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02/20/2017 meeting NACP-Book_02-16-2017_sm
DRA F T This Comprehensive Plan was prepared for: CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA, SC Mayor Lark W. Jones CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS James M. Adams J. Robert Brooks Pat C. Carpenter Kenneth J. McDowell Fletcher L. Dickert David W. McGhee With special thanks to the: NORTH AUGUSTA PLANNING COMMISSION Chairman Chip Burnett Vice Chairman Larry Watts Len Carter Robert “Bob” Clark Timothy V. Key JoAnn McKie Briton Williams © 2017 by Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. All Photos and Images by Stantec and their sub consultants unless otherwise noted. PROJECT TEAM Stantec | Urban Places Group Craig Lewis Mike Rutkowski David Walters Erin Chantry Dylan McKnight Ashley Bonawitz Table of Contents Our Vision 1 Who We Are 11 Where We’ve Come From 33 Sustainable Economic Growth 45 Effi cient, High Quality City Services 67 Stable, Diverse, & Walkable Neighborhoods 79 Transportation that Facilitates Mobility & Activity 95 Stewardship of Our Natural & Cultural Resources 121 Robust Parks, Recreation & Greeneway Network 141 A Vibrant Downtown & Riverfront 157 Implementation Strategies 179 Appendix A 191 vi NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 1 | OUR VISION 1NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 1 | OUR VISION 1 OUR VISION In This Chapter Core Principles 4 How the Principles Apply to the City 6 Top 10 Recommendations 8 This plan seeks to bridge the importance of planning with the importance of achieving the goals and vision of the community. As this plan suggests, it’s the implementation that will prepare us for the next 100 years. 3NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 1 | OUR VISION The Comprehensive Plan, in its purest form, represents the synthesis of a community’s vision for its growth and development. Far too often vision statements are never accurately translated into a detailed working plan with achievable action items, schedules, and budgets. This can lead to a Comprehensive Plan being overlooked or forgotten while important planning decisions are being made. This plan attempts to balance the very best in planning and design by articulating and illustrating that vision in a real-world setting. In doing so, the community has a better understanding of the plan’s aspirations and is more likely to implement it. To have a successful community in the 21st century, North Augusta’s policies and development should be anchored by the triple-bottom line of environmental, social, and economic sustainability. As a result, the organization of this Plan breaks from the norm of the “element-based” comprehensive plan derived from the South Carolina Code of Laws. Rather, it organizes itself around fully immersive ideas that integrate the triple bottom line to ensure sustainable future growth. Unlike many of our peers across South Carolina we have chosen to focus not on a exhaustive analysis of what currently is and simply project trends of what was, but instead cast a true vision of what we wish to become and what tools and resources are needed to achieve that vision. A comprehensive plan synthesizes the community vision for growth and development. A plan is required by the state but needs strong design guidelines and leadership for implementation. WHAT? comprehensive plan WHY? vision & principles 4 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 1 | OUR VISION CORE PRINCIPLES After considering the community’s input, historical analysis, document reviews, and a current demographic study, we concluded that the original nine elements required by the South Carolina Comprehensive Planning Act could be reorganized into seven core principles. A full road map of these required elements can be found in Appendix A. 1 2 3 Sustainable Economic Growth North Augusta is committed to the recruitment and retention of quality jobs, shopping, and local businesses to support sustainable growth for current and future residents. Growth should be focused geographically in parts of North Augusta that will reinforce this commitment and contribute to a more economically vibrant and livable city. Effi cient, High Quality Services We will continue to provide effi cient, customer-oriented government services to our citizens and a clear, consistent regulatory process that encourages high- quality investment, development and growth. Stable, Diverse, & Walkable Neighborhoods North Augusta is made up of unique neighborhoods, each contributing to the character of the town. Continuing to enhance these neighborhoods with a more diverse mixture of housing types, pedestrian and multimodal facilities, open spaces, and walkable mixed- uses will strengthen North Augusta as a choice for future residents. 5NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 1 | OUR VISION Transportation that Facilitates Activity & Mobility North Augusta has a wide range of attractive qualities and characteristics, including a walkable downtown, the Savannah River, the Greeneway system, parks, established neighborhoods, and redevelopment opportunities. Connecting these with a robust network of pedestrian and biking infrastructure will help to strengthen the livability and economic potential of North Augusta. Stewardship of our Cultural & Natural Resources North Augusta was built on a strong foundation of history. The Boeckh plat created a network of streets, home sites, commercial areas, prominent landmarks, and public spaces, which enhance the area’s natural landscape and continue to serve the community today. We must not only preserve our historic and natural elements and stories, but uncover and elevate them in the community. Robust Parks, Recreation, & Greeneway Network North Augusta is committed to enhancing and increasing quality open space and recreation opportunities to its citizens. We believe that parks and recreational facilities should be within walking distance (1/2 mile) of every resident. The Greeneway will continue to serve as the backbone for our mobility network connecting our neighborhoods to our recreational amenities, the riverfront, and the downtown. A Vibrant Downtown & Riverfront North Augusta’s downtown is the heart of our community. We endeavor to revitalize this area as a vibrant and thriving economic and social center. We will accomplish this by focusing on creating great places for people. The Savannah River is North Augusta’s ‘front door’ and ‘backyard.’ We will continue to embrace the riverfront for development and recreation, while enhancing and preserving its natural character. 4 5 6 7 6 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 1 | OUR VISION HOW THE PRINCIPLES APPLY TO THE CITY The design and community engagement process generated many ideas for the future of North Augusta. In order to synthesize as many ideas as possible in the comprehensive plan, we condensed them into seven core principles. The next step was to choose a few priority investment areas to detail our vision through goals, and implementation strategies. Economic Guidelines existing commercial hubs ripe for redevelopment, largely due to age of current development or low density, single-land use suburban commercial facility with out-parcel opportunities historic or current economic drivers that need reimagination to fit modern city standards ability to concentrate growth, funding, and public resources potential to replace lower densities with higher densities to use less land and less city resources for higher yielding developments Neighborhood Guidelines place-making opportunities to create iconic, walkable, and compact destinations surrounded by established neighborhoods to maximize service to the greatest population possible large undeveloped or underdeveloped parcels with potential to grow inwardly and compactly in inner-city core areas Public Space Guidelines collectively emphasize connectivity by creating a more complete road network and Greeneway system accessibility to natural resources including parks, recreation centers, the Savannah River water front, the Greeneway, and complete streets. opportunities to create spaces for cultural resources and public gathering spaces to facilitate and connect social interactions within the community We set the following critical design guidelines to determine the priority investment areas: 7NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 1 | OUR VISION 8 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 1 | OUR VISION TOP 10 RECOMMENDATIONS 2 Revise policies and zoning to support mixed-use infi ll development in Priority Investment Areas. The revitalization of Priority Investment Areas requires a mix of uses for North Augusta’s citizens including retail, offi ces, businesses, entertainment, and restaurants. In order to allow and encourage this, zoning will need to be revised to include regulations that allow higher densities, no parking minimums, and a greater variety of uses. 3 Connect the Greeneway from the Savannah River to downtown. The Greeneway is one of the most prominent assets in North Augusta that attracts residents and visitors regionally. Physically connecting the existing Greeneway facilities along the Savannah River to Georgia Avenue downtown can have not only social and economic benefi ts, but can attract development and redevelopment opportunities as well. Such an amenity is critical to the revitalization of downtown. Hire a downtown development director. North Augusta needs a dedicated advocate whose full-time job is promoting the revitalization of downtown. This position would serve as a direct connection to downtown property owners. The idea person or group would possess community development, economic development and marketing skills to manage event programming, maintenance and management, capital improvements, recruitment and retention, housing investment, and retail and restaurant promotion. 4 Create a Downtown Master Plan and small area plans for other priority investment areas. Create a Downtown Master Plan that develops specifi c economic development, land use, and transportation solutions that will strengthen Downtown for future growth while honoring the historic structures, cultural institutions, and open spaces that are important to the community. 1 9NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 1 | OUR VISION 6 Implement the expansion of the Greeneway system as quickly as possible. Prioritize funding and implementation of the Greeneway as identifi ed in the City of North Augusta Greeneway, Pedestrian, and Bicycle Master Plan. Future development projects should plan for and incorporate sidewalk and trail connections to the Greeneway where appropriate. 8 Create a parks master plan. A parks master plan will determine the existing conditions and activities within our parks, identify areas for improvement in existing facilities, plan new park locations taking into account their location in relationship to future growth, and consider their maintenance needs over time. 7 Adopt a Complete Streets policy. When streets are resurfaced or improved, they should be designed to accommodate all modes of transportation including pedestrians and cyclists. We will re-evaluate lane widths and number of lanes in existing rights-of-way to make room for new pedestrian and bicycle facilities as appropriate. 9 Establish a Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) for the continued investment in neighborhoods. A program that ensures the constant investment in neighborhoods over an extended period can help them remain vibrant and continue to grow and evolve in a positive way. Projects included in a NIP may include a repaving schedule, improvements to parks or playgrounds, sidewalk repairs, utility and stormwater management and bicycle facilities. 5 Attract high-quality housing developers. Market North Augusta’s priority investment areas to progressive developers that have established portfolios and can deliver the type of quality residential and mixed-use development the city needs. New prominent development in these areas should be executed with a high level of design and quality materials. 10 Identify historic resources important to North Augusta’s identity and ensure their protection, funding and maintenance. Identify important structures, parks, open spaces, natural features, fences, walls, cemeteries and viewsheds that contribute to the identity of North Augusta. These should be listed, prioritized, and funding should be allocated to ensure their maintenance and preservation. Funding can include grants, historic tax credits, private investment, and, if necessary, city funding. 10 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 | WHO WE ARE 11NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 | WHO WE ARE 2 WHO WE ARE In This Chapter Population 14 Housing 20 Employment 27 Business & Retail Industry 29 Aiken Edgefield I-85 I-20 I-20 I- 2 6 I-77 ATLANTA SAVANNAHVAN CHARLESTONCHARLESTONA 150 miles 2.25 hrs 1 3 0 m i l e s e s 2 . 5 h r s s 16060 miles2.75 hrs 1 1 0 m i l e s 2 . 2 5 h r s es 16 0 mile s 2.5 h r s 70 m i l e s 70 hr1 hrhr The numbers are in and here is how we compare to our regional counterparts. 13NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 | WHO WE ARE WHAT? population, housing, & employment ++ WHY? determine trends & needs early workforce cohorts are decreasing. This directly impacts household trends at present. North Augusta housing stock is predominantly detached housing types, with few options. An increase in smaller housing options is necessary to accommodate our growing and aging one-to-two person households and to incentivize our young population to stay. Current popular trends say the majority of these demographics look to trade housing size for walkability, neighborhood amenities, and central location. Most employment opportunities are concentrated in Augusta. However, some industries have greater opportunities in North Augusta including retail, food services, and information services. Others, like health care and education, are large local sectors but can also be found in the same percentages across the county, MSA, and state. We are a community centrally located between a number of major cities in South Carolina and Georgia. We’ve competed with our closest major city, Augusta, throughout history but are proud of our heritage and the character this struggle has built over the years. Now is our time to become an economic, cultural, and sustainable community full of small-town character with modern city vision and priorities. Over the next fi fteen years, our county is projected to grow at a rate much slower than the surrounding counties. And while our growth trends have historically tended to follow the county, a number of new catalytic projects including Project Jackson, the expansion of Hammonds Ferry, and development near I-20/I-520 is certain to improve our overall projections. One key point to consider in the population discussion is identifying what demographics are growing and which are shrinking. The data shows that senior and elderly cohorts are increasing while young adult and North Augusta is centrally located but smaller than our regional counterparts. We need our population, housing, and employment data to identify our trends and determin our future needs to sustain growth. The data shows certain populations increasing while other descrease, as well as, housing trends that show a need for smaller, compact housing options and employment trends that need to diversify and grow. 14 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 | WHO WE ARE POPULATION Population Projections Several sources of data were used in these analyses in order to arrive at more accurate and relevant projections. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Augusta metropolitan statistical area (MSA) is comprised of two counties in South Carolina (Edgefi eld and Aiken) and fi ve counties in Georgia (Lincoln, Columbia, McDuffi e, Richmond, and Burke). While ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute) provides short term population projections at a small geographic level, the State of South Carolina and State of Georgia project long- term population growth for each county. The Projected Population Map below is based on projections provided by the South Carolina Revenue and Fiscal Aff airs Offi ce and Georgia Offi ce of Planning and Budget for the seven counties that encompass the Augusta MSA. Overall, the MSA is projected to add over 125,000 residents from 2015 to 2030 for an average increase of approximately 20.9 percent. Columbia County is expected to be the fastest growing county in the MSA with a net increase of almost 60,000 residents for an overall increase of 44.1 percent. Based on 2015 estimates, Aiken County is expected to add 16,900 residents for an overall increase of 10.2 percent over this 15 year period. It currently represents almost 28 percent of the MSA population, but its share of the regional population is projected to decrease to 25 percent by 2030. y Projected Population Increase (2015-2030) Map Source: Development Strategies 15NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 | WHO WE ARE Population Change Based on data from ESRI for 2015, North Augusta is a city of around 21,600 residents. The population growth map shows the percent increase or decrease in population throughout the Augusta MSA from 2000 to 2013 at the census tract level. The core areas of North Augusta did not experience dramatic changes in population with the exception of increases near the downtown area catalyzed by the Hammond’s Ferry development and the areas near the I-20 and I-520 interchange. The map to the right shows a decrease in population in the areas near the Savannah River between Highway 278 and I-520, although this area is primarily industrial or open space. The City of Augusta’s urban core experienced signifi cant decreases in population during this time period, especially in the neighborhoods just south of downtown, which given its proximity to North Augusta, could have future implications. Population Density The population density map to the right shows a range of population densities in the greater North Augusta area in persons per square mile as of 2012. Persons per square mile is measured at the census tract level, then blended with adjacent census tracts. On the map, areas of dark red indicate higher densities, with lower densities in lighter colors. Typical of most large urban areas in the United States, population density is higher in the urban core and gradually diminishes outward to suburban areas. Compared to the rest of the MSA, North Augusta is primarily a medium-density city with a population density of around 1,050 persons per square mile. Higher densities are in its older neighborhoods in and around downtown. The highest population densities in the region are found in the urban core of Augusta and parts of the city near the intersection of I-20 and I-520. 25-50% more people 10-25% more people ~2,500 pop. per sq mi ~1,000 pop. per sq mi 10-25% less people ~2,000 pop. per sq mi Population Change (2000-2015) Population Density (2015) So u r c e : E S R I So u r c e : E S R I 16 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 | WHO WE ARE Population and Household Trends From 2000 to 2010, North Augusta grew at an annual rate of 2.2 percent outpacing the county (1.3 percent), MSA (1.4 percent), and state (1.6 percent); however, population growth in North Augusta has slowed considerably with a projected growth rate of only 0.2 percent annually through 2020. North Augusta’s share of the Augusta MSA’s population will be around 3.6 percent in 2020, down slightly from 3.8 percent in 2010, but still higher than its 3.5 percent share in 2000. Compared to the county, MSA, and state, North Augusta has a smaller average household size with 2.33 persons per households and household sizes are expected to remain consistent through 2020. North Augusta also has a slightly higher proportion of one- person households (31 percent) and a lower proportion of larger households with fi ve or more persons (7 percent) compared the county, MSA, and state. This has direct implications on future housing development in North Augusta since, based on household size projections, it will remain desirable for smaller households who may be willing to trade size of housing for walkability, neighborhood amenities, and central location. So u r c e : E S R I Persons per Household (2010) 1 person per household North AugustaAiken CountyAugusta MSASouth Carolina 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 2 person per household 3-4 person per household 5+ person per household Given changing demographics (as presented in the preceding sections), North Augusta should be better-positioned to accommodate increasing demand from smaller households, most notably from retirees, smaller families, singles, and other young professional households. 17NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 | WHO WE ARE Projected Population Growth by Age Cohort in North Augusta (2015-2020) So u r c e : E S R I College & Early Workforce by - 8 to 11% Largest Age Cohorts Decreasing Age Cohorts Empty Nesters 20% Family Years 19% Population by Age North Augusta’s population is older than the MSA and state as a whole with a median age of 39.4 years, but still younger than Aiken County. According to ESRI’s 2015 estimates, 55 percent of North Augusta’s population is over the age of 35. The largest age cohorts in North Augusta are the Family Years (19 percent) and Empty Nesters (20 percent), although these shares are generally consistent with the county, region, and state. Over the next fi ve years, persons over the age of 65 (Seniors and Elderly cohorts) in North Augusta will grow by 17 percent and 10 percent, respectively. This has very strong implications on the types of housing and services that the city will need to provide to accommodate these age groups. In other words, there will be an increased need to serve a more “dependent” population, or people typically not in the labor force and, therefore, dependent on non-labor income such as pensions and social security. Those in the College Age and Early Workforce cohorts are projected to decrease by 8 percent and 11 percent, respectively indicating a need to provide the types of housing and/or employment opportunities that would be attractive for Millennials and young professionals. Early Workforce cohort, however, is expected to increase by 2 percent, or 8,000 residents overall in the Augusta region. Given the growth in a more dependent population described above, it is critical that North Augusta does not continue losing these segments of the labor force and better positions itself to attract this population from other parts of the region. The school-aged population will increase slightly, but not in numbers that should put a signifi cant strain on local educational resources. 18 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 | WHO WE ARE Race and Ethnicity The map below shows the racial and ethnic make-up of North Augusta in relation to the region. Each dot represents two households in each census tract. North Augusta is generally made up of white households with some predominantly African American households near the city center. Across the river in Augusta, most African American households are concentrated in the city center with more ethnically mixed areas to the northwest closer to the Interstate 20 corridor and in Martinez. As presented on the adjacent table, North Augusta is predominantly white (73.4 percent) and has a signifi cantly higher share of white population compared to the Augusta MSA and state. The Diversity Index, provided by ESRI, is a high-level indicator of the changes in diversity in a given community. The index represents a measure of the likelihood that two persons selected at random are from diff erent races or ethnic groups—zero represents no diversity and 100 represents complete diversity. The Diversity Index for North Augusta in 2015 is 47.6, which is lower than Aiken County (52.1), Augusta MSA (59.0), and state of South Carolina (54.4). 20102015201020152010201520102015 White Alone74.2%73.4%69.6%68.7%58.5%57.3%66.2%65.9% Black Alone20.4%20.4%24.6%24.8%35.3%35.5%27.9%27.4% American Indian Alone0.3%0.2%0.4%0.4%0.3%0.4%0.4%0.4% Asian Alone1.1%1.1%0.8%0.9%1.7%1.9%1.3%1.5% Pacific Islander Alone0.0%0.1%0.0%0.1%0.1%0.1%0.1%0.1% Some Other Race Alone2.0%2.6%2.6%2.9%1.7%2.0%2.5%2.7% Two or More Races2.0%2.3%1.9%2.2%2.3%2.7%1.7%2.0% Hispanic Origin4.2%5.1%4.9%5.4%4.4%5.3%5.1%5.5% Diversity Index 45.547.650.652.157.259.053.454.4 North AugustaAiken CountyAugusta MSASouth Carolina Change in race and ethnicity (2010-2015) Race and Ethnicity (2015) Map So u r c e : E S R I So u r c e : E S R I 1 dot = 2 households greatest increase in hispanic & 2+ races Diversity greatest concentration of minority households African American White Asian Hispanic 19NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 | WHO WE ARE So u r c e : E S R I Educational Attainment Educational attainment in North Augusta is higher than the county, MSA, and state as a whole with 41 percent of the population over the age of 25 holding an Associate’s degree or higher. The Augusta MSA as a whole has a lower proportion of people aged 25 year or older with Associate’s degrees or more (31 percent). The higher household income levels and housing values in North Augusta can, in part, be attributed to higher levels of educational attainment. This also implies that the population has greater overall mobility and more fl exibility when it comes to employment and housing choices. Educational Attainment of Persons Age 25 and Older (2015) Educational attainment in North Augusta is higher than the county, MSA, and state as a whole with 41 percent of those over the age of 25 with at least an Associate’s degree. 20 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 | WHO WE ARE HOUSING Overview North Augusta has a higher concentration of single-family detached homes compared to the county, MSA, and state. Though single-family homes will be the preferred housing choice for most households in North Augusta, this higher portion of single-family homes emphasizes the need to diversify its housing stock to accommodate a wider-range of household types including young professionals, empty nesters, and the elderly who often seek smaller, attached housing options in denser, urban environments. North Augusta has higher occupancy rates compared to the region as a whole, although homeownership rates are slightly lower than Aiken County. Household sizes in North Augusta are generally comparable to the region. North Augusta has a higher concentration of single-family detached homes compared to the county, MSA, and state. Images of existing housing in North Augusta 21NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 | WHO WE ARE Housing Overview (2015) Source: ESRI Description North Augusta Aiken County Augusta MSA South Carolina Housing Units (2015)9,97575,808255,4602,257,848 Occupied Housing Units (2015)9,18567,547227,2951,894,737 Occupancy Rate92%89%89%84% Housing Units by Units in Structure (2009-2013) 1, Detached 69%61%63%59% 1, Attached 8%3%4%3% 2 4%2%2%2% 3 or 4 7%2%3%3% 5 to 9 6%2%5%5% 10 to 19 2%1%2%3% 20 to 49 1%1%1%2% 50+1%1%1%2% Mobile Home 2%22%15%16% Other 0%0%0%0% Median Housing Value (2015)189,612$ $149,811$149,556$161,646 Housing Tenure (2015) Percent Owner-Occupied Units66%71%65%67% Percent Renter-Occupied Units34%29%35%33% Households by Household Type (2015) Family Households 65%68%68%67% Non-Family Households 35%32%32%33% Persons per Household (2010) 1 Person Household 31%27%26%27% 2 Person Household 34%36%33%35% 3 Person Household 17%17%18%17% 4 Person Household 12%12%13%13% 5 Person Household 5%6%6%6% 6 Person Household 2%2%2%2% 7 + Person Household 1%1%1%1% 65% only 1-2 person households Household Size 69% single-family homes Housing Supply need smaller, more diverse housing options for smaller households 22 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 | WHO WE ARE Median Housing Values The map below shows median home values in and around North Augusta measured at the census tract level. Home values in North Augusta are generally higher closer to the riverfront, primarily driven by higher prices in the Hammond’s Ferry development. Housing around the I-20 and I-520 interchange are also higher, on average, than other parts of the city and region given the age, condition, and quality of housing in this area. The Zillow Housing Value Index (ZHVI) is a metric provided by Zillow that estimates the median value of all housing in a given geographic area. This index is based off of recent sales data, but makes adjustments to compensate for housing that is potentially not on the market or fl uctuations in market conditions. Using the ZHVI is an eff ective way to make relative comparisons in housing values across multiple neighborhoods, cities, regions, and time periods. Based on the ZHVI for median value per square foot, in general, the Augusta MSA was somewhat “Recession proof” and did not experience any signifi cant fl uctuations in housing values from 2007 to 2009. North Augusta experienced a slight decrease in housing values during this time period, but not nearly as signifi cant as the decrease in the State of Georgia. Housing values in North Augusta have rebounded to slightly above pre-Recession values, although the Augusta MSA has not experienced any signifi cant growth (or decline) in housing values since 2007. The charts on the adjacent page document the ZHVI across the Augusta MSA in terms of median value per square foot in 2015. North Augusta’s median value per square foot is $77, which is higher than the Augusta MSA of $70 per square foot. In other words, compared to the region as a whole, the housing market in North Augusta is relatively strong. Median Home Value (2015) Source: ESRI higher valued homes lower valued homes average valued homes 23NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 | WHO WE ARE Housing Value Index (2015) Housing Value by City (2015) Rental Value by City (2015) Source: Zillow 24 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 | WHO WE ARE Household Income Median household income in North Augusta is slightly higher than the county, MSA, and state as a whole at $46,512. Slightly less that one out of every three households in North Augusta earns less than $25,000 annually, but this is generally consistent with the MSA. Household income is defi ned as income from all individuals age 15 and older occupying a single housing unit, whether related to the householder or not. Median family income is often higher than median household income because many households consist of only one person and, therefore, have only one wage earner. Single householders are not considered families and are not incorporated into the median family income of an area, though they are incorporated into median household incomes. As presented in the following chart to the right, North Augusta has a lower proportion of households earning less than $25,000 annually compared to the Augusta MSA (27 percent compared to 29 percent, respectively). On the fl ip side, it has a slightly higher proportion of higher-income households earning above $100,000 annually (19 percent compared to 17 percent, respectively). Despite these slight discrepancies, overall, the income distribution in North Augusta is generally comparable to the Augusta MSA. As seen on the adjacent bar graph, North Augusta does not have any large concentrations of low-income areas compared to much of the urban core of the city of Augusta. Generally, much of North Augusta’s central areas are middle-income with more higher-income households in the areas closer to the Interstate 20 interchanges. This is consistent with development patterns in the city as newer, higher quality housing targeting higher-income households is being developed in these areas, with the exception of Hammond’s Ferry. The density map on page 27 shows household income density in the North Augusta area, measured in dollars per square mile at the census tract level. Household income density is a good indicator of buying power to support retail and housing. Though median household income is higher in the areas of North Augusta near the I-20 and I-520 interchange, income density is higher in the central areas of the city given the higher population density. The highest income density in the region is along the I-20 corridor in Augusta and Martinez and the neighborhoods south of The Augusta National Country Club. This higher income density has contributed to the growth of retail amenities in the area. Median household income in North Augusta is slightly higher than the county, MSA, and the state at $46,512. 25NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 | WHO WE ARE Description North AugustaAiken CountyAugusta MSASouth Carolina Median Household Income 2020 Projection $53,200$51,900$51,800$51,800 2015 Estimate $46,500$44,500$43,800$44,900 2009-2013 ACS $49,027$44,509$45,454$44,779 Annual Growth 2015-2020 2.7%3.2%3.4%2.9% Annual Growth 2010-2015 -1.3%0.0%-0.9%0.1% 2015 Income Distribution Total households:9,20067,500227,3001,894,700 <$15,000 15%16%17%16% $15,000 - $24,999 12%13%12%12% $25,000 - $34,999 12%11%12%12% $35,000 - $49,999 14%13%13%15% $50,000 - $74,999 16%16%17%18% $75,000 - $99,999 13%12%12%12% $100,000 - $149,999 14%12%11%10% $150,000 - $199,999 3%3%3%3% $200,000 +3%2%3%3% Income Trend Chart (2015) Median Household Income (2015) Source: ESRI Source: ESRI 26 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 | WHO WE ARE 39% under $32k 32% over $75k 29% middle income Median Household Income (2015) Income Density (2015) So u r c e : E S R I So u r c e : E S R I 27NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 | WHO WE ARE EMPLOYMENT Employment Distribution When measured at the census tract level, the data shows the highest concentration of jobs in Downtown Augusta—by far. North Augusta’s proximity to Downtown Augusta is an excellent asset for residents; therefore, economic development and job growth in Augusta has a direct impact on potential employment opportunities for North Augusta residents and the overall attractiveness of the city. Much of North Augusta is residential and the majority of jobs are found on the Georgia side of the Savannah River. Note that the some 25,000 on-post jobs associated with Fort Gordon are not depicted on the map since locational military installation employment data is not provided by the U.S. Census for security reasons. This would make Fort Gordon comparable to the entire Augusta Downtown in terms of total employment. As is shown on the following pages, North Augusta exhibits some relatively strong economic indicators, suggesting that it is well-located as a regional attraction for business operations and, perhaps, housing and labor force. Employment Density (2012) So u r c e : E S R I 28 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 | WHO WE ARE Employment Projections by Sector Projected employment over ten years of the Lower Savannah Workforce Investment Area is the most up to date employment projection data available. It incorporates a broader area than Aiken County itself and includes Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, and Orangeburg counties as well. While the beginning and ending dates of these offi cial projections do not fully refl ect the next ten years, these are the latest available projections and serve comprehensive planning purposes quite well. The projections in employment have direct implications on the real estate needs for each of these sectors based on industry standards for area of real estate needed per employee. From 2012 to 2022, the WIA region is projected to add almost 13,000 net jobs for an increase of around 11 percent. Based on the average square feet supported by employee, this equates to roughly 5.2 million square feet of commercial or industrial space needed in the region. Of course, some of the existing commercial or industrial real estate could accommodate this demand, but certainly, this job growth should trigger new development. The health care sector will add 2,880 jobs in this region for an increase of 26 percent. This is consistent with national trends as the health care sector is expected to grow in most metro areas across the United States. Given the recovery from the Great Recession, the construction industry is also expected to grow considerably, although the slow projected regional population growth should temper any boom in this industry. 20122022ChangePercent Square Feet Per Employee2 Square Feet Supported Total Employment, All Jobs 116,065 128,977 12,912 11.12%690 8,916,000 Admin Support & Waste Mgt 10,422 12,175 1,753 16.82%300 525,900 Health Care & Social Asst 10,877 13,761 2,884 26.51%300 865,200 Profess, Scien, & Tech Services 116,065 128,977 12,912 11.12%300 3,873,600 Educational Services (private)10,936 12,162 1,226 11.21%450 551,700 Accommodations & Food Services 8,791 9,592 801 9.11%500 400,500 Other Non-Govt Services 3,824 4,256 432 11.30%300 129,600 Real Estate, Rental, Leasing 526 594 68 12.93%200 13,600 Wholesale Trade 1,725 1,936 211 12.23%600 126,600 Finance & Insurance 2,892 3,374 482 16.67%250 120,500 Arts, Entertainment, Recreation 1,126 1,261 135 11.99%300 40,500 Retail Trade 13,259 14,049 790 5.96%500 395,000 Transportation & Warehousing 2,397 2,990 593 24.74%1,000 593,000 Information 783 764 (19) -2.43%225 (4,300) Government 7,924 8,093 169 2.13%250 42,300 Construction 5,406 6,909 1,503 27.80%200 300,600 Utilities 825 916 91 11.03%700 63,700 Manufacturing 16,962 18,043 1,081 6.37%800 864,800 All Other Sectors 4,891 4,935 44 0.90%300 13,200 1 Represents represents Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, and Orangeburg Counties 2 South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce; the most up-to-date data was only available for the WIA 2 Development Strategies estimates Lower Savannah Workforce Investment Area, South Carolina 1 Economic Sectors Employment Projections1 Potential Real Estate Demand Projections of Employment by Industry Sector and Potential Real Estate Demand (2015) 29NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 | WHO WE ARE Employment by Industry in North Augusta & Associated Regions (2015) BUSINESS & RETAIL INDUSTRY Business and Industry Overview North Augusta includes some 862 total businesses and 8,736 employees according to data obtained from ESRI’s Business Analyst Online database. Though North Augusta is primarily a residential community, its ratio of total employment to residents is generally comparable to the Augusta MSA and state as a whole. Over 28 percent of the labor force in North Augusta works in the retail trade sector, considerably higher than the Augusta MSA at nearly 15 percent. This is typical of suburban communities and implies that higher-paying, professional jobs are likely located in other parts of the region. The top fi ve employment industries and how they compare to Aiken County, Augusta MSA, and South Carolina are shown in the graphic below. 30 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 | WHO WE ARE Location Quotients show an area’s distribution of employment by sector compared to the entire U.S. economy. An LQ greater than 1.0 indicates a sector with a greater share of the local area businesses or employment than in the U.S. as a whole. That is usually an indicator of an “export sector,” or a sector that helps bring “new money” into the local economy from outside. North Augusta is part of the Augusta MSA, so its residents are directly impacted by the economic prosperity of the region as a whole. Based on data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), which tracks employment by industry sector for counties and metro areas (not cities), the MSA has larger proportions of military, federal government, and state government employment compared to the workforce across the United State as a whole. This implies that the economy in the region is very much tied to government spending, especially through the U.S. Department of Defense for the support of Fort Gordon and U.S. Department of Energy for the support of the Savannah River Site, both top employers in the region. Though there have not been signs of any cut-backs for these two operations, there is still a long-term need to create a broader base of private sector employment. Employment Location Quotients by Industry Sector (2013) Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis 31NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 | WHO WE ARE Retail Market Overview The information below shows the diff erence between annual residentially-driven retail demand (“purchasing power”) in North Augusta and estimates of retail sales achieved by North Augusta merchants for 2015. This data demonstrates there are more retail sales in North Augusta than residents, themselves, can support. In other words, a large proportion of the sales at retail establishments in North Augusta are coming from people who live outside the city. Much of this oversupply is driven by North Augusta Plaza and the commercial corridor near the I-20, Exit 5 interchange anchored by the Walmart, which attracts customers from all over the region. For North Augusta to attract more restaurants, pharmacies, grocery stores, or general merchandise stores, it will need to increase the buying power of city residents (increase population) and/or attract more visitors to the city. However, there is an opportunity for North Augusta to support more clothing, furniture, and electronics/appliance stores. There is an undersupply of these types of retail establishments in the city and residents must travel outside the city to satisfy demand (“leakage”). In addition, while it appears that full service restaurants are in abundance, they may not be of the quality or off ering that would attract more sales. Employment Location Quotients by Industry Sector (2013) Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis need more have plenty 32 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 3 | WHERE WE’VE COME FROM 33NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 3 | WHERE WE’VE COME FROM WHERE WE’VE COME FROM In This Chapter A Foundation for the Future 36 Brief Review of Previous Plans 40 3 Our unique qualities and values are defi ned by who we were and they tell us where we’re going. Source: visitaugustaga.wordpress.com/category/events/ 35NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 3 | WHERE WE’VE COME FROM Why is the history of where we live important? Understanding the history of the place where you live is critical to being an informed citizen. Our local histories can also help us feel more tied to the places where we live and put down our roots. This can infl uence how invested we are in our local places and how willing we will be to put forth the eff ort to make our hometown a better place. The history of a place is a very infl uential cultural asset that can directly impact the plans and future success of a city. North Augusta has always been home to pioneering people. This city, and other settlements before it, was founded by entrepreneurs who saw opportunity across the river from Augusta. However, there has been a long history of competition between Augusta and North Augusta businesses for resources and control of the supply chain and transit routes, the rail and river. Through history, Augusta won every competitive battle with settlements across the river and several towns came and went before North Augusta. Despite the struggles through history, North Augusta survived the strife with its river neighbor in Georgia. Today the two cities are part of the same local market area, like family members who live in diff erent states. They still compete for the same resources, but North Augusta off ers much that cannot be found across the river in its larger neighbor. There is a signature character and feel in North Augusta that cannot be replicated across the river, or anywhere. That is what we must identify and hold onto. That character will infl uence our planning and tell us who we want to be. It will help us draw new residents and businesses who want to be a part of what we are doing on this side of the river. Our unique qualities and values are defi ned by who we were and they tell us where we’re going. WHAT? looking to our past WHY? to plan our future Looking to our past is important to how our city was founded and the rich stories of people who came before us. This history ties us to this place and makes it more meaningful to us. If we ignore our history, we value our city less. We must know where we’ve come from in order to plan where we’re going. Our history tells about who we’ve always been, which influences our core values and principles that we use to plan our future. 36 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 3 | WHERE WE’VE COME FROM A FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE North Augusta’s 100+ Year History The Savannah River, fi rst a commercial transportation corridor, was the reason that human settlement and occupation originally occurred in the area that is now North Augusta. Three early communities, located in the general area of North Augusta, preceded the development of North Augusta itself. The fi rst was Savannah Town settled by the English in the early 1700’s. Savannah Town was located below the Fifth Street Bridge and was one of the most important Indian trading centers in South Carolina. At the time, it was considered the end of the civilized world and the gateway to the relatively unknown lands of the Indian Nations as far west as the Mississippi River. Fur traders shipped their goods from Savannah Town to Charles Town (Charleston, SC) via the Savannah River where they were then shipped to England. The town failed after only 50 years when enterprising merchants set up trading posts on the Georgia side of the river to intercept the goods from the west before they reached Savannah Town. Campbell Town, founded by John Hammond in the mid 1700’s, was the second town settled in the area. It was situated on the Savannah River just below the rapids and was also established as a trading center for furs, other goods, and tobacco. Campbell Town prospered for about 60 years before the lucrative tobacco market started to slip to the Georgia side of the river due to increasing competition between tobacco warehouse owners. In fact, the General Assembly of Georgia, seated in Augusta, took legal steps to establish Augusta as a tobacco center. Competition between tobacco growers and warehouse owners grew so intense that riverboat ferries were destroyed, John Hammond was killed, and his house was burned. With the tobacco and fur trade bypassing Campbell Town, the town did not survive. The third town, Hamburg, was founded by George Schultz in 1821 and incorporated in 1827. It was located near the Fifth Street bridge and ruins of the old town still remain. It was the home dock of a thriving steamboat business between Hamburg and Charleston and in only fi ve years grew into a fl ourishing town. The downriver tobacco and cotton trade was so robust that Charleston merchants fi nanced and built a railroad from Charleston to Hamburg. The 136- mile Charleston-Hamburg Railroad, when completed in 1833, was the longest passenger steam railroad in the world. Soon Augusta businessmen started devising ways to take business away from North Augusta, 1918 S o u r c e : S a n b o r n F i r e I n s u r a n c e M a p s , S o u t h C a r o l i n a L i b r a r y , U n i v e r s i t y o f S o u t h C a r o l i n a 37NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 3 | WHERE WE’VE COME FROM Hamburg. The Augusta Canal was built to allow up-country planters to use the river and pass above the rapids into Augusta. The fi nal death to Hamburg came when the State of Georgia granted permission for the railroad to extend across the Savannah River into Georgia, changing Hamburg from a terminal point to just a stop along the way to Augusta. After about 50 years, Hamburg, like its predecessors, perished. North Augusta formed after the demise of Hamburg in the late 1800s. As a boy, Augusta native James Urquhart Jackson envisioned a town overlooking Augusta in the rolling bluff s across the Savannah River. Jackson pursued that dream and in 1889 formed the North Augusta Land Company. In 1890, the company purchased 5,600 acres of land for $100,000 from the plantation acreage of Mrs. Mattie Butler Mealing. Jackson then hired “the best designers from New York” to plan the new town. The original plat of North Augusta, the Boeckh Plat, was drawn in 1891 by Charles Boeckh. The plat includes a traditional downtown, formal public park areas, undeveloped open space areas, and a traditional lot, block and street layout. The same year, Jackson built a steel bridge across the