of district - Encourage auto-oriented uses near Buckeye Plaza - Relocate library and Harvey Rice school

151st

Bartlett

Buckeye Rd.

Lipton

4.P.9 Seville Meadowvale

177th

Bryce

Glenpark

Clearview Tarkington

Tarkington

176th

Telfair

Lee-Miles

178th

Ohio

4.H.15

Chateau

Lincoln

175th

Florida

153rd

Naples

173rd

- Undertake streetscape improvements - Develop parking plan - Improve facades & signage - Improve maintenance

147th

144th

Lee-Harvard MIL ES AV

Fairfax

151st

East 131st & Miles

4.P.11

Mile s

Dubin Federal

Preibe

hv ie

w

LEE RD

- Construct a new shopping center - Add streetscape improvements - Improve retail mix - Reconfigure E. 131st/Miles intersection to make it easier to navigate - Include district in the storefront renovation program

Elberta

174th

162nd

Sunview

Lawndale

Hig

Myrtle

Kollin

4.H.14

Mc Cracken

Rex

Greenhurst

Development Opportunities Economic Development Opportunities Housing Opportunities: New Construction Housing Opportunities: Infill/Rehab Retail Opportunities Recreation Opportunities School Opportunties Arts Opportunities

Context of development strategies within Ward I and the surrounding area. Source: Cleveland 2020 Plan

Part of the Lee-Harvard Plan sought to push buildings to the front of the lots to encourage a town center feeling as one approaches the major intersection in the neighborhood.

8

Context of development strategies within Ward I and the surrounding area. Source: Cleveland 2020 Plan

PREVIOUS STUDIES Hampstead

Lee-Miles Hampstead

Stockbridge

Lee

160th 161st

190th 189th 189th

187th

181st

178th

177th

Restor Garden

Lee Heights

Ingleside

W ya

167th

Way n

158th

156th

154th

tt

Ridgeton

Cranwood

Charles

Garden

175th

R am say

173rd 174th

168th

164th

163rd

Dynes Palda

176th

Sorrento

162nd

160th

De Forest

146th

188th

186th

Nancy

188th

Lotus

Judson

Lotus

186th

Mark

Judson

Holly Hill

151st

Lotus

Feiner

175th

Michael

173rd

169th

169th

Busa Oval

Milan

Westview

Judson

143rd

Joann

177th

Harvard

176th

155th

151st

150th

148th

Kares

Eldamere

Cloverside

Ross

Glendale

183rd

176th

Delrey

Cain e

144th

177th

Biltmore

Kingsford

146th

e

Mile

s

Alonzo

175th

174th

Oakdale

Langly

Lipton

Seville Meadowvale Elberta Fairfax Bryce Glenpark Clearview

173rd

151st

Ohio

Tarkington

Tarkington

176th

Telfair

178th

Chateau

Lincoln

175th

Florida

153rd

Naples

147th

144th

Lawndale

177th

162nd

Sunview

174th

143rd

144th

Glendale

Wendy

169th

Talford

Edgewood Benwood

Woda Strandhill

161st

Walden

Biltmore

149th

Kingsford

Lee Heights

Throckley

Walden

183rd

173rd

160th

151st

149th

Invermere

Throckley

153rd

144th

147th

146th

Bartlett

154th

Connecting Cleveland 2020 Citywide Plan Land Use

Mil es

Existing Land Use - Year 2000 Dubin

VACANT LAND SINGLE FAMILY

Federal Highview

Preibe

TWO FAMILY Myrtle

TOWNHOUSE

Kollin

MIXED USE: LIVE-WORK MULTI FAMILY

Mc Cracken

OFFICE

RETAIL (w/ upper floor uses)

Rex

Greenhurst

RETAIL

COMMERCIAL SERVICES LIGHT INDUSTRY HEAVY INDUSTRY INSTITUTIONAL RECREATION/OPEN SPACE/LANDSCAPE TRANSPORTATION / PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMERCIAL PARKING LEE-MILES BOUNDARY WATER

9

A goal of this Master Plan Update is to connect through a network the numerous institutional and residential uses to recreational and green spaces, implicit in the 2020 plan. Source: Cleveland 2020 Plan

Hampstead

Lee-Miles Hampstead

Lee

160th

158th

Way n

190th 189th

181st

178th

177th

176th

Restor Garden

Lee Heights

W ya

167th

tt

Ridgeton

Ingleside

R am say

Cranwood

Charles

Garden

175th

Dynes

173rd 174th

168th

164th

163rd

160th

162nd

Sorrento

Palda

156th

189th

186th

Nancy

De Forest

154th

188th

Lotus

188th

Lotus

Judson

187th

Feiner

Mark

Judson

Holly Hill

151st

Lotus

186th

175th

Michael

173rd

169th

169th

Busa Oval

Milan

Westview

Judson

146th

Joann

177th

Harvard

176th

155th

151st

150th

148th

Kares

Eldamere

Cloverside

143rd

Glendale

183rd

Stockbridge

146th

e

Mile

s 174th

Oakdale Alonzo

175th

143rd

176th

Delrey

Cain e

144th

177th

Biltmore

Kingsford

Benwood

144th

Glendale

Wendy

169th

Talford

Edgewood

Ross

Woda Strandhill

161st

Walden

Biltmore

149th

Kingsford

Lee Heights

Throckley

Walden

183rd

173rd

160th

151st

149th

Invermere

Throckley

153rd

144th

147th

146th

Bartlett

154th

Connecting Cleveland 2020 Citywide Plan Land Use

Langly

Lipton

Seville Meadowvale Elberta Fairfax Bryce Glenpark Clearview Tarkington

Tarkington

176th

Telfair

178th

173rd

151st

Ohio

175th

Chateau

Lincoln

174th

Florida

153rd

Naples

147th

144th

Lawndale

177th

162nd

Sunview

Mil es

Dubin

Proposed Land Use - Year 2020

Federal

SINGLE / TWO FAMILY

Highview

MIXED USE: DOWNTOWN Myrtle

TOWNHOUSE

Kollin

MULTI FAMILY MIXED USE: RESIDENTIAL + RETAIL/OFFICE

Mc Cracken

MIXED USE: LIVE-WORK

RETAIL COMMERCIAL SERVICES LIGHT INDUSTRY HEAVY INDUSTRY INSTITUTIONAL RECREATION/OPEN SPACE/LANDSCAPE TRANSPORTATION / PUBLIC UTILITIES PARKING (DOWNTOWN ONLY) LEE-MILES BOUNDARY WATER

10

Rex

Greenhurst

OFFICE

Preibe

4. EXISTING CONDITIONS OVERVIEW Physical Characteristics and Demographics Ward 1 is characterized by stable residential neighborhoods, commercial corridors with a growing number of retail vacancies, and a concentration of industrial uses, primarily south of Miles Avenue. The ward has an aging population, and it is also home to numerous families with children. The ward has higher than average household incomes, as compared with the rest of the city, and a high percentage of owner-occupied houses. Residential vacancies are most prevalent in the area south of Miles, across from Frederick Douglass Park. Lee Road The northern section of Lee Road, from the Shaker Heights border to Lotus Drive, has the most significant concentration of retail uses in the neighborhood, anchored by the LeeHarvard Shopping Center. This area is home to numerous local businesses, as well as many national franchises. In general, businesses in the shopping center appear to be doing well, and there have been discussions about expanding the shopping center. Fast food restaurants and other national franchises along the Lee Road corridor also appear to be doing well, as evidenced by the increase of these businesses in the area in recent years, and by the high level of property maintenance in evidence for these properties. Residents expressed a desire for more dining options in the neighborhood, particularly heathier food alternatives. Residents also expressed support for stricter design standards in the northern section of Lee Road to encourage more additional landscaping in the large parking lots typical of national franchises and to promote more community-specific designs for franchise restaurant buildings. Lee / Harvard The intersection of Lee Road and Harvard Avenue is anchored by the LeeHarvard Shopping Center. The shopping center was developed in 1949 and has long served as

the commercial heart of the neighborhood. In 2001/2001 the shopping center received a $26 million renovation, which resulted in many new businesses and a substantial increase in commercial activity. Immediately east of the shopping center is a concentration of institutional uses, including a public library, a fire station, John F. Kennedy High School, and a recreation center. The connections between the institutional uses and the commercial uses are not strong. There is a fence between the high school and the shopping center, although student frequently jump over or crawl under the fence to get to the shopping center and the Lee Road and Harvard Avenue bus stops. Many of the tenants in the shopping center are national franchises. Across from the shopping center, on the west side of Lee Road, there is a higher percentage of smaller, locally owned retail business. Many of the neighborhood’s strongest local businesses are located in close proximity to the shopping center. The section of Lee Road From Lotus Drive to Miles Avenue is a transition zone, between the retail area along the northern part of Lee Road and the more industrial section of Lee Road south of Miles Avenue. This area has some retail and commercial businesses, but less of a traditional retail character than the northern stretch of Lee Road. Retail uses are interspersed with pockets of housing, vacant properties, and automotive uses. Billboards are prevalent in this section of Lee Road. From Miles Avenue to Seville Road, Lee Road is primarily industrial, with several large scale industrial businesses in operation, as well as some smaller industries. Between Seville Road and Highview Avenue, Lee Road becomes primarily residential, anchored by the western edge of Kerruish Park. Residents of this area expressed a strong interest in small-scale convenience retail development. The Lee-Harvard Shopping Center is quite a distance from this part of the neighborhood, and residents are

11

The Lee-Harvard Shopping Center serves as the retail and services anchor for the neighborhood.

Traditional retail storefront near the Lee-Harvard Shopping Center

12

looking for some retail businesses to provide basic necessities within walking distance. South of Highview Avenue, there are several large vacant properties which are prime opportunities for new development, in proximity to the I-480 interchange. The 29-unit, market-rate Sunny Glen development was recently constructed in this area, and the 114-acre Cleveland industrial park was also developed in proximity to the I-480 / Lee Road interchange. The potential for new commercial development also exists, although I-480 has only a westbound exit and eastbound entrance at Lee Road. Parking The diagram on the following page shows where the parking shortages occur in the northern section of Lee Road. The Lee-Harvard Shopping Center and most of the franchise restaurants on the street have parking lots that greatly exceed the number of parking spaces required by the city’s zoning code. Most of the freestanding retail and commercial buildings along the street have parking spaces that meet the zoning code standards. The parking shortages (shown in red on the diagram at left) occur mostly at the multi-tenant commercial storefront buildings, where off-street parking is often limited or non-existent, and on-street parking is intermittent. It may be worthwhile to pursue a shared parking strategy amongst tenants of commercial buildings who have excess capacity to serve businesses whose parking capacity is limited. A broader parking strategy may also emerge, helping to curtail the intermittent lots and onstreet facilities. More on street parking should be encouraged to facilitate better traffic flow, which would also encourage more businesses to build their building to the edge of the sidewalk, as opposed to placing a lot towards the front of their property, which would further encourage a pedestrian retail environment.

13

14

Utility poles dominate the Lee Road landscape

Greening strategies can be used on vacant lots.

The northern section of the Lee Road corridor has a high concentration of retail businesses, interspersed with churches and small green spaces.

15

Ward I shows a relatively stable vacancy rate in comparison with much of the city. Source: Cleveland State University

Neighborhood demographics have remained relatively stable in the area. Source: Cleveland State University.

16

STRENGTHS & CHALLENGES AS OUTLINED IN TAP PLAN Strengths 1. Access to high quality health care (Two hospitals less than two miles from neighborhood). 2. A comparably higher-quality housing, financially accessible stock than other City neighborhoods. 3. Proximity to several community schools. 4. A Cleveland gateway community with suburban amenities, surrounded by inner-ring suburbs and city neighborhoods. 3. A safe and stable community, with an exceptionally high home ownership rate. Challenges 1. Lack of consistent maintenance/ upkeep of rental and inherited properties. 2. Schools may be inadequately preparing students for local professional jobs.

TARGET AREA PLAN (TAP) for Lee-Miles

17

LEE RD

Source: City of Cleveland

HARVARD AVE MILES AVE

Vacant Lots in the Ward. Source: City of Cleveland.

LEE RD

Source: City of Cleveland

HARVARD AVE MILES AVE

Land Bank Properties in the Ward. Source: City of Cleveland.

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CORRIDORS Miles Avenue The Master Plan focuses on Miles Avenue from East 136th Street to the Warrensville Heights border. Industrial uses and salvage yards dominate Miles Avenue, but there are also pockets of housing, some commercial uses, several churches, and a large public park. The intersection of Miles Avenue and Lee Road had major development potential, including large vacant properties at the northeast and southwest corners of the intersection, and the vacant Beehive School property, which is in the city’s landbank. The eastern section of Miles Avenue has active industries, the largest of which is the Tremco Manufacturing Company. Tremco maintains a large operation on the south side of Miles Avenue at East 175th Street. The area is a viable location for industry due to the Erie Railroad line that runs just south of Miles Avenue and the area’s easy access to Interstate 480. The eastern section of Miles Avenue also has numerous underutulized industrial properties, many of which are in poor condition.

strong, particularly in connection with the recently constructed senior housing at the northeast corner of the Lee / Miles intersection. Harvard Avenue Harvard Avenue businesses face many of the same challenges as those along Lee Road. Similar strategies could be used to enhance Harvard Avenue storefronts and soften the impact of parking lots in this area. When Harvard Avenue was rebuilt in recent years, street trees in the commercial sections of the street were eliminated. The tree lawn is still wide enough in most sections of Harvard Avenue to allow for street trees. replanting the trees in the commercial sections of Harvard Avenue would enhance the appearance of the street and help integrate the retail areas along the street with the residential areas.

The Lee Road / Miles Avenue intersection is the central point along the corridor. The northeast, southeast, and southwest corners of the intersection are vacant; the northwest corner has a gas station. Two historic buildings establish a sense of character for the intersection--the former Beehive School, which is located on a hill immediately northeast of the intersection and a Tudor-style commercial building near the southeast corner of the intersection. Interspersed between industrial uses are small pockets of housing. Many homes along Miles Avenue seem isolated from the surrounding neighborhood and from retail opportunities and park spaces. On the north side of Miles Avenue, immediately east of East 167th Street, there is a long stretch of vacant properties that are platted and zoned for residential use. The possibility of a residential development of these properties is

Suggested Infill development opportunities. Source: TAP Plan

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PHASE I IM +Changes to t Shaker Heights plan for Lee Rd. Source: +Installation of planters in s Lee Road Traffic Study & Corridor Plan

PHASE II I

Reduction to two travel lanes width and +Scottsdale and Lomond Intersection a center turn lane Reducing the amount of pavement for a p 6’-0” bike lanes North/Southas well as add green space +Incorporate storm wat (3) 12’-0” travel lanes +Allows shorter pedestr 10’-0” tree lawn 6’-0” sidewalk either side South section recommended configuration.

SOUTH SECTION RECOMMENDED CONFIGURATION Reduction to two travel lanes width and a center turn lane 6’-0” bike lanes North/South (3) 12’-0” travel lanes 10’-0” tree lawn 6-’0” sidewalk either side

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE SHAKER HEIGHTS PLAN: • Dedicated Bike lanes on North and South Sides. • Installation of countdown pedestrian signals. • At Scottsdale Blvd., reduce crossing distance. • Provide bike connection east of Avalon.

+

+At Scottsd

20

LEE ROAD CO

5. RECOMMENDATIONS: LEE ROAD CORRIDOR STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS The character of Lee Road varies throughout the corridor, supporting a variety of business, housing, and institutional purposes, while also serving as the neighborhood’s primary North/South arterial. While uses and architectural typologies mix within a single block, there are general characteristics which can be suited to an appropriate urban design streetscape treatment, outlined here. Most development along the corridor gives preference to the automobile,and little consideration to the pedestrian or cyclist. Given the desire to create a seamless transition from Shaker Heights into Cleveland, similar treatments to the road as the Lee Road Traffic Study & Corridor Plan. Recommendations for the space between the curb of the road to the property lines are contingent upon the character of the type of development throughout the corridor. The six corridor areas along Lee Road are as follows: 1. The business retail gateway extends from the Cleveland municipal line to Glendale Avenue. This area welcomes visitors and residents to the neighborhood and is dominated by single storey masonry retail frontage. Some on street parking exists in this area, but is mostly surface parking at the front of the lots. A new dollar general is proposed along the eastern side of the street near the border. 2. The pedestrian commercial core extends from Glendale Avenue, south to Judson Drive, just beyond the Lee-Harvard shopping plaza. This area contains the most potential for development into a pedestrian-friendly core, which could conceivably serve as a “town center” type of character. Along this stretch, there are multiple retail frontages which extend to the sidewalk and accommodate on-street parking. This creates a sense of boundary and safety for pedestrians in the area. Design suggestions encourage pedestrian scale

lighting, legible and consistent signage for pedestrians, landscaping buffers to enhance the boundary between the street edge and the sidewalk. Identity pieces such as public art or small plazas are also encouraged here to enhance the character of the space, particularly around the Lee-Harvard intersection. 3. The business services core extends from Judson Drive south to Sorrento Avenue. This area contains a variety of services and institutions, including churches, auto service businesses, fast food restaurants, gas stations, and the like, and generally contain larger building footprints and parking requirements than other areas in the corridor. This area serves automobiles well. 4. The residential core stretches from south of Sorrento Avenue to Miles Avenue. While there is only a small amount of housing along the corridor, the majority of it is contained in this stretch, and hence streetscape improvements should reflect the more residential environment. Larger projects, such as the new senior housing development should be seen as anchors of the area, and should be given accommodation in the streetscape sections. 5. The Miles Industrial Core provides access to larger trucks from the highways and elsewhere, and like Harvard, is an east-west connector street. Appropriate directional and wayfinding signage should be considered, as well as the development sites at the corners of the intersection. 6. The southern gateway and greenway core defines the southern boundary of the neighborhood extending to I-480, and defines a gateway for those coming from the highway, and municipalities beyond Cleveland. The neighborhood and city identity can be defined at this point through wayfinding, landscaping, and identity signage. Additionally, there is a vast amount of green space, connecting to

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CLEVELAND/SHAKER HEIGHTS LINE

BUSINESS RETAIL GATEWAY

A-A

PEDESTRIAN COMMERCIAL CORE

B-B

BUSINESS SERVICES CORE

D-D

RESIDENTIAL CORE

C-C

S. TO I-480

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MILES INDUSTRIAL CORE

GATEWAY & GREENWAY CORE

amenities such as the proposed Johnston Mill Run Trail, which should allow for ease of connectivity and wayfinding through urban design strategies. Priorities regarding streetscape improvements along the Lee Road corridor (and elsewhere) should be considered based on the inherent value and potential impact of the spaces to the community. Currently, plans are underway for a Complete and Green Street Strategy for the entirety of the city, which will place preference for the type(s) of improvements that will occur in the thoroughfare. This should be considered, if there is to be a unified character in the street. Improvements from the sidewalk to the building lot line are varied, and should be treated according to whom their primary or intended user will be.

A variety of issues are to be considered in each segment of the corridor, outlined below. Signage, utility burial, sustainability considerations such as storm water runoff, facade rhythms, bicycle amenities, pavement materials, and types of parking accommodations should all be considered as development or road improvements are made. Pedestrian scale development, which currently exists primarily in the pedestrian commercial core, provides the most opportunity for streetscape character development. Through the encouragement of development of further pedestrian-scale businesses and services, as well as encouragement of city programs such as the Storefront Renovation Program would enhance the vibrancy of the pedestrian commercial core.

BUSINESS REVITALIZATION DISTRICT SUBJECT TO DESIGN REVIEW

Most of the Lee Rd. Corridor falls within a Business Improvement District. Source: Cleveland City Planning.

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Rendering showing recommendations for the pedestrian commercial core, just south of Cloverside Ave. including recommendations for pedestrian scale lighting, sconce fixtures, green infrastructure, consistent signage, and awnings.

Considerations of signage which appeals to both automobiles and pedestrians is necessary for businesses in this area (top). Facade and building rhythm can enhance a street’s character, and make a more pleasant walking experience.

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An existing shopping strip, just south of the Lee-Harvard Shopping Center, has a parking lot along the public right-of-way. The parking needed to support the retail businesses, but the large expanse of paving and wide curb cuts create an environment that is unfriendly to pedestrians.

Existing Lee Road retail area.

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Planters and landscaping can be used to soften the appearance of parking lots and create a clearly defined pedestrian edge along the sidewalk.

Parking lot enhancement can be as simple and unobtrusive as decorative fencing, which would not eliminate any of the existing parking spaces at this location.

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BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, AND TRANSIT IMPROVEMENTS

The community’s desire to create a seamless transition from Shaker Heights into Cleveland, in terms of streetscape character, should be considered in the context of a traffic engineer, as plans would entail reducing the number of vehicle travel lanes. The two Northbound travel lanes, and two Southbound travel lanes would be consolidated to one Northbound travel lane, one Southbound travel lane, and one two-way left turn lane. Bus Route 40 (Lakeview-Lee) travels Lee Road, while the number 19 (Broadway-Miles) travels along Miles Avenue, and the number 15 (Union-Harvard) likewise travels west-east on Harvard Road. Any roadway or traffic reconfiguration would also have

to take into account existing/potential future bus routes. Transit-waiting environments may also be enhanced in key locations, or in cases of high ridership, particularly around the Lee-Harvard shopping plaza and John F. Kennedy High School. The reduction in vehicle travel lanes would allow for on road bicycle facilities, reconfigured/repurposed parking, and/or green infrastructure depending on the section of the corridor. Currently, bicycle facilities and neighborhood connectors exist running east-west along Harvard Avenue, towards the south along Seville Road, and running north-south, along E. 155th/154th and at E. 173rd Street.

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General street condition with bicycle lanes, one North bound lane, one South bound lane, and a two way left turn lane, if the Shaker traffic pattern were to continue into Cleveland.

General street condition with on street parking on one side, if the Shaker traffic pattern were to continue into Cleveland.

In addition to public improvements, encouraging business owners to enhance their frontage can have compounding effects.

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Along the Lee Road corridor, a variety of

Section B-B in the Business Services Core: Burial

improvements can be made to enhance the

of utility lines may be considered here, but is not

experience of all who use the street. Some

highly recommended, due to the dominance of the

improvements may be consistent throughout the

automobile, and auto-focused businesses (such as

corridor, such as the type of street tree to be used,

fast food restaurants) in this sector. Updated LED

while others may be specific to the character of the

street lamps should also be considered for safety.

section, such as the burial of utility lines, or signage

Encouraging a stronger street edge (and enforcing

regulations. A cohesive strategy and phasing for

current zoning requirements of landscaping for

the corridor may enable cost savings, due to an

businesses) through augmenting landscaping

integrated approach of scheduling, which would

features such as ornamental trees and shrubbery

eliminate certain redundancies in construction.

which do not block business signage, and fencing

Shown here are proposed street sections for what the

which provides an edge.

streetscape may look like along certain areas of the

Section C-C in the Gateway and Greenway Core:

corridor.

Some street trees exist here, but are out of scale

Section A-A in the Commercial core: Types of businesses and street frontage vary in this area. A strategy of intermittent stormwater bioswales with on-street parking on both sides could help define a “slow” boundary between the fast auto traffic and the sidewalk. Buried utilities and pedestrian scale street fixtures should be considered as an option here to enhance businesses presence, and to help foster a pedestrian character. Various paving alternatives may also be considered here. Replacing overhead

with the breadth of the street and building setbacks. Encouraging larger tree plantings on private property, such as at the new CMHA senior housing complex would help create a more green and pedestrian friendly environment. Directional and wayfinding signage should also be considered in this area to orient visitors from the highway to amenities in the neighborhood. Again, street lighting upgrades and green infrastructure improvements are encouraged in this sector.

sodium vapor cobra head street lamps with efficient LED street lamps may help reduce glare, and reduce maintenance costs. Bicycle lanes on either side should also be considered throughout the corridor, as part of the forthcoming Complete and Green Streets initiative through the city.

Examples of street trees which tend to fare well in a variety of weather conditions, and can generally tolerate power lines, due to thinner branches towards the crown.

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SECTION A-A

Improvements to the roadway may include a reduction in travel lanes, adding bicycle lanes, and vegetated buffers between the sidewalk and the roadway.

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SECTION B-B

Encouraging a strong fencing edge and increasing the tree line can help give this stretch a more distinctive character.

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SECTION C-C

At deep setbacks, expanding sidewalks, creating a vegetated buffer, both between the building and the sidewalk and between the sidewalk and the road can make for a more pleasant experience

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POWER LINES AND UTILITIES is hardly the case throughout the city, due to the associated costs of doing so. Complications may also arise when multiple providers share the same utility lines. A single pole may share telephone lines, and multiple electrical providers such as Cleveland Public Power and the Illuminating Company.

In order to create a more aesthetically pleasing urban environment, the community is considering burying their utility lines throughout the Lee Road corridor, either throughout the entire length, or at certain strategic locations. The burying of utilities has occurred in a number of destination places in the city, such as at Gordon Square in Detroit Shoreway, on Lorain Avenue in Kamm’s Corner, and in the University Circle area. There are multiple considerations in the burial of utilities, due to the high cost of doing so. While there is an ordinance in the city of Cleveland, dating back to 1914, stating that all subsequent utility improvements bury the utilities underground. This

If utility burial throughout the entirety of the corridor, it is recommended that consideration be given to areas where street character is highly important, such as in the “commercial core” around the Lee-Harvard intersection.

COST OF BURYING UTILITIES TELECOMMUNICATIONS: $120/LINEAR FT. EACH SIDE OF THE STREET ELECTRICAL:$160/LINEAR FOOT ONE SIDE OF STREET $100/LINEAR FOOT FOR ADDITIONAL SIDE OF STREET, IF NO LIGHTING. $280/LINEAR FOOT IF HIGH VOLTAGE FEEDER REQUIRED 50$/LINEAR FOOT TO RAISE SERVICES OUT OF VIEWSHED

1914 ORDINANCE IN THE CITY OF CLEVELAND REQUIRES SUBSEQUENT UTILITIES TO BE BURIED UNDERGROUND

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Entire Length 2 sided burial with lighting (left): 11,750’=$6,580,000* Entire Length 2 sided burial, 1 side lighting (right): 11,750’=$5,170,000*

North & South Gateway Burial (left): 3,300’=$1,848,000* Commercial Corridor 2 sided Burial (right): 2,300’=

$1,288,000*

*Rough Estimate

Gordon Square in the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood opted to bury utility poles in the core of the district to enhance its identity.

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LEE RD | HARVARD AVENUE INTERSECTION Serving as the anchor retail center in the neighborhood, the Lee-Harvard Plaza provides many amenities for local residents, including Dave’s Supermarket, Walgreens drug store, banking options, various and sundry retail outlets, and the Harvard-Lee Branch Library. Given its central location in the neighborhood, it lacks a coherent street presence,or plaza-like public gesture, and offers little visibility of the retail stores within the plaza from the major roads. In order to offer a more public presence, at the corner, and to orient visitors better a variety of urban design treatments may be considered at all four corners of the intersection.

Northeastern corner of Lee Rd. + Harvard Ave.

1. Street Edge: This can be achieved by enforcement of zoning code of commercial buildings, which requires a landscaped and/or fenced edge for commercial sites. A cohesive landscaped/fencing approach will define the corners better, giving visitors a sense of place. 2. Identity/Wayfinding: Signage will help orient visitors to surrounding amenities as well as the plaza itself. 3. Greening Strategy: The parking lot of the Lee-Harvard shopping center is complex and under-utilized. Through a simplified circulation pattern, and better pedestrian refuges, a minimum of parking would have to be sacrificed. Green islands may also help reduce stormwater runoff tax, due to the large amount of impervious treatment currently on site.

Western entrance to Lee-Harvard Plaza

4. Material Variation: Stamped asphalt, or brick pavers in the crosswalks would enhance the visibility of a pedestrian presence, as well as give a “center” to the intersection and plaza, creating it as an identity piece and stopping point in the neighborhood. 5. Transit Waiting Environments: Due to a high bus ridership rate, particularly at Identity and wayfinding signage could reinforce the neighborhood’s core assets and character while directing visitors.

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Lee /Harvard Intersection Currently, the major activity at the shopping center is set back from the street and the public sidewalk by a large parking lot.

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the intersection, enhanced transit waiting environments, including seating in the plaza space at the corner of Lee and Harvard may make for a more pleasant waiting experience.

Fire Stn.

6. Pedestrian Linkage: Many students from John F. Kennedy high School cut through the parking lot to reach the bus shelter on LeeHarvard. Providing a safe route for pedestrians reinforces the plaza’s identity as a communal amenity.

JFK High School

Shopping Center

Potential pedestrian linkage from the high school to the shopping center.

Zoning focused around the Lee Rd. Corridor. Source: City of Cleveland.

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Larger trees, various plantings, public art, enhanced transit-waiting environments, identity markers, and various paving materials could all enhance the character of the LeeHarvard intersection

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Through a simple reconfiguration, clarification between parking spaces for particular businesses becomes more apparent, while offering more pedestrian refuges and a better traffic flow through the lot.

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The same Harvard Avenue retail business with storefront improvements, parking lot fencing and landscaping, and banners in the public right-of-way.

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MILES

AVE

LE

ER

D

A view of the Lee / Miles intersection showing new housing, retail, and industrial development, as well as pedestrian and streetscape enhancements.

New housing would be compatible with the character of the neighborhood. These examples of new residential construction are Arbor Park Village (left) and Beacon Place (right).

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LEE ROAD & MILES AVENUE INTERSECTION Near the major intersection at Lee Road and Miles Avenue there is a variety of business, industrial, and residential uses. Recent development in the area, such as the O’Reilly Auto Parts Store and the CMHA senior housing facility provide a backdrop for some of the vacant sites near the intersection of Lee and Miles. The area is generally characterized by large setbacks, some institutional uses, a small retail strip, a gas station at the northwest corner of Lee and Harvard and a car wash at the southwest corner. There are development sites at the southeast corner of the intersection, as well as east near the corner of E. 167th St. and Miles Ave. There are also historic buildings of architectural significance in the area, particularly along Miles Avenue, traveling east from Lee Road on the south side of Miles. Development site at the SE corner of Lee Road: Approximately a 39,000 SF (.89 acre) parcel, there is currently interest in developing the site as a potential gas station. Zoned as local retail business, small shops could also occupy this site, allowing for a small civic plaza, which would fulfill a community need near this end of the neighborhood for small gathering spaces.

BURYI CHARA

Development site near the corner of Miles Avenue and E. 167th Street: Approximately a 109,000 SF (2.5 AC) site, zoned for multi-family housing, this site could accommodate townhouses, possibly with an inter-generational component to complement the new CMHA housing to the north.

It may make sense to bury utility lines at certain locations to help highlight BURYING OF UTILITY LINES HIGHLIGHTS HISTORIC distinctive buildings. CHARACTER AT KEY POINTS

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LEE RD

Senior housing

MIL

ES A VE

Hou

sing

/reta

Infi Dev ll elop

SECTION D-D

42

il

-

Proposed townhouses, with mixed-use infill development along Lee Rd. and Miles Avenue could help serve the new senior community .

6. COMMUNITY ASSETS: PARKS & SCHOOLS OVERVIEW Amongst Ward I’s assets, in many ways the neighborhood’s schools serve as the backbone of the community, both due to their pedagogical aspirations, but also due to their communal benefits--such as community outreach, afterschool programs, health related programming and education, and their recreational facilities. The treatment of these sites, and in particular those sites which contain vacant school buildings, should be commensurate with the will of the community, and maximize benefit for the community as a whole. Some of the vacant school sites are being considered as possibilities for a new recreation center, while others have plans for future private development, or are currently active and in need of only minor improvements.

(Former) Emile B. Desauze School (140,000 SF, 3.21 acres): Located five blocks to the east of Kerruish Park and south of Tarkington Avenue, Desauze school was chosen as one of seven schools to close by the CMSD in 2011, as part of a larger school closing and consolidation strategy. The site is recommended to be considered for higher density housing. The shell of the current building could conceivably be re-developed for apartments, while new construction of townhouses could be constructed at the edges of the site, reserving a small amount for green space. Or, the current school building could also be demolished, and new construction could de developed on the site.

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New schools can serve as anchors for neighborhood development (Adlai Stevenson K-8 School - Bowen Associates, Architects)

Charles W. Eliot School: This is a middle school serving close to 800 students in the district. Attached to the site is Frederick Douglass Park (colloquially known as Eliot park, or Miles play field). A new orchard and farmer’s market are proposed for the park, which could potentially position the school and its facilities as a community learning center and place of community engagement, centrally located in the neighborhood. For this reason, the adjacent park is also being considered for a recreation center. Whitney Young School: This is one of the city’s anchor institutions for gifted high school students. In 2010, it was the only Cleveland public school to be recognized with the state’s highest designation of “Excellent with Distinction.” Located less than half of a mile from John F. Kennedy High School, this school serves as a highly reputable community institution.

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(Former) Robert Fulton Elementary School (+/144,000 SF 3.31 acres): The farthest north of any of the schools in Ward I, this former school building is currently slated for demolition. Closed in 2010, the building sits mid-block between E. 140th and E. 142nd Streets north of Kinsman Road. The site could be developed as housing, but due to the lack of small pocket parks and playgrounds in the area, it is recommended that the site be developed as a small park space. (Former) Gracemount Elementary School (144,000 SF 3.22 AC): This site is being proposed for low density residential development. Located at the end of the block between Glendale Ave., E. 161st St. and Biltmore Avenue, a low density strategy should be careful to be contextual to its surroundings.

Robert H. Jamison School: The new Jamison Junior High School is located on the southern side of Harvard Avenue between E. 146th and E. 144th Streets. Built to replace the nearby Jamison school at E. 141st and Harvard. The former site is one of the larger school sites in the neighborhood, measuring approximately 191,000 SF, or 4.38 acres. While the former school site will no longer be in the 2014 ward boundary, it is still being considered in this plan as a potential site for a community recreation center due to its fairly centralized location, and large site which would allow for both a large indoor recreational facility as well as outdoor programming. John F. Kennedy High School: This school is central to the neighborhood, located along Harvard Avenue, east of Lee Road. Serving as the primary high school for the neighborhood, its enrollment is around 900 students. Its outdoor recreational facilities include a running track and football field. There are no major plans for the site at this time.

Adlai Stevenson School: This Pre K-8 school is located in a fairly new building in the northwestern area of the ward. Currently, there are plans for a new park/community garden to be built at the southern edge of the site. Called Joann Park, the design includes a walking path, plantings, a playground, a spray basin, exercise stations, and a new vehicular access point from E. 183rd Street. Ramah Junior Academy: A private Seventh Day Adventist Christian K-8 school located near the southern border of the neighborhood on Lee Rd. Of note at this site is the Johnston Mill Run Trail which will pass by the school and cross over into Kerruish Park. Crosswalk enhancements and signalization may make access/crossing for Ramah students more safe.

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Desauze school may be readapted, with the potential for new development with green space.

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E. 177TH ST

E. 176TH ST

E. 175TH ST

E. 178TH ST

TARKINGTON AVE

New construction may also be an option for the Desauze site.

Approximately 50 units could fit onto the Desauze site.

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CHARLES W. ELIOT SCHOOL

WHITNEY YOUNG SCHOOL

It may be possible to better link surrounding schools to the adjacent green spaces.

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FULTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Near the northernmost tip of the Ward, former Robert Fulton Elementary may be reutilized as a neighborhood park. If demolition does not occur in the near future, the park may be constructed in phases, while the building awaits demolition.

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50 E. 143RD ST

E. 142ND ST

E. 140TH ST

E. 139TH ST

ABELL AVE

Lawn

New enlarged playground

GRACEMOUNT ELEMENTARY

Low-density development at the Gracemount school site per the guidelines of the TAP study.

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JAMISON SCHOOL

Although just beyond the ward’s boundaries, the former Jamison school site could accommodate a large recreation center.

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JOHN F. KENNEDY HIGH SCHOOL

RAMAH JUNIOR ACADEMY

Top: Pathways from JFK to the Lee Harvard Shopping Center and nearby RTA stop should be safe and well lit. Bottom: Signalization should be considered where the new Johnston MIll Run Trail Crosses Lee Rd. near Ramah Junior Academy

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STEVENSON SCHOOL THROCKLEY AVE

E. 189TH ST

E. 188TH ST

E. 186TH ST

TALFORD AVE

E. 190TH ST

SHAKERWOOD AVE

STRANDHILL RD

E. 177TH ST

JO ANN DR

WODA AVE

LEE HEIGHTS BLVD

WALDEN AVE

E. 183RD ST

WENDY DR

LANBURY AVE

Adlai Stevenson School GLENDALE AVE

GLADSTONE AVE

GLENDALE AVE

Stevenson Fields

JO ANN DR

Stevenson Fields E. 183RD ST

WENDY DR

E. 177TH ST

SUNSET DR

KINGS HWY

RIDGEWOOD AVE

Kerruish Park

0

0.25 mi

N

A new community park is in the works at the southern edge of the Stevenson School site.

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7. COMMUNITY ASSETS: PARKS & GREEN SPACES OVERVIEW Ward I has embedded roots in creating an active,vibrant, and healthy community. Over the past several years, the community has focused on activities and programs that encourage healthy and active living. Initiatives such as HEAL Cleveland and the Ward I Community Health Initiative have led to community gardens, free health screenings, neighborhood playgrounds, healthier food options in local retailers, an annual health fair, and other amenities in the interest of creating a safe, connected, and healthy neighborhood. Goals of the Ward I Community Health Initiative include: • • •

Assisting residents with living a healthier lifestyle. Safer neighborhood environments. A more connected neighborhood.

Additionally, much of the neighborhood that is seen on a day-to-day basis, such as Lee Rd. and Harvard Avenue lack adequate greening and tree shading to facilitate a strong network of active pedestrian-oriented streets. While difficult to compete with heavy traffic on the major arterials, a greening strategy can help facilitate walkability and additional “eyes on the street.” Street lighting may also help with the perception of some of these corridors and spaces, making them accessible for more hours of the day. Additionally, vacant parcels, especially those that share adjacency should be considered for use as community gardens, courtyard spaces, and pocket parks throughout the neighborhoods.

This has important design implications including creating and enhancing bike-able, walkable networks, as well as connections to schools, natural amenities, civic spaces, and events. The neighborhood has some one of the most expansive green networks in the city, and yet much of it is currently inaccessible or not readily apparent to residents. Even larger green spaces such as Kerruish Park and Frederick Douglass Park lack a strong street presence. The Mill Creek and the more natural surroundings to the south of the neighborhood is an under-tapped resource, despite access to it from Kerruish Park. Additionally, there are few pocket parks and small spaces towards the north of the neighborhood. Some of the school sites that are no longer inhabited should be considered for this purpose.

Image from the Ward I Health Fair & “Stepping out Against Cancer” Walk/Run. Source: Ward I Community Newsletter.

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Potential new recreation center at Lee Road edge of Kerruish Park

Enhanced landscaping establishes a strong presence for Kerruish Park along its Lee Road (if a new recreation center is not built in this location).

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A priority advocated by the community is for a new recreation center. With the desire to minimize the impact on existing green space, the design team undertook a study of multiple potential sites, and narrowed the possibility to reflect viable options for the community. While the exact architectural program for the building is yet to be determined, a range of 40,000-60,000 SF was considered to ensure a proper size for the building footprint. In considering a proper site for the building, a variety of criteria ought to be considered, including proximity to residents, the size of the overall site, and other green spaces in the surrounding area. The three sites considered as viable options include:

Frederick Douglass Park: The positive aspects of choosing this site include its central location in the neighborhood, proximity to Charles Eliot School, the possibility of including more outdoor facilities, such as a running track and football field, and a “campus” feeling for an under-utilized site. Placing the rec center here could also potentially benefit the orchards and farmer’s market. Additional playfields and enhancements could also be made. Connections to the bike and trail network are also nearby. Drawbacks to choosing this site may mean re-planning the placement of the orchards, and the location is less prominent than the site at Kerruish Park.

Kerruish Park: Kerruish Park is the largest public park in the City of Cleveland. The positive aspects of choosing this site are its proximity to a major arterial road meaning easy access for vehicular traffic, as well as established connections to a network of green spaces--including the proposed Johnston Mill Run Trail, and the Mill Creek. Other recreational facilities, such as baseball diamonds, also exist on this site, making it a comprehensive green site. Currently, a master planning process is on-going for the site. A larger footprint building would also add presence on the street that lacks a strong presence and potentially draw more people to use both the rec center’s facilities as well as Kerruish Park. Enhanced landscaping, better signage, and a network of pedestrian pathways into the park would improve visibility and accessibility to the park from Lee Road. Drawbacks for this site include its location at the southernmost area of the neighborhood, limiting easy access for all in the neighborhood.

Site of the former Robert Jamison School: Slated for demolition, the site of the former Robert Jamison school at the corner of Harvard Avenue and E. 141st Street. While this location is not within the new ward boundaries effective January 2014, it is still within close enough proximity to be considered as an option to serve the neighborhood. Positive aspects of selecting this site include the fact that it’s embedded in the community, but also on a major street (Harvard Avenue). It is also in a fairly central location, though it is somewhat far from the eastern-most residents of the neighborhood. The site would also not impede on any existing green space. Drawbacks for this site include the slightly smaller site, limiting outdoor recreation opportunities here, as well as the time lag and money investment of the demolition of the former school building.

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KERRUISH PARK

Placing the building to have a relationship with Lee Road would create a landmark for visitors to both the park and rec center.

A smaller footprint for building may encourage an interior courtyard space for some outdoor activities to take place, while opening views and light penetration for visitors in all directions. (former) Jamison

(FORMER) School JAMISON SCHOOL

Douglass Park Option I: Siting the building along Miles Ave. would give it prominence along a major stretch and provide easy access to the ball fields.

DOUGLASS PARK

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Douglass Park Option II: Siting the building close to the existing parking lot would allow the rec center to sit amongst the orchards and vegetation and allow for less parking to be built

DOUGLASS PARK

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GREEN SPACE SYSTEM Ward 1 is particularly well suited to take advantage of and appreciate its multiple green spaces, community gardens, and parks. Compared with many other parts of the city and surrounding areas, Ward I has a particularly large collection of green spaces. There are a few types prevalent throughout the neighborhood: 1. School facilities: These largely include outdoor recreational facilities, such as at John F. Kennedy High School, or playgrounds at elementary schools, such as at Stevenson School. 2. Multi-Use Fields: These have some recreational components, but are also linked to more passive recreation, such as at Kerruish Park, or to community amenities such as the proposed orchard at Frederick Douglass Park. 3. Nature trails: These include the proposed Johnston Mill Run Trail, and connections at the southern end of Kerruish park. There are

numerous opportunities in the neighborhood to highlight more of these assets, such as the area bound by Miles Avenue, E. 175th, Tarkington Avenue, and E. 177th Street. 4. Community Gardens and small communal spaces: There are numerous community gardens in the ward, and offer a communal as well as health benefit. Vacant parcels which have been cared for by neighbors may also serve a communal benefit by acting as small pocket parks or neighborhood greens. The aim of this plan is to provide a framework for greater connectivity to the neighborhood’s green and healthy assets. Building on this identity may attract potential residents to the neighborhood, particularly those looking for a variety of outdoor spaces for activity, communal benefits, and multigenerational amenities.

Potential wayfinding and identity signage, highlighting particular amenities of the neighborhood, such as its shopping amenities, green network and healthy living activities.

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E. 1

. AN RD

IKE DB 73R

KINSM

STEVENSON FIELD

D. BLV

LEE RD.

KENNEDY FIELD

IDALIA PARK RANDALL PARK MALL

E.

RD AV HARVA

FREDERICK DOUGLASS PARK MILES AVE.

JOHNSTON PARKWAY PARK

E.

RD AV

HARVA

*

KERRUISH PARK

LEE RD.

Existing and potential green links in the neighborhood.

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GREEN CONNECTIONS Given the multiple green and recreational nodes in the neighborhood, a network of these connected pieces would amount to a cohesive neighborhood scale “Emerald necklace” of sorts, which the community could leverage in its connectivity to other parts of the neighborhood, the rest of Cleveland, Maple Heights, and Garfield Heights. This neighborhood network could feed into larger networks, such as a connection to the Towpath Trail, Shaker Lakes, and the Garfield Reservation. To build this network, a variety of steps would need to be taken to complete these circuits. An existing bicycle infrastructure network, such as the bicycle lanes on Harvard Avenue, and the multiple bikefriendly routes throughout the neighborhood aids in achieving this goal. One of the largest obstacles in creating this network is a lack of perception of some of these spaces as accessible, or as linked to one another. The two images at right show how the Shaker Lakes network is somewhat comparable in size to the green space amenities of the Ward I neighborhood. While the connection at Shaker Lakes is somewhat more explicit, the amenities in Ward I are nevertheless a cohesive network, serving a wide variety of residents in the neighborhood. In order to better connect these spaces, prioritization of the types of amenities they offer (such as those listed above), may help with the selection of how these connections are made. For example, prioritizing bike lanes on Lee Road would provide a large benefit in getting residents to other regional destinations, whereas prioritizing a multigenerational loop around the CMHA senior housing complex or around Desauze School, or Frederick Douglass Park would provide a different result. Likewise, connections for recreational cyclists or pedestrians is different than for commuters or those without automotive transportation. Anchors such as a new recreational facility, or schools should also be considered when linking multiple points.

As time progresses, an interlinked network would best serve the community, but community priorities for implementation should reflect what connections make the most sense economically and with the most communal benefit. The framework provided here should provide the community with discussion points for engaging local residents as well as Maple Heights and Garfield Heights for an interconnected network beyond city boundaries. Proposed improvements to certain green spaces and networks are already in the works and are briefly outlined here: 1. Joann Park: Proposed at the Southern edge of Aldai Stevenson School. 2. Fulton Playground: Located at the site of the former Fulton School, this space is intended to be a playground. 3. Jamison Gardens: Located at the southern edge of the new Robert Jamison School 4. Douglass Orchards: Proposed orchards would serve as both a place for growing as well as a site for a farmer’s market. 5. Kerruish Park: This plan would better link the northern and southern half of the parks across Tarkington Avenue and would connect to the Johnston Mill Run Trail. 6. The Johnston Mill Run Trail: Proposed alignment shown above would connect through Garfield Heights, connecting to Arthur Johnston Park in the Miles Island area of the neighborhood. It would also connect to Kerruish park, crossing Lee Road by the Ramah Junior Academy. It is recommended that pedestrian crossings be enhanced at this crossing, either through signage and markings, or a combination of signage, markings, and lighting. 7. E. 173rd Bike Boulevard: This project would serve as an alternate route for cyclists trying to head north/south between Harvard Avenue, and

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Image showing proposed Johnston Mill Run Trail and surrounding green spaces. Source: Environmental Design Group

Shaker Lakes Connected greenery provides ecological as well as recreational benefits as a connected network.,

A large network of disconnected green spaces exists throughout the neighborhood, which could create a green link.

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north into Shaker Heights. The proposed plan would break through concrete barriers currently separating the two municipalities, allowing for a variety of connection options. In addition, there are multiple existing bike connector routes, as identified by the city, and shown in the diagram to the right. The goal of a legible green network should be to connect a variety of green type spaces and institutions such as schools and the proposed new recreation center, as well as provide safe options for multiple forms of transportation.

Proposed improvements between the Cleveland and Shaker Heights boundary on the E. 173rd Bike Boulevard

Photos of volunteers from a recent Johnston Mill Run River Sweep (middle, bottom). Source: www.greenspacehealth.com

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LEE RD. HARVARD AVE.

HARVARD AVE.

ES

AV E.

LEE RD.

MIL

MIL

ES

AV E.

LEE RD.

Proposed Green loop with core circular routes, connections to schools, and spokes to other regional destinations.

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MILES ISLAND While the effects and scale of vacant parcels throughout the ward are not as detrimental as many other areas of the city, a large concentration can be found in the south-western most part of the neighborhood situated south of Miles Avenue and north of I-480, called “Miles Island.” Here, concentrations of single family residential units are broken up by larger industrial sites, centered around the Johnston Parkway spine. The street grid includes numerous dead end streets in the neighborhood, and easy access to other parts of the neighborhood are somewhat difficult. The rail line running just south of Miles Avenue increases this sense of isolation. This isolation and low density residential fabric also help to create a particular pleasantness, away from some of the more heavy traffic around Lee Road or Harvard Avenue. Well maintained vacant lots add to this sense of pleasantness. The proposed Johnston Mill Run Trail entering at the northern end of E. 147th St. would increase the amenities in this particular area, as it would increase the ability of multi-modal transportation, and connections to other surrounding areas by bicycle or walking. Given this area’s low density and the numerous vacant parcels, new construction in this area should be considered in the context of keeping some vacant lots as community amenities, either as neighborhood playgrounds, community gardens, or development around a shared courtyard typology. Lot splitting, where the city deeds half of a vacant parcel to owners on either side of a lot may also build amenities for private homeowners, as well as increase the local tax base for the land, as opposed to simply holding a parcel in the land bank. Market interests for housing in this area may be based around easy access to the highway, multiple green amenities, a quiet atmosphere, and lower taxes than surrounding municipalities.

New construction on narrow lots can be accommodated as pictured here, while in strategic places, vacant lots should be seen as a shared asset.

The Miles Island Community Garden occupies a formerly vacant parcel at E. 158th Street.

Several parcels can be assembled to create a courtyard between houses.

While many parcels are well cared for, some are overgrown.

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These vacant parcels, currently in the land bank could potentially offer ecological as well as communal benefits as a connective piece between (former) Desauze School, Kerruish Park, Miles Ave. and the surrounding neighborhood.

Creating bioretention swales reduces the amount of stormwater runoff and can act as a feature along paths.

A variety of benefits can be obtained through a bioretention swale, such as reducing runoff and breaking down pollutants through carefully chosen planting and design strategies.

CONNECTIONS: Green Space 89

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8. COMMUNITY PRIORITIES FOR IMPLEMENTATION FROM PLAN TO IMPLEMENTATION Central to the recommendations of this plan are goals and implementation strategies, as outlined by the community and stakeholders through the public meeting process. A set of priorities can be assessed based on feasibility, short-term versus long-term realization, level of need for the community, and projects which might have compounding effects when completed in tandem with one another. For example, coordinating efforts to build a new recreation center may have compounding effects when coupled with school building closings or demolition, the installation of new community gardens and orchards, and new trail development. Coordinated development among projects currently underway or in planning stages, such as the Johnston Mill Run Trail or the streetscape enhancements along Lee Road to the north in Shaker Heights, may steer project delivery in particular directions. Funding sources and project planning and construction times will also have an impact on the priorities of the community. The most immediate priorities for the neighborhood include: •

•

Determining a location for a new recreation center, working with residents to determine what the facility will include, and constructing the new facility. Funds have been designated for the new recreation center in the city’s capital plan.

COMMUNITY ASSETS 1 Fulton Playground 2 Dollar General 3 Gracemount housing 4 Joann Park 5 Business Revitalization District 6 E. 173rd Bike Boulevard 7 Jamison gardens 8 Douglass Orchard 9 Lee-Miles Recreation 10 Kerruish Park Plan 11 Johnston Mill Run Trai l 12 Desauze housing 13 Lee-Miles Development 14 Streetscape Enhancements 15 Miles Ave. Infill Development

16 Vacancy Greening Strategy

Complete and construct a new streetscape design for Lee Road, from the Shaker Heights border through the neighborhood. The $900,000 local match has been set aside for this project.

Additional priorities are described on the following pages.

Gateway/Identity Signage Community Garden Playground New Path Greening Strategy

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POTENTIAL SITE FOR COMMUNITY GARDEN

POTENTIAL SITE FOR PLAYGROUND

EXISTING COMMUNITY GARDEN

NEW PATH

CLEVELAND LAND BANK PARCEL

EXISTING PARK

GREENING STRATEGY

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CLEVELAND WARD 4

1

CITY OF SHAKER HEIGHTS

Lee Road

Harvard Avenue

7

5

4

6

Harvard Avenue

PNC

Library Charter One

NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTOR ROUTE

CITY OF

14

3 BUSINESSS REVITALIZATION DISTRICT

Gateway/Identity Signage

NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTOR ROUTE

NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTOR ROUTE

CLEVELAND WARD 2

WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS

2

Walgreens

Dave’s Supermarket

BUSINESSS REVITALIZATION DISTRICT

8 14

Mil

es A ven

ue

9 15 16

Mil

es A ven

ue

JOHNSTON MILL RUN TRAIL

11 CITY OF GARF

IELD HEIGHT S

14

10

CITY OF

12

WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS

Lee Road

16

480

480

1 2 3 4

Fulton playground

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Dollar General Gracemount housing Joann Park

5 6 7 8

Business Revitalization District E. 173rd Bike Boulevard Jamison gardens Douglass Orchard

CITY OF MAPLE HEIGHTS

9 10 11 12

13 Lee-Miles Development Lee-Miles Recreation *optional site 14 Streetscape Enhancements Kerruish Park Plan Johnston Mill Run Trail 15 Miles Ave. Infill Development Desauze housing Gateway/Identity Signage

0

0.25 mi

N

GOAL

ACTION

Establish a new Recreation Center

Determine amenities required for the facility and develop a committee to select a preferred development site. Issue an RFP for design and construction of the facility. Also see pages 58-59.

Address school closures and enhance current school assets

Working closely with CMSD, develop a phasing strategy for vacated sites. Issue RFP for intended development of sites as either green spaces or new development.

Improve Lee Road Streetscape

Work with business owners as part of the business improvement district to encourage fencing, greening, facade, lighting, and signage improvements. Assess needs and desires for buried utilities along portions of the corridor, and for possible traffic/parking reconfiguration.

Develop prioritization and feasibility of various sites for reconfiguration/development. Amenities such as bicycle lanes may be tied to right of way funding or other sources. Green spaces for recreation or ecological benefit may be linked to either park projects or cooperative efforts amongst many municipalities. Encourage development Utilize the business revitalization district designation to encourage concentrated developand infill of retail and residential fabric particu- ment along Lee/Harvard corridors. Incentivize/ encourage senior housing along Miles Ave. larly along Lee Rd, Miles and throughout the neighborhoods. Ave., and Harvard Ave. Improve green spaces and create networked links of alternative transportation.

Address vacancy issues around Miles Island and elsewhere

Provide enhancements to the Lee Rd. Shopping Center

Plan and construct the Johnston Run Mill Trail.

Determine the appropriateness of community gardens, pocket parks, and lot splitting in concentrated areas of vacancy. Provide greening and links between blocks/amenities such as Johnston Mill Run Trail where appropriate. Provide facade improvements, signage improvements, and public improvements, such as textured crosswalks, identity signage, and transit waiting enhancements at heavily trafficked stops.

Work with cross-municipality committee to pursuing funding for

TIMING Short Term (1-3 years)

Immediate

Immediate

Mid Term (3-5 years)

Mid Term

Mid Term

Long Term (5+ years)

In Progress

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