Savannah River. The bridge connected Augusta’s 13th Street with North Augusta’s Georgia Avenue and provided direct access from Augusta to North Augusta. The bridge was later dedicated the James U. Jackson Memorial Bridge. In 1897, to further facilitate transportation across the river, the North Augusta Land Company constructed a trolley line across the bridge. The trolley initially extended to the former North Augusta Natatorium, an elaborate and popular swimming pool located between Crystal Lake Drive and Bluff Avenue. Progress followed the trolley as it extended up West Avenue to Jackson Avenue. The trolley was eventually extended to Aiken and the Augusta-Aiken Railway Company was formed. The trolley ceased operation in 1929. Following the success of the bridge and the trolley line, Jackson formed the North Augusta Hotel Company. In 1902 the company broke ground on the Hampton Terrace Hotel, located high on the hilltop overlooking Augusta. Completed in 1903 at a cost of $536,000, the Hampton Terrace boasted fi ve fl oors and 300 guest rooms fi tted with every convenience available at the time including a golf course, tennis courts, and a riding stable. The Hampton Terrace soon established North Augusta as a popular winter resort destination and attracted such prominent northerners as Harvey Firestone, John D. Rockefeller and then Vice-President Howard Taft. As the town grew, so did the need for law and order. In 1903, with a population estimated at several hundred, a petition requesting a charter was sent to the governor of South Carolina. On April 11, 1906, the town of North Augusta was incorporated. The fi rst meeting of the Town Council was held April 16, 1906 and was The Hampton Terrace Hotel before it burned down in 1916 So u r c e : s c i w a y . n e t 38 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 3 | WHERE WE’VE COME FROM Augusta, GA and North Augusta, SC, 1918. At the time, and today, Augusta was much larger and more developed than North Augusta. So u r c e : S a n b o r n F i r e I n s u r a n c e M a p s , S o u t h C a r o l i n a L i b r a r y , U n i v e r s i t y o f S o u t h C a r o l i n a presided over by the town’s fi rst Intendant (Mayor), L.L. Arrington, and four Wardens (Councilmen). By 1913 the population had grown to 1500. On December 31, 1916, the Hampton Terrace Hotel burned to the ground. It was a total and devastating loss and served to end North Augusta’s prominence as a winter tourist destination. The original land area of the city was approximately 722 acres. In 1951, the city held a referendum and extended its boundaries to a total of 5,139 acres. Since 1951, the city has annexed over 6,000 additional acres, bringing the total land area to approximately 13,452 acres or 21 square miles. The best part of the past remains in North Augusta today, blended with a modern outlook to create a unique community that has pride in its commitment to be independent and self-reliant with a deep sense of togetherness and achievement. 39NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 3 | WHERE WE’VE COME FROM 1891 1977 2015 The original plat for the City of North Augusta by Charles Boeckh, 1891. The city was organized with small, walkable blocks, 2 public squares downtown and a generous network of formal and natural open spaces. North Augusta’s city limits have expanded significantly since its founding A Quick Look at North Augusta’s Growth Through History 40 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 3 | WHERE WE’VE COME FROM BRIEF REVIEW OF PREVIOUS PLANS Comprehensive Plan Update (2005) An update to North Augusta’s Comprehensive Plan was completed in 2005. The major goals were as follows: Population • Monitor demographic changes in the city to understand the increasing needs and demands of the minority Hispanic population, and the increasing percentage of the population that is at the poverty level. • Expand the city’s marketing programs to promote North Augusta as a community with a high quality of life and a unique place to relocate or retire. • Encourage infi ll residential development in undeveloped areas of the city especially those areas that are near the original city limits. Housing • Encourage higher density residential infi ll and more compact development patterns in established neighborhoods in the city. • Encourage a wider range of housing types including accessory living and live-work units supported by neighborhood commercial uses. • Revitalize housing and prevent neighborhood deterioration by supporting community based organizations, enhancing code enforcement, eliminating vacant and unsafe structures, and implementing a community housing education program. Economic Development • Quality jobs to improve family incomes and reduce the need to commute. • High quality retail goods, personal and business services and entertainment activities. • More choices in quality housing types, styles, sizes and price range to serve the needs of a wider range of residents. • Expanded utilization of the Savannah River for low impact and environmentally sensitive recreational, commercial and cultural uses. Transportation • Increase vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle connectivity between existing subdivisions and commercial hubs to reduce the level of traffi c on existing arterials and collectors. • Adopt development regulations that require traffi c impact fees, the provision of right-of- way for transportation improvements, the installation of urban design features in high density developments, greeneway, bicycle, and pedestrian improvements, as well as, defi ne access management standards. • Support improvement of the Aiken County Transit System in North Augusta. • Adopt street design standards that specify the use of urban design improvements, such as landscaping, traffi c calming, and road diets, as well as, shorter block lengths and connectivity. Community Facilities and Services • Work with counties and utility organizations to establish a preferred urban growth area, as well as, initiate annexation procedures. • Modify land development (subdivision) regulations to require developers to provide land for community facilities and connectivity. • Ensure public services are adequate through the adoption of land regulations, acquiring sites for facilities. • Build community facilities, including a municipal complex that will facilitate private reinvestment in the community. 41NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 3 | WHERE WE’VE COME FROM Cultural Resources • Assist in the development of cultural facilities such as the North Augusta Historical Museum and the North Augusta Performing and Cultural Arts Facility. • Support the restoration, preservation, and adaptive reuse of signifi cant historic properties. • Establish planning eff orts to support the historic built environment including Downtown Redevelopment District design guidelines, zoning and design standards for primary historic corridors. Land Use • Protect low-density residential areas from encroachment and confl icting land uses. • Encourage the revitalization of older neighborhoods through compact, infi ll development. • Provide for commercial neighborhood uses adjacent to single-family neighborhoods. • Ensure new retail shopping centers are built at a pedestrian scale, improve pedestrian circulation, enhance public spaces, and minimize emphasis placed on parking. • Discourage commercial development along arterials and collectors where such land use has not yet been established. • Encourage high density, infi ll, mixed use development, especially in the downtown area and commercial centers. • Incentivize the conversion of existing commercial centers into walkable, mixed-use “town center” projects. • Develop a form-based code district for the downtown town center to ensure mix of uses and appropriate scale and neighborhood preservation. Administrative • Expedite the development review process by expanding the scope of administrative waivers. • Provide clear development procedures that encourage citizen participation with neighboring property owners for large projects. • Develop regulations to require master development concept plans for all adjacent parcels of property owned by applicant to avoid unconnected project planning and design. • Establish a “Preferred Urban Growth Area and Priority Investment Area” focused on established and development areas and provide incentives for compact residential and neighborhood commercial development. Natural Resources • Adopt development regulations to protect the Savannah River bank and other natural resources in higher density and commercial developments. • Cooperate with State and Counties in the management of water resources in the Savannah River Basin. • Design and implement a city program to plant street trees in existing rights of way and on city property where appropriate and obtain the “Tree City USA” designation. 42 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 3 | WHERE WE’VE COME FROM City of North Augusta Greeneway, Pedestrian, and Bicycle Master Plan (2012) The Greeneway, Pedestrian, and Bicycle Master Plan was adopted in 2012 to update and consolidate previous plans and policies related to the pedestrian and bicycle network in North Augusta. It is focused around the North Augusta Greeneway, a “Rails to Trails” project on an unused Norfolk Southern railroad right-of-way. The plan presents existing conditions of the network, recommendations for projects, implementation strategies, and design guidelines for facilities. The Master Plan recommends 96 miles of facilities, through new greenways, side paths, soft surface trails, connectors, bridges, bike lanes, and bicycle routes. Each of these projects was prioritized based on how well they met the following 7 objectives: • Provide connectivity to existing and planned neighborhoods, destinations, and generators to ensure that parks, civic facilities, shopping areas, employment centers, churches and community centers are linked to neighborhoods. • Provide internal connectivity within the Greeneway’s system to ensure that multiple routes are available to and from the various trail connectors. • Improve connectivity to regional destinations and generators to ensure that North Augusta capitalizes on tourism opportunities and contributes to the regional system. • Leverage available state, federal and private funding to the extent possible. • Utilize donated right of way or available SCDOT right of way. • Construct in conjunction with another project (SCDOT road paving or widening, subdivision or park development, etc.) at little or no cost to the City. • Utilize citizen support through a “Friends of the Greeneway” or other community group. Based on the previous principles, 24 projects were highlighted, 4 of which have already been funded: • Pisgah to Bergen Greeneway extension • US 25 Greeneway side trail from Walnut Grove to Northridge Plaza • Greeneway intersection signal on Pisgah Road • Bergen to Woodstone Greeneway extension from Bergen Road to Rippling Creek Lane The Master Plan also lays out a strategy for funding projects, which includes a variety of sources of both right-of-way and construction funding. Additionally, residential and commercial development’s expectation to contribute to the expansion of the Greeneway system is established. Power line and other utility easements could be used to expand the system since it’s unlikely that more railroad right-of- way will become available. The design guidelines specify the following key principles, as well as, provide a design summary and discussion for each facility: • The walking and bicycling environments should be safe. • The pedestrian and bicycle network should be accessible. • The pedestrian and bicycle network should connect to places people want to go. • The walking and bicycling environment should be clear and easy to use. • The walking and bicycling environment should provide good places. 43NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 3 | WHERE WE’VE COME FROM ^!( !(!( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !(!( !( !( !(!( !( !( !( !( !( !(!(!( !(!(!(!( !( !( !(!( ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 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ST TWISTED NEEDLE CT BLACKHAW DR PHOENIX ST CANTON DR FOXWOOD CT WILLOW LN VERDERY ST MCKENZIE ST HILLTOP CT CHICKASAW DR BOBBYE DR RICHLAND RD RHOMBOID PL KILDARE DR POWERS CT APACHE DR HEIL DR PINEVIEW DR W OODEN DR EAST AVE ADKINS DR TAYLOR POND RD GREENWOOD DR RED MAPLE CT DAMBY CT CHARITY LN SYCAMORE DR VIDOT CT OAKDALE DR SPRUCE CT ADAMS DR FRANKLIN DR IRENE ST ST JAMES ST AROMA DR SCENIC CT WEST DR TOWNSEND ST LANTANA LN BRADLEY CT BARTLETT LN HOLLY LN GEORGIA AVE SAGE CT RAVEN DR STORM CT GOUDY CT SAND PINE DR DREDGE CT WESTIBOU XING VERNON ST PRETTY RUN DR KIMBERLY LN POND PINE DR JESSE DEE ST RAPIDS CT SLASH PINE DRPITCH PINE DR FIR ST JACK PINE DR BROKEN BRANCH RD FLINT ST SLASH CT HEIL DR WALNUT CT CAROLINA PINE TRL RIDGE CLIFF CT VIRGINIA PINE DR JOHNSON RD CHALET NORTH CT HILLWOO D CT RED PINE DR RAPIDS CT PLANTATION CT MOUNTSIDE DR SHADE PINE DR ALEXANDER DR DEEPWOOD PL WARE DR DABBS LN COURTNEY DR BENTLEY DR R AM OS CT SHORT ST AMBERW OOD CT RADIO STATION RD STADIUM CIR SECOND AVE ROSEMARY ST PINEVIEW AVE WOODBERRY LN E FAIRWAY AVE LEE ST BIG PINE RD WAPOO DR MCKINNEY LN LN SHADDOHILL PL HAZEL ST OLD AIKEN EXT FOX HUNT DR REAMS RD JACKSON GROVE RD HUNTERS FARM JAMES ST ORANGE ST RILEY CT GILMORE AVE KARNES ST DOUGLAS DR GRANT AVE DIAMOND ST E MARION AVE KINGSWOOD LN SHAWNEE DR KNOTTY PINE DR LEIGH PL CHERRY RD BRENDA DR ELDER STSYCAMORE ST WEBLEY ST RAILROAD AVE FAIRLANE AVE AYR DR SEMINOLE DR KNOTTS LND G HOLLEY HILL DR COVENTRY CT SUMMER LN BUTLER AVE MONTGOMERY PL UNNAMED RD SIKES AVE ASCAUGA LAKE RD JEFFREY ST SPRING HILL CT CRAZY HORSE LN BOYLAN ST NORTHSIDE DR BORDEN RD HAMPTON TER CLEARWATER VILLAGE AP TS LUCY AVE MEROVAN DR OAKDALE AVE ASHFORD DR VICTORIA DR NATHANIE DR PSA RD TRIMMIER PL SPRINGWOOD DR CREIGHTON DR LANGFUHR WAY SCOTT DR SEDGE WOO D CT SUNFEST DR PINECREST DRNAPPIER LN FARRINGTON WAY HILL ST FULTON ST UNNAMED RD SANDERS DR HERMITAGE LN MACKLIN LN MELODY LN FRANCES DR SUDLOW RIDGE RD MAPLE DR PALMETTO PKWY ATOMIC RD EMERALD DR LONGMEADOW RD ORIOLE AVE PATRICIA DR ATOMIC RD TAMARACK DR WHITLAWS RD COLORADO CT HERMITAGE LN TEAPOT RD LAVER NE AVE OLD RIDGE RD SCHULTZ HILL DR MIMS RD LORRAINE DR BARBARA LN TERESA AVE PALMETTO PKWY METZ DR VIREO DR BLAIR DR BERGEN RD KENILWORTH DR ROSEMARY LN CURRYTOWN LN SAM UELS RD FLINTLOCK DR WELLINGTON RD WILLOW SPRINGS DR TIMBERIDGE DR LYNWOOD DR HEATHERWOOD DR CENTRAL AVE ALTAMAHA DR INTERSTATE 20 RAMP HICKORY NUT LODGE RD INTERSTATE 20 RAMP NORRIS LAKES YAUN RD INTERSTATE RAMP PALMETTO PKWY EUCLID RD EAST SHORELINE DR LEHIGH AVE MCKIE AVE CHEROKEE DR E MARTINTOWN RD W MARTINTOWN RD FIVE NOTCH RD FIVE NOTCH RD BRADLEY DR OLD EDGEFIELD RD MCKENZIE ST COUNTRY CLUB HILLS DR SEYMOUR DR CRYSTAL LAKE DR FIORD DR CLEARMONT DR WREN RD CAROLINA AVE EDISTO DR EDISTO D R MILL STONE LN FAIRVIEW ST MEDIE AVE LEE ST LAKE HARTWELL DR WINDY MILL DR LAKE GREENWOOD DR FAIRVIEW RD OLD WALNUT BRANCH RD REDBUD DR H AND H ST WARREN CT OAKHURST DR CURTIS DR LAMBACK WAY FOX CREEK DR ST JULIAN PL ST JULIAN PL BURNSIDE AVE BOLIN RD BOLIN RD CLAYPIT RD SISKINCIR WEST AVE HAMPTON CIR E MARION AVE NORTH RIDGE RD PLANK RD JOHNSON RD HILLSIDE DR ANDREWS BR RIDGEFIELD DR SOCASTEE DR LIBERTY HILL RD DO VE ST SPRING GROVE AVE AUDUBON CIR AUDUBON CIR THURMOND ST MAE ST MONTEREY AVE NEW CASTLE AVE MILL BRANCH WAY ADAMS BRANCH RD WILDWOOD DR AMBASSADOR DR FIELDCREST DR CAMPBELLTON DR YARDLEY DR HOWARD MILL RD PONDEROSA DR RADIO STATION RD CARRIAGE LN AIKEN AVE PARIS AVE SAND PIT RD BIRC H ST BLE ACHERY ST OAKLAND DR PINE BUTTE LN PALMETTO PKWY AUDUBO N RD AVALON LN FRIENDLY LN LA K E A VE MOKATEEN AVE OSPREY PT KNOLLWOOD TRL THORNWOOD DR DOVE LAKE DR LAKMARIO DR SHOALS WAY CT TOWHEE AVE MAPLEWOOD DR COVENTRY CIR TWIGGS FAMILY LN BELVEDERE CLEARWATER RD LAU R ENS ST SAVANNAH BARONY DR FOX AVE PENN ST AUSTIN ST W MARTINTOWN RD BYRNES RD BYRNES RD SPRING DR KERRY CT BELLVIEW DR LANHAM DR AMY CIR RIVERSIDE BLVD EAGLE LARD INTERSTATE 20 RAMP ARIZONA CT RIDGELAND DR BEVERLY CIR BROWNING DR WOODSTONE WAY SWALLOW LAKE DR WARREN CT RIVER VIEW PARK DR MILLWOOD LN COUNTRY PLACE DR WHITE OAK DR CHEYENNE CIR PAUL WESTON DR BIG CONE DR MILL RUN CALBRIETH WAY ORCHARD WAY PALMETTO PKWY LAKEWOOD CIR PALMETTO PKWY KNOX AVE ASCAUGA LAKE RD PALMETTO PKWY JACKSON AVE INTERSTATE 20 RAMP PALMETTO PKWY MossyCreekElementary NorthAugustaHigh PaulKnoxMiddle Victory Christian School North Augusta Middle BelvedereElementary Hammond Hills Elementary North Augusta Elementary Our Lady of Peace School Martintowne Plaza CrossRoadsMarket NorthAugustaPlaza Edgewood Square River Commons NorthHills Triangle Plaza Shoppesat NorthAugusta NorthRidge Plaza Col. Leroy Hammond Park Riverview Park Maude Edenfield Park Curtis Park Wade HamptonVeterans Park Northview Park (Planned) Summerfield Park Greeneway Boeckh Park Creighton Park BrickPond Park John C. Calhoun ParkLions Memorial Field Bunting Park Davenport Park 18 5 6 19 10 6 8 191721 6 15 15 24 11 19 10 1 23 7 9 22 22 12 24 20 14 3 20 13 4 16 2 Augusta Riverwalk Au g u sta C a n a l N a t i o n a l Her i t a g e T r a i l Are a River ClubGolf Course North Augusta, SCGreeneway Master Plan Update Source: Data obtained from the City of North AugustaAuthor: HWK, Alta Planning & DesignDate:March 2011Revised: March 2011 - KBW City of North Augusta North Augusta Greeneway, Pedestrian, and Bicycle Master Plan !Trailheads and Potential Trailheads !Intersection Improvements ^Proposed Grade Separated Crossing !(Project Number Existing Sidewalks Proposed Sidewalks Proposed Bike Lane Proposed Bike Route Existing Side Path Proposed Side Path Existing Greeneway Proposed Greeneway Trails by Developer Existing Soft Surface Trail Proposed Soft Surface Trail Existing Connector Proposed Connector Existing Bridge Proposed Bridge Railroad School Park Shopping Center City Owned Parcels Water City Limits 03,5001,750 Ft ² 1 inch = 3,500 feet The City of North Augusta Greeneway, Pedestrian, and Bicycle Master Plan (2012) This master plan is complete with the following existing and proposed features: sidewalks, bike lanes, bike routes, side paths, the Greeneway, developer trails, soft surface trails, connectors, and bridges, as well as, key trailheads, intersections, crossings, projects, schools, parks, shopping centers, city owned parcels, and waterbodies. 44 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 4 | SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH 45NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 4 | SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH 4 SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH In This Chapter Priority Investment Areas 49 The Infi ll of Knox Avenue 52 Goals & Strategies 60 North Augusta is well-positioned to succeed with a healthy housing market, excellent recreational amenities, and a central location. 47NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 4 | SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH WHAT? local economic growth WHY? enhance our quality of life Regional and local economic conditions can infl uence and encourage future growth and development. As the greater Augusta region continues to evolve economically, it is important to understand the role that individual communities play in their greater context. Therefore, when implementing our vision, it will be critical that North Augusta work with other municipalities and organizations to ensure that regional strategies are put in place that leverage our collective strengths to create a more prosperous and competitive region. North Augusta is well-positioned to succeed with a healthy housing market, excellent recreational amenities, and a central location, but it is impacted by future development in downtown Augusta, Fort Gordon, the Savannah River site, other major employers, and local universities. Investment in these facilities and sites can attract residents, businesses, and jobs - all of which would encourage future growth in North Augusta. attract high quality jobs revitalize downtown & priority investment areas targeted investment at I-20/I-520 interchange HOW? Both the citizens and the local government understand the importance of investment in various aspects of North Augusta. Local investment increase social, cultural, and economic value in the city, which enhances the overall quality of life for all citizens. 48 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 4 | SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH Existing shopping areas, major parks, and the downtown that can be supported by new housing within 1/2 mile to create walkable, mixed-use centers. Legend Retail center Residential center Recreational center Multi-use center 49NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 4 | SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH PRIORITY INVESTMENT AREAS The Priority Investment Areas (P.I.A.s) in North Augusta require the most design eff ort for progressing the City’s plans over the next ten or more years. They act as phase one of redevelopment opportunities and will serve as catalysts for further development. These areas are key components to the success of North Augusta in the future and were chosen after extensive site analysis and community outreach sessions. The P.I.A.s are: Downtown, Knox Avenue, and Martintown Road. Downtown The vision for Downtown is: • sensitive integration of new development with existing buildings • emphasized historic city fabric with small blocks and connectivity • enhance the public realm with streetscape and park improvements, including the extension of the Greeneway, to connect Downtown back to the riverfront and restore this relationship as the heart of the City The two photo-simulations illustrate opportunities for new investment Downtown with building renovations, outdoor seating, reverse angle parking, sharrows, street trees in grates, and strategic relocation of trees into bulb-outs. The redevelopment study shows infill development opportunities, buildings in need of renovation, park improvements, and pedestrian connections. 1/4 m i l e 50 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 4 | SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH Knox Avenue The vision for Knox Avenue is: • new horizontal and vertical mixed-use development along major corridors and around existing successful commercial areas • improved connectivity between the mixed-use centers and surrounding neighborhoods with new side streets • revitalized public realm with streetscape improvements, including enhancements to the existing multi-use trail and adding more planted medians • re-engineering of major intersections for pedestrians, like between Knox Avenue and Martintown Road • developed out-parcels and redeveloped underutilized big-box parking lots for new investment A conceptual street section for Knox Avenue with a planted median, street trees, the multi-use trail, and pedestrian scaled lighting. A conceptual illustration of Knox Avenue with enhancements to the existing multi-use trail and new pedestrian-friendly building as out parcels. The redevelopment studies for Knox Avenue illustrate opportunity for high quality new investment in this aging corridor. 1/4 m i l e 1/4 m i l e 1/4 m i l e 51NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 4 | SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH Martintown Road The vision for Martintown Road is: • new mixed-use development along major corridors in place of failing or aging commerical areas • improved connectivity between the mixed-use centers and surrounding neighborhoods with new side streets • new housing options to line new streets or integrate into new mixed-use centers • re-engineering of major intersections, like between Martintown Road and Carolina Avenue • developed out-parcels and redeveloped underutilized big-box parking lots for new investment This photo-simulation illustrates Martintown Road improvements with medium scale buildings lining the street, sidewalks with planting strips and street trees, and planted medians. Proposed improvements at Martintown Road and Carolina Avenue The small area plan for Martintown Road shows a new mixed-use center, integrated with the surrounding housing typologies, in place of an aging strip mall. A conceptual street section for Martintown Road showing planted medians, continuous sidewalks on both sides of the road, regularly spaced street trees, and pedestrian scaled lighting. 52 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 4 | SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH THE INFILL OF KNOX AVENUE Site Analysis Knox Avenue is a main north/south route through North Augusta. Development around the Martintown Road and Knox Avenue intersection is fairly vibrant and is the location of multiple national retailers, such as Walmart and Lowe’s. Nearby, there are large, aging strip retail centers that are clear opportunities for reinvestment or redevelopment. There is signifi cantly more parking than needed in this area, as well as a lack of organization in planned development. The existing buildings are scattered in strip malls along the main corridor of Knox Avenue. Knox Avenue Figure Ground Analysis Far Right: Downtown Figure Ground Analysis These Figure/Ground diagrams show the difference in densities, road structure, and parking-to-building ratios between Knox Avenue and Downtown North Augusta. The smaller scale buildings in Downtown require less parking, which compared to Knox Avenue is usually concentrated in large surface lots at the front of the buildings. This lessens the quality of the streetscape and walkability of the neighborhood as a whole. The large box buildings don’t allow road connections from the surrounding communities, which differs from the accessibility of Downtown’s city grid. 53NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 4 | SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH Ripe & Firm Analysis The Ripe and Firm Analysis shows parcels ready for immediate redevelopment in green. While many parcels in this study area are red, indicating they’re being actively used, that doesn’t mean they can’t be enhanced, renovated or redeveloped to meet their highest and best use. KN O X A V E N U E M A R T I N T O W N R O A D GEO R G I A A VEN U E 54 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 4 | SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH Northern Plan Many of the parcels on the northern end of Knox Avenue, near the Georgia Avenue intersection are vacant, and in some cases, abandoned. A complete redevelopment of this section of Knox Avenue could consist of new pedestrian-friendly buildings placed up to the street with parking in the rear. Additionally, a mix of uses could be supported here, including multifamily housing, which would create a more walkable bookend to this important corridor in North Augusta. Strategically placed planted medians New civic building central to housing Proposed townhomes with neighborhood green centrally located New parking hidden between buildings, not directly on main roads, & accessed on side streets Strategically placed street trees along Georgia Ave, Knox Ave, & new major neighborhood streets KN O X A V E N U E GEO R G I A A V E N U E Legend Detached Single- Family New Buildings: Mixed-Use, Commercial, or Multi- Family Residential TownhomesOpen Space 55NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 4 | SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH Central Plan This concept illustrates a more structured alternative to the existing development pattern by introducing new side streets to create small blocks and better integrate these commercial centers into the surrounding residential fabric. The plan illustrates the potential redevelopment of some big-box retail centers, some for civic uses like schools, recreation centers, or other institutions. Out-parcel structures line Knox Avenue to provide smaller-scale options and create a pedestrian-oriented streetscape, complete with planted medians, more crosswalks, street trees, and the improvement of the existing Greeneway. Strategically placed planted medians New developments on existing big-box parking lots Strategically placed street trees along Knox Ave & new major neighborhood streets Retrofi t existing big-box stores into civic buildings Retrofi t existing big-box stores into civic buildings Green existing parking lots New out-parcel development Preserve green buff ers on major roads KN O X A V E N U E GEO R G I A A V E N U E Keep existing big-box uses Legend New Buildings: Mixed-Use, Commercial, or Multi-Family Residential Open Space Existing Buildings New Street 56 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 4 | SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH Southern Plan This concept illustrates new structures continuing down the Knox Avenue frontage and across Martintown Road. The intense intersection between the two streets becomes subdued and the existing access into the commercial center for Publix becomes a street lined with small buildings. The expansive parking lot is also broken down into new blocks with tree-lined streets that connect to the existing neighborhoods to the south. New connections to surrounding neighborhoods can encourage more walking and biking to stores, businesses, or community facilties. Strategically placed street trees along new major neighborhood streets Green existing parking lots Improved connection to existing neighborhood New housing New street New out-parcel developments Keep existing big-box uses Legend New Buildings: Mixed-Use, Commercial, or Multi-Family Residential Open Space Existing Buildings M A R T I N T O W N R O A D KN O X A V E N U E 57NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 4 | SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH It is imperative that this intersection change to better accomodate pedestrians before this focus area can successful transform into a mixed-use acitivity center. This concept depicts the modification of the current entrance to the retail center into a formal street creating a four-way intersection. This better accommodates pedestrians and traffic traveling to and from the newly proposed activity center. The first step to resolving the intersection is to change the free-flowing right turn lane from Martintown Road north onto Knox Avenue into a traditional right turn lane. This reduces the size of the intersection to a pedestrian scale and creates more developable land. The next step is to add crosswalks and pedestrian refuge islands. Knox Avenue & Martintown Road Intersection Modifications Knox Avenue & Martintown Road Intersection Existing Conditions Proposed Knox Avenue Street Section The new street section design shows how changes in street design can have a large influence on the safety of the road for pedestrians and cyclists.The new design of Knox Avenue in this focus area will better support a vibrant mixed-use activity center through the following alterations: reducing travel lanes (where appropriate), adding bike lanes, creating better landscaped medians with posible refuges and mid-block crosswalks, and buffered sidewalks with pedestrian-scaled street lights. This existing aerial shows the expansive free-flowing right turn lane and its potential reuse for outparcel development. It also highlights the lack of crosswalks and other pedestrian elements like medians or street trees. 58 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 4 | SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH 59NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 4 | SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH A large amount of excess parking provides the opportunity to build outparcel buildings that provide pedestrian- oriented frontage and better maximize the site. These new developments, along with streetscape improvements, would make more efficient use of the land, provide economic additional value and help create a more walkable, mixed-use environment. This conceptual image of Knox Avenue depicts it transformed into a pedestrian-friendly street by enhancing the existing multi-use trail on the east side of the road, as well as greening the public realm with more planted medians and street trees. To provide shade, refuge, mid-block crosswalk opportunities, and buffers to the busy road. Outparcel buildings create an enclosure along the street, creating a safer and more walkable environment than large, existing parking lots. Knox Avenue Conceptual Opportunity Existing site conditions 60 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 4 | SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH GOALS & STRATEGIES FOCUS DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES INTO PRIORITY INVESTMENT AREAS: Focus future growth and development to Priority Investment Areas to support long-term economic vitality in North Augusta 4.1 4.1.1 Provide incentives, such as, reduced setback and reduced parking requirements, to attract new investment to existing sites. Creating incentives to encourage developers to build projects in the priority investment areas will help direct some of the limited growth in North Augusta’s future. For example, reduced parking requirements and setbacks can increase a site’s development potential. 4.1.2 Include specifi c policies for the priority investment areas in other planning documents. As other planning documents are completed in North Augusta, each one should reference the priority investment areas when appropriate and provide specifi c policies to implement their redevelopment and regeneration. 4.1.3 Complete small area plans for each priority investment area We will prepare small area plans for the priority investment areas that identify redevelopment and infi ll opportunities, civic infrastructure investments, and regulatory changes to facilitate high-quality investment. 61NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 4 | SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH ATTRACT HIGH QUALITY JOBS & POSITIVE ECONOMIC ACTIVITY: Attracting new industries and improving the quality of life for employees in North Augusta will position the City regionally for economic growth 4.2 4.2.1 Revise zoning to support mixed-use infi ll development. The revitalization of Priority Investment Areas require a mix of uses for North Augusta’s citizens including retail, offi ces, businesses, entertainment, and restaurants. In order to allow and encourage this, some zoning regulations will need to be revised to allow higher densities, no parking minimums, and a greater variety of uses. 4.2.2 Attract industries important to the region. Work closely with the Aiken, Edgefi eld & Saluda Counties Economic Development Partnership to continue to attract companies focusing on advanced manufacturing, chemicals, research and development, plastics, energy research, and food processing. 4.2.3 Invest in urban amenities that improve quality of life for residents. North Augusta benefi ts from an aff ordable lifestyle that includes an aff ordable housing stock. Redeveloping downtown and enhancing other unique features, like the riverfront and the Greeneway, will create destinations that attract businesses and new industries. An improved quality of life and urban amenities can also help retain a younger population of employees to support new businesses. 4.2.4 Provide training, incentives, and incubators to foster new and small businesses. Develop incentives that will foster new and small businesses. Foster niche industries and attract new businesses to priority investment areas that will be supported by a mix of uses, a walkable environment, and other factors that will foster their expansion and success. Additionally, attracting new businesses to these priority investment areas will bring new populations of employees, helping to support the retail and housing options in the immediate vicinity. 4.2.5 Support the priorities and principles of the Aiken, Edgefi eld & Saluda Counties Economic Development Partnership as listed in their 2015-2016 Program of Work. There should be special emphasis on these activities: • Support educational initiatives that enhance the skills of workers in this region • Provide specifi c proposals and host visits as requested by prospects, consultants, and economic development allies • Publish and maintain up-to-date statistical and demographic information • Provide support for growth and increased investment of existing industry • Encourage expanded water and sewer infrastructure development, especially in areas of projected industrial growth • Maintain an inventory of sites and buildings that can be used for manufacturing, distribution, and research and development projects. Identify and gather information for additional sites to be added to the inventory. 62 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 4 | SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH PRIORITIZE INFILL & REDEVELOPMENT: Focus future growth and development to Priority Investment Areas to support long-term economic vitality in North Augusta 4.3 4.3.1 Provide incentives that make infi ll redevelopment as economically attractive as “greenfi eld” development. Greenfi elds are easier and cheaper to develop than infi ll properties. Infi ll lots can be more expensive per acre, smaller and diffi cult to assemble into a larger, more developable site. Also, they can suff er from prior pollution or other impediments that discourage developer interest. In order to focus redevelopment in areas of North Augusta that are already served by existing utilities and services, incentives should be implemented to off set the fi nancial risks of infi ll development. Incentives could include a faster and easier permitting process, grants, discounted impact fees, lower property taxes, and/or concurrent investment in the public realm or city facilities. 4.3.2 Use utility extension policies to discourage development beyond the current urban service limit. Perhaps the greatest expense in greenfi eld development in North Augusta is the expansion of water and sewer. Septic tanks can accommodate less development and lower densities. Therefore, North Augusta can discourage development in preserved open space by limiting the expansion of utilities in those areas. In turn, development can be directed to other areas already served by the City. By encouraging new development in parts of the City already served by utilities, North Augusta will be able to provide high quality services to citizens with a much lower incremental cost. 4.3.3 Ensure high quality design for new and infi ll development. North Augusta benefi ts from having a connected and walkable street network in downtown and its surrounding neighborhoods. New and infi ll development shall be designed at a small scale and higher densities to encourage walkability between neighborhoods and local services. Active ground fl oors and open spaces can encourage strong social, cultural, and economic opportunities provided by the City’s original form and function. 4.3.4 Incentivize the redevelopment of aging and high-vacancy shopping centers to high-density, mixed-use, walkable activity centers. North Augusta has a plethora of auto- oriented shopping centers some of which suff er from an overabundance of parking and high-vacancy rates. These locations should be encouraged and incentivized to be redeveloped as walkable, mixed- use centers. However, where these infi ll development sites are adjacent to lower density development, paying special attention to existing conditions by providing a transition in building form and scale, as well as areas of signifi cant landscaping should be required. With a small market for future retail growth, it is economically effi cient to ensure their improvement and positive contribution to the built environment in North Augusta. 63NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 4 | SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH MarketPlace Wal-Mart Aust i n G r a y billRd xCreekDr Ascaug aLakeRd I20WBEX5OF F R A M P Laurel Lake Dr I20E B E X5ON R AMP Walnut Ln Market PlazaDr BryantAve C h e rryLaurel Dr HaleyDr Re d b u d D r B eaulahAve Palmetto P k wy Interstate 20 ockroseDr Palmetto PkwyRamp Twin Hills Rd Lucy A v e MerovanDr FrontageRd Lav ern eAve I20WBEX5ONRAMP I2 0 EB EX 5 OFF RAMP E dgefield Rd Bentley Dr dRd Oa k l a n d D r FirethornDr OldWalnutBranchRd rnwoodDr £[US-25 §¨¦I-20 §¨¦I-20 §¨¦I-520 §¨¦I-20 FOXRAIL XAIL XAIL OXAIL BUSINESSCENTER INTERCHANGEBUSINESSPARK BELVEDERETERRACE BENTLEYPLACE BENTLEYPLACE PLACEWALNUTGROVE WALNUTGROVE RBORLACE ARBORPLACE ARBORPLACE RBORPLACE WINDTREE ARBORPLACE WALNUTGROVE WINDTREE 4.4.1 Work with regional economic development organizations, such as Aiken-Edgefi eld-Saluda Economic Development Partnership and the Augusta Economic Development Authority to create strategies on how to develop the I-20/I-520 interchange to attract further investment to the area. The I-20/I-520 interchange is experiencing development pressure that will increase in the future. There is limited retail growth projected for North Augusta, therefore, care should be taken in deciding where this development should occur. The City should work with regional economic development organizations to target development for the interchange that would contribute to the regional economy in a unique way, be transformative to North Augusta’s identity, and attract further investment in the interchange; particularly in ways that do not compete directly with Downtown or the Riverfront. Image of exisiting context, which largely consists of gas stations, fast food restaurants, and big-box stores like Food Lion and Walmart. Im a g e S o u r c e : G o o g l e s t r e e t v i e w I-20/I-520 Interchange Map IDENTIFY TARGETED BUSINESSES AND INVESTMENT FOR THE I-20/I-520 INTERCHANGE: Create a unique and appropriate gateway to North Augusta that supports the economic vitality of the City 4.4 64 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 4 | SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH 4.5.1 Identify the existing and new locations of mixed-use centers so that every resident is within walking distance. We believe that every citizen should be within walking distance of an activity center that provides a variety of neighborhood amenities including but not limited to: retail, recreation, parks, grocery, etc. Walkable communities increase the health of the population and lessen the dependence on automobiles, among many other positive eff ects. Existing activity centers include downtown, Riverfront Park, Hammond’s Ferry, and Knox Avenue. 4.5.2 Ensure all activity centers include public space. Public space, regardless of its form, is instrumental in building social and economic sustainability in urban environments. Public space can help create healthier and more socially-cohesive environments. Active open space nearby can encourage citizens to walk, run, and bike more. Communal gathering spaces can encourage interaction between neighbors, which in turn can create a sense of belonging to a greater social network. This can encourage citizens to invest in their communities. Economically, it creates greater value for developers and the City because stores, homes, offi ces, and mixed- uses that are adjacent to a public space often see a higher return on investment. Walkscore Map shows higher scores for more walkable neighborhoods along Georgia Avenue, especially in Downtown. FOCUS NEW DEVELOPMENT IN OR NEAR MIXED-USE ACTIVITY CENTERS: Encourage mixed-use in neighborhood activity centers4.5 65NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 4 | SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH This page was intentionally left blank. 66 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 5 | EFFICIENT, HIGH QUALITY CITY SERVICES 67NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 5 | EFFICIENT, HIGH QUALITY CITY SERVICES 5 EFFICIENT, HIGH QUALITY CITY SERVICES In This Chapter Current City Facilities & Services 70 Goals & Strategies 76 As growth continues, ensuring that the city’s services are implemented in a cost eff ective way will be important to make sure North Augusta remains an economically sustainable place. 69NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 5 | EFFICIENT, HIGH QUALITY CITY SERVICES The City of North Augusta, as a municipal corporation, provides urban services to its various constituencies. The City has a Mayor-Council form of government and the City Council is composed of a mayor and six council members elected at-large on a partisan basis. The Mayor is elected to a four-year term. Every two years, three Council members are elected to serve four- year staggered terms. City Council has the authority to call bond referendums in the city and enter into contracts, as well as, the following duties: • adopt an annual budget • establish an annual property tax rate • enact local ordinances • enact policies for the operation of the city • appoint the Municipal Judges, City Attorney, City Clerk, and members of various boards. As a result of the Great Recession and the subsequent recovery, municipal governments are more keenly focused on economic effi ciency and low risk fi nancial management. As growth continues, ensuring that the city’s services are implemented in a cost eff ective way will be important to make sure North Augusta remains an economically sustainable place. WHY?WHAT? implement our vision city council and city staff The City Council is the legally constituted law and policy- making body for the City of North Augusta with general oversight and direction for the city staff to implement it’s plans and budgets We need highly committed City Service members if we hope to create our vision for North Augusta’s future and their leadership in implementing the comprehensive plan. 70 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 5 | EFFICIENT, HIGH QUALITY CITY SERVICES CURRENT CITY FACILITIES & SERVICES General Government The City of North Augusta is governed by a mayor and six City Council members, all elected at large. The term of offi ce is four years with City Council members serving overlapping terms. The mayor is the chief executive offi cer of the City and presides over all meetings of Council. The City Council is the legally constituted lawmaking and policy-making body for the City of North Augusta. North Augusta’s Administration Department is comprised of the City Administrator and City Clerk. The City Administrator coordinates the day-to-day activities of the government. The Administrator is appointed by the Mayor as authorized by City Council for an indefi nite term. The major duties of the City Administrator include: • supervising and coordinating activities of the city departments • attending Council meetings and making recommendations on appropriate matters of business • ensuring that all orders and policies of City Council are implemented • recommending the annual budget • keeping City Council advised on the fi nancial condition of the city • representing the City in business with other agencies The City employs 234 full-time and 18 part- time people in seven general department areas under all funds. These departments are: • Administration • Planning and Development • Finance • Parks, Recreation, and Tourism • Public Safety • Public Services • Public Works and Engineering The City Clerk serves as Clerk of Council and is appointed by Council, upon the recommendation of the City Administrator, for an indefi nite term. The major duties of the City Clerk include: • keeping all records of City Council • preparing, authenticating and recording ordinances and resolutions • keeping elections records • notifying Council of impending expiration of the term of offi ce of Board and Commission members and keeping the offi cial seal of the City A view of Brick Pond Park from City Hall 71NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 5 | EFFICIENT, HIGH QUALITY CITY SERVICES The Information Technology division maintains the city’s computer system, a wide range of network and internet services and the city’s voice and data network. The Human Resources manager maintains systems to attract, motivate, develop and retain employees. Human Resources also provides salary administration and employee benefi ts administration to attract and retain qualifi ed employees, posts and advertises departmental position openings and provides orientation to new employees. The City owns and maintains a number of municipal government buildings used to bring high quality services to its citizens. Planning and Development The Department of Planning and Development is responsible for a variety of activities associated with the growth and development of the city. The city’s comprehensive planning, mapping, zoning administration and development regulation procedures are managed by the department. Planning is also responsible for providing staff to the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals. Annual planning is conducted by the Director. Department staff also coordinates the publication of the periodic updating and production of a community Economic Profi le and Business Startup Guide and a variety of special projects. The department is staff ed by two full-time employees including the director and a planner. Finance The Department of Finance is responsible for fi nancial accounting and reporting, tax collection, business licensing, and utility billing. The department is comprised of eight employees including: • the department director, who serves as the Director of Finance • Finance Manager • Utility Billing Coordinator • Business License Clerk • Tax Clerk • two customer service representatives • Finance Accountant The department bills and collects taxes for real and personal property and the municipal hospitality and accommodations taxes. The department issues business licenses which are required of any business located or performing work within the city limits. The department also coordinates billing of residential and commercial utility customers. The utility bill includes charges for water, sewer, sanitation, recycling, street lights, stormwater, and outside city fi re protection, if applicable. Parks, Recreation, and Tourism The Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism is comprised of 22 full-time and three part-time employees in fi ve program areas. The program areas are Recreation Programs and Services, Parks, the Riverview Park Activities Center, the North Augusta Community Center and Tourism. 72 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 5 | EFFICIENT, HIGH QUALITY CITY SERVICES Public Safety The North Augusta Department of Public Safety provides police and fi re services to residents within the North Augusta city limits and fi re services to an expanded 29 square mile service area. The department operates out of three stations. Public Safety headquarters are located in the southern portion of the city. Station 2 is located on Five Notch Road on the north side of I-20 and primarily serves the northern and eastern areas of the city. Station 3 is located in the east central area of the city. The department operates three divisions, each managed by a captain under the supervision of the Director of Public Safety. The divisions are: • Patrol Operations • Fire Suppression and Training • Criminal Investigations Patrol Operations Division The Patrol Operations division is responsible for day-to-day patrol, response to crimes in progress, investigation of suspicious activities, initial investigation of crime, investigation of traffi c accidents, security for municipal court and detention facility operations. Fire Suppression and Training Division All Public Safety Offi cers (PSOs) in the department are certifi ed in both law enforcement and fi refi ghting. They are also certifi ed as emergency fi rst responders. As a result, continuing training in all three areas is necessary. PSOs complete more than 300 hours of training each year. Volunteer fi refi ghters complete a minimum of 240 hours of fi re training each year. Criminal Investigations Division The Criminal Investigations division is responsible for criminal investigations of all major felonies including murder, armed robbery, rape, and others. The division is also responsible for the management of all cases adjudicated through the courts of General Session and Family Court. The division has a captain, a sergeant, one general investigator, two narcotics investigators, a lieutenant, and a corporal. Emergency Medical Services The Department of Public Safety and the Aiken County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) cooperatively respond to 911 medical emergencies in the city limits. Upon receipt of a 911 medical emergency call, a North Augusta PSO, trained as a fi rst responder and equipped with emergency medical equipment and an automated external defi brillator, is dispatched to the scene by a North Augusta dispatcher. The dispatch offi cer links the caller to the Aiken County Sheriff ’s Offi ce dispatch who issues the call for an ambulance. Aiken County EMS operates a fl eet of ambulances and rescue stations located throughout the county. One of the stations is located near the City limits on US 25/Edgefi eld Road. 73NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 5 | EFFICIENT, HIGH QUALITY CITY SERVICES Public Services The Department of Public Services is comprised of eight divisions: • Code Compliance • Fleet Maintenance • Materials Recovery Recycling • Property Maintenance • Sanitation Collection • Wastewater Operations • Water Operations • Water Production Water Treatment The city operates a 12 million gallon per day (MGD) surface water treatment plant on the Savannah River adjacent to Riverview Park. The Water Treatment Plant utilizes conventional treatment methods. Pre- chlorination, coagulation, fl occulation, sedimentation, fi ltration, fl uoridation and post-chlorination are the specifi c unit processes involved in the treatment. The city provides potable water service to residential, commercial and industrial customers in an area of approximately 27.76 square miles. Water Storage and Distribution Operations The water distribution system consists of 155 miles of water mains ranging from two to 30 inches in diameter. There are fi ve elevated tanks and three ground storage tanks with a total capacity of 5.05 million gallons. Water is distributed throughout the system and pressure is maintained by three pump stations. The maintenance of water quality after it enters the distribution system is a continuing eff ort of the Water Operations division. Wastewater Service and Demand The Wastewater Operations Division currently provides wastewater collection services for more than 11,474 residential, commercial and industrial customers. The service system area is approximately 218 square miles in size and includes approximately 228 miles of sewer collection lines. The system covers 16 drainage basins and includes 21 lift stations with pumping capacities up to 3,760 gallons per minute. The City of North Augusta accepts wastewater from Edgefi eld County Water and Sewer Authority and discharges into the Aiken County Public Service Authority’s Little Horse Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. Average daily wastewater fl ow collected is approximately 4.3 to 4.7 million gallons a day. Sanitation Services The City of North Augusta provides once weekly removal of residential garbage, yard debris and recyclables to approximately 10,799 customers. The Division of Sanitation Services currently maintains a workforce of 25 employees who operate three automated side-loading garbage trucks, three front-loading garbage trucks, three knuckle-boom loaders, three shuttle trucks, three rear-loading garbage trucks and one fl atbed truck. Commercial waste collection is provided to approximately 615 commercial customers. In 1993, the city opened the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) and commenced the automated co-collection recycling program. City sanitation customers, both residential and commercial, co-mingle all recyclables. The recyclables (aluminum, glass, plastic, paper) are removed from the waste stream at the MRF, sorted and sold to reprocessing companies. The balance of the waste is taken to the landfi ll. The MRF also processes recyclables from the Aiken County, the Savannah River Site and several private waste disposal companies. 74 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 5 | EFFICIENT, HIGH QUALITY CITY SERVICES Public Works and Engineering The Department of Engineering and Public Works is comprised of 23 full-time employees in four program areas. The program areas are Engineering, Stormwater Management, Building Standards, and Streets and Drains. Engineering The Engineering division employs a South Carolina licensed Professional Engineer who is also the director of the Department of Engineering and Public Works, a Civil Engineer and an Engineering Technician. The department provides technical support to citizens and other City departments in areas involving land development, public works and public utilities. Daily functions include reviewing site and subdivision development applications in conjunction with the Department of Planning Development, construction inspection, preparation of plans and technical specifi cations for city construction projects, and preparation and maintenance of infrastructure maps including utilities, streets and storm drainage. The Engineering Division performs annual pavement evaluations on all roads within the city and recommends street resurfacing projects and other roadway improvements to the SCDOT. The department is also responsible for coordinating and overseeing several of the Aiken County Capital Projects Sales Tax projects including road reconstruction, resurfacing and sidewalk installation. Stormwater Management The North Augusta Stormwater Management Program was initiated in 2001 in response to regulations established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency pursuant to the Clean Water Act. Components of the program include: constructing and maintaining stormwater drainage systems to alleviate local fl ooding problems; inspecting, cleaning and maintaining the city’s stormwater drainage system; providing stream bank protection; permitting and monitoring construction sites to enforce erosion control maintenance; and implementing public awareness programs related to the protection and improvement of water quality. The Stormwater Management division is staff ed by a stormwater manager and an inspector. The Stormwater Management division has identifi ed “Best Management Practices” (BMPs) and developed a Stormwater Management Manual that describes the aspects of the Stormwater Management Program. The Stormwater Management division is organized and funded as a municipal utility through a monthly stormwater utility fee. An Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) per structure is used to set the stormwater management fee for private residential and commercial properties. A fl at rate is charged to residential property owners and a variable rate (a multiple of the ERU) is charged to commercial property owners. The commercial ERU is based on specifi cs of the commercial property including size, impervious surface area and on-site stormwater management installations. Building Standards The Building Standards Department is the building code enforcement agency of the city. It is responsible for completing code compliance reviews on plans for all new building construction and for additions and renovations to existing structures. Inspections and testing are performed at various stages throughout construction to ensure compliance with the building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical codes adopted by City Council. The department is staff ed by a Certifi ed 75NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 5 | EFFICIENT, HIGH QUALITY CITY SERVICES Building Offi cial (CBO) as required by section 6-9-30 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina. The CBO oversees the issuance of building permits and the building inspection program. There are three building inspectors and two secretaries under the supervision of the CBO. Streets and Drains The North Augusta Streets and Drains division is responsible for maintenance activities for approximately 114 miles of state and city owned streets. Maintenance activities include pothole repair, concrete curb, gutter and sidewalk replacement, storm drainage pipe and catch basin cleaning and street sweeping. The Streets and Drains division also installs and maintains traffi c signals and street signs, constructs new storm drainage facilities and implements other special construction projects. Educational Facilities Public Schools The Consolidated School District of Aiken County is the administrative unit serving the City of North Augusta. The district is the sixth largest in the state and is made up of fi ve administrative areas. The district is governed by the Aiken County Board of Education, which is comprised of seven members elected to four-year terms. Students in North Augusta (Administrative Area Two) are served by four elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school. Other schools in the North Augusta Planning Area include Clearwater Elementary, Jeff erson Elementary, Langley- Bath-Clearwater Middle and Midland Valley High in Aiken County and Merriweather Elementary, Merriweather Middle and Fox Creek High in Edgefi eld County. Fox Creek High School is a charter public school and is open to all Edgefi eld County students. It opened in 2004. Libraries The Nancy Carson Library, located at 135 Edgefi eld Road in North Augusta, is the North Augusta branch of the Aiken- Bamberg-Barnwell-Edgefi eld Regional Library System (ABBE) and is one of 14 libraries within the four county region. The Nancy Carson Library is a 16,000 square foot facility with 18 public access computers. The ABBE System also off ers a Bookmobile service with regular stops throughout the region including several sites in North Augusta. Emergency Medical Services and Health Facilities North Augusta residents enjoy a large group of healthcare providers and facilities from which to choose. The Aiken-Augusta metropolitan area is one of the largest medical centers in the southeast with eleven hospitals, over 4,000 hospital beds and more than 25,000 employed in the health care industry. Primary care and mental health services are available through the Aiken County Health Department in Aiken. There are numerous private practitioners in the city off ering a variety of healthcare services including family medicine, dentistry, orthodontics and chiropractic care. There are also two assisted living facilities and a nursing home in the city. 76 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 5 | EFFICIENT, HIGH QUALITY CITY SERVICES ESTABLISH ANNEXATION AND GROWTH STRATEGIES: Determine where and how North Augusta should grow in order to ensure eff ective services for citizens GOALS & STRATEGIES The I-520 and I-20 exit. This connection has the potential to attract future growth. Im a g e S o u r c e : C r o s s C o u n t r y R o a d s 5.1.1 Determine a future growth strategy and possible areas of annexation. Before understanding how future growth can impact the City’s ability to off er services aff ordably and effi ciently, a growth strategy and possible areas of annexation must be determined. City staff should work with the public, consultants, businesses, and local economic development organizations to write a growth plan. With this as a foundation for the future, growth can occur in a way that reinforces North Augusta’s fi nancial security. 5.1.2 Expand utilities to areas of targeted growth as needed. Once areas of annexation are determined, the City should develop a funding and implementation plan to extend utilities to areas of future growth. Extension of utilities can take years to implement, and development is unlikely to occur without them. 5.1 77NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 5 | EFFICIENT, HIGH QUALITY CITY SERVICES ENSURE THE FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA: Develop strategies that ensure the effi cient delivery of city services 5.2 5.2.1 Prioritize infi ll development and compact growth to ensure North Augusta’s tax base can support city services. Areas already served by the City’s infrastructure are the best locations for future development in North Augusta. Increasing population within the same area will grow the tax base, while maintaining the same cost for providing services. This growth strategy avoids the capital cost of expanding services and minimizes the on- going maintenance costs. 5.2.2 Establish a long-term fi nancial plan for public sector investments. In many cases public sector investment is necessary to attract and retain development. Catalyst projects can spin off great returns on investment but it is important to prioritize them in a way that achieves North Augusta’s goals most effi ciently. Adopting a 5-7 year capital improvement plan (CIP) will help North Augusta prioritize its investments based upon expected future revenues. 5.2.3 Seek out partnerships wherever possible. In order to best leverage the City’s limited funds, the City will team with other businesses, developers, and organizations to meet the goals of this Comprehensive Plan. This will help the City see greater change over a shorter amount of time. Continuing the success of public-private partnerships established as a part of the Project Jackson project will lead to continuing transformative change for North Augusta. 5.2.4 Continue to implement innovative fi nancial mechanisms such as tax- increment fi nancing (TIF), municipal improvement districts (MID), and impact fees for new development. Implementing funding mechanisms as part of public and private sector development can help manage and grow revenue. The fi nancing mechanism used in Project Jackson, tax-increment fi nancing districts ensure taxes collected within an area are applied to that same area. Municipal improvement districts collect an extra tax on businesses or residents to then spend in the specifi c district where they reside. Mobility fees collected from developers can be spent on projects that help mitigate or support some of the eff ects of new development, like an increase in traffi c or the need for additional trails. All of these mechanisms can help ensure resources are spent in the areas that will see the greatest return on investment. 78 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 6 | STABLE, DIVERSE & WALKABLE NEIGHBORHOODS 79NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 6 | STABLE, DIVERSE & WALKABLE NEIGHBORHOODS 6 STABLE, DIVERSE & WALKABLE NEIGHBORHOODS In This Chapter Our Neighborhoods 82 Case Study: Hammond’s Ferry 87 Goals & Strategies 88 Case Study: Charlotte’s Neighborhood Improvement Program 92 With the invention of the car, the city form changed as North Augusta grew and neighborhoods were designed diff erently. 81NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 6 | STABLE, DIVERSE & WALKABLE NEIGHBORHOODS WHY?WHAT? sustainable community connected neighborhoods North Augusta’s neighborhoods were fi rst developed on a city grid of connected streets and small blocks. At the time, downtown was the commercial heart of the town and people traveled mostly by foot or by horse; the town was very walkable. With the advent of the car, the city form adapted to the rapidly spreading suburban pattern of disconnected streets and minimal park space. Today, best practices in planning and urban design tell us to build neighborhoods connected to each other with mixed- use services nearby. Additionally, modern practice believes that physically disconnected subdivisions can lead to social disconnection, increased obesity, and higher dependency on automobiles for basic mobility needs. In addition to ensuring that our new residential areas are designed to be more connected and walkable, we can enhance and improve some of our older neighborhoods that were built in a poorly connected and less pedestrian-friendly fashion. More importantly, we must also look to diversify our housing choices to accommodate the changing needs of our growing population. North Augusta primarily off ers detached single family housing stock on generous lots designed for 4-5 person households. Modern demographic trends tell us that 1-2 person households are increasing, but we have very little of that housing type in North Augusta. We can diversify the typologies of housing that we off er moving forward by building more fl ats, apartments and townhomes within walking distance of activity centers where possible. We must ensure that new neighborhoods are connected and pedestrian-friendly with a broader range of housing types. We can invest in older neighborhoods through enhancing the public realm and elements of private properties that directly impact public space. Ensuring that all of our neighborhoods are as connected and walkable as possible will lead to a more socially cohesive and sustainable community. 82 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 6 | STABLE, DIVERSE & WALKABLE NEIGHBORHOODS Most of what is North Augusta today was originally rural and agricultural in nature with the exception of development along the river. The fi rst settlements here were established to take advantage of trade routes existing at the time. Some of the antebellum homes associated with large farms remain. The City of North Augusta was created in 1891 by James U. Jackson and the recording of the Boeckh Plat. It was incorporated in 1906. Consistent with best practices at the time, the city plan for North Augusta echoes the fi rst ring suburbs designed in the City Beautiful Movement. It includes a traditional downtown, formal public park areas, undeveloped open space areas, and a traditional gridded lot, block and street layout. The street network was planned for future expansion to the east and west on the same type of street grid. The city’s growth followed this traditional pattern until the 1950’s and 1960s. Population growth, and related housing demand, increased dramatically and the national trend toward suburbanization and mass produced housing developments infl uenced development in North Augusta. Lots became larger and new housing styles, single story and split level ranches, became prevalent. Initially street patterns grew from and retained the interconnected network created in the Boeckh Plat, but as the city grew further out, the streets became less and less connected with other neighborhoods. Land ownership patterns created a fragmented pattern of new subdivision development as the graphic on the following page illustrates. Street patterns became more curvilinear and cul- de-sacs became more prevalent. However, through the 1960’s and into the 1970’s, streets were still designed to interconnect with neighboring developments when they occurred. In more recent years the subdivision design evolved into internally- focused layouts of isolated cul-de-sacs. Subdivisions of a hundred or more lots are served by one or perhaps two entrances, creating several traffi c issues. Newer subdivisions developed adjacent to older neighborhoods ignored the opportunities for interconnection through previously established street stubs. The result is a clear segregation of neighborhoods and housing units by age and style, and in some cases, by price and quality. Recent developments have continued to be built in this fashion and have also been located farther away from the center of the original core, extending the service demands on the city. However, some smaller infi ll subdivisions have occurred closer to the center of the community, including Woodlawn Place, Eastowne Village, the Summit subdivisions, the Village at Riverview, and Leigh Place. These neighborhoods refl ect some elements of the original town plat, but are still primarily a suburban pattern of front loaded garages and driveways, and cul-de-sac street systems. The majority of units constructed in recent years have been detached single-family homes and some townhomes. North Augusta continues to lack a range and choice in housing type, size, style, location and price. We must diversify the housing types that we off er moving forward and construct connected, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods. In the 1995 Comprehensive Land Use and Development Plan the city approved a policy of permitting accessory living units and home occupations to facilitate a greater variety of housing choice, increase density and mix uses to a small degree. Those OUR NEIGHBORHOODS 83NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 6 | STABLE, DIVERSE & WALKABLE NEIGHBORHOODS SAVA N N A H R I V E R 20 20 520 520 25 25 1 278 197 230 230 421 125 120 902 EDGE F I E L D AIKE N M A R T I N T O W N R D W F I V E N O T C H R D GEO R G I A A V E KN O X A V E SC GA AUGUSTA Neighborhoods Map 84 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 6 | STABLE, DIVERSE & WALKABLE NEIGHBORHOODS policies were subsequently incorporated into the 1996 Zoning and Development Standards Ordinance and have continued to be refi ned to date. In general, North Augusta’s Development Code supports building a variety of residential typologies and a mix of uses in residentially zoned areas, but recent developments have exhibited more conventional, single-use designs. Neighborhood Condition The age and distribution by age of a city’s housing stock generally refl ect historic growth periods and the areas of development. Older homes and neighborhoods are not necessarily the mostly likely to decline fi rst or to the greatest degree. Areas of housing that developed at a single point in time and age roughly at the same rate and may create concentrated areas of decline if properties in a neighborhood or portion of a neighborhood are not regularly and properly maintained. To maintain a competitive stock of housing, older, ineffi cient housing units should be substantially renovated or replaced with new units. Neighborhoods that developed over a longer period of time with a variety of housing sizes, types and construction materials generally maintain their vitality. The original residential core of the city, i.e. the residential lots on East Avenue, West Avenue, Lake Avenue, Carolina Avenue, Georgia Avenue, etc., has witnessed a number of unit replacements, a substantial amount of rehabilitation and some infi ll of apartments and townhomes in relatively small developments. The resulting mix of unit sizes, types, ages and construction materials maintains the vitality and interest of the neighborhoods. Portions of the Hammond Hills and adjacent subdivisions and the Martintown subdivisions exhibit similar characteristics. Larger housing developments where all or a substantial majority of the units of the same size are constructed on similarly-sized lots, of the same material and the same quality age and appreciate at the same rate. The original design of the subdivision establishes the relative value, size and quality of the housing units. Demand for reinvestment or reconstruction beyond the established value, size and quality does not develop. In those situations a few poorly maintained units can, rather than create opportunity for reinvestment and increased value, precipitate further decline. In many cases, and contrary to the intent, subdivision covenants contribute to the decline because alternatives to the original design are not permitted. In some neighborhoods, enhanced code enforcement by the city is necessary to improve neighborhood conditions and prevent others from decline. Neighborhood Revitalization Neighborhood improvement programs (NIPs) can be implemented to help declining neighborhoods recover. NIPs can direct funds to help to implement home improvements, new neighborhood signage and neighborhood clean ups. Even larger construction projects like the creation of a community garden or new neighborhood park can receive assistance from NIPs. Neighborhood revitalization programs can take a number of forms. Capital investment in streets, sidewalks, stormwater drainage, water and sewer could improve the character of older neighborhoods with aging infrastructure. Increased and proactive code enforcement related to poorly maintained properties including overgrown yards and deteriorating structures could also be pursued. A more capital intensive approach could include subsidized loans and in some cases grants for the rehabilitation of existing structures and for the construction of new housing. 85NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 6 | STABLE, DIVERSE & WALKABLE NEIGHBORHOODS Infi ll Development Infi ll development can help renew older neighborhoods as well. The neighborhoods immediately adjacent to downtown contain some parcels ripe for infi ll development. New infi ll housing construction could include detached single family units on vacant lots, the construction of accessory living units and the development of new multi-unit, owner-occupied housing. In fact, areas where infrastructure currently exists should be encouraged to develop before other parts of the city are expanded to fully capture a return on past public investments. Infi ll development, both on greenfi eld and redevelopment sites, should also be encouraged to fully utilize existing infrastructure. However, infi ll housing, whether on individual, previously platted lots or in new subdivisions, should be compatible with existing housing design and existing neighborhoods. Opportunities for mixed use development exist throughout the city and should also be encouraged. National Residential Trends Aff ecting Us National housing trends have shifted in recent years to favor more walkable, mixed- use neighborhoods. As the U.S. population rises an expected 31% between 2010 and 2040, over 80% of growth is projected to be households without children with nearly half of this growth (40%) in single person households. Households in North Augusta are currently 65% occupied by 1-2 person households, but 69% of the housing stock is convention, single family homes. The distribution of our housing stock does not support our current or projected population distribution. Nationally, of the 80 million Millennials entering the housing market in the coming years, 88% will look to live in more centrally located areas within walking distance of amenities. Similarly, trends show that seniors and aging baby boomers are downsizing to smaller, lower maintenance households in mixed-use, walkable areas. As a result, the demand for large-lot homes will decline below 2011 levels, and 70% of new nonresidential space will be redeveloped on existing lots. 50% of that demand will be attached homes, and the other 50% will be small lot homes. Source: Arther C. Nelson, University of Utah, http://switchboard. nrdc.org/blows/kbenfield/ 86 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 6 | STABLE, DIVERSE & WALKABLE NEIGHBORHOODS North Augusta’s senior population is projected to increase 25% by 2020, more than any other age group. Additionally, college aged and early workforce adults are projected to decrease by 17%. We need to attract a younger population to maintain and build a stronger economy, and to encourage the existing population to age in place. To accomplish this, a much more diverse housing stock is required. The most likely locations for these new housing types would be in downtown and adjacent neighborhoods, and in areas within walking distance of the Knox Avenue-Martintown Road commercial cluster. These neighborhoods provide the connected street network, walkability, and close proximity to mixed-uses that these two generations desire. 70%70% Cost Eff ective Growth The cost eff ective and effi cient management of local government services necessitates that the location of new housing development be coordinated with both capital and operational expenditures. Additionally, however, cost eff ective growth requires coordination between the provision of public safety services and facilities, parks and recreation services, and transportation services and roads. Coordinated investment in all of the diff erent components is necessary to provide adequate public facilities to achieve the expected “quality of life” for community residents. Source: Arther C. Nelson, University of Utah, http://switchboard. nrdc.org/blows/kbenfield/ 87NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 6 | STABLE, DIVERSE & WALKABLE NEIGHBORHOODS Public access to the river and views of natural surroundings Provides open space and community farming as common amenities Encourages walkability with small-scaled blocks and a connected street network Supports a hub of neighborhood commercial uses with a strong customer base in close proximity Though many of the homes constructed in Hammond’s Ferry are smaller than homes in more suburban subdivisions, the quality of the home, the interior fi nish schedule, and the package of amenities which are largely focused around walking and community interaction have generated some of the higher per square foot sales premiums in the region. Case Study: Hammond’s Ferry Source: http://hammondsferry.com/the-plan/ What makes Hammond’s Ferry so special? Hammond’s Ferry is a new development underway along the river west of downtown. It was designed with traditional neighborhood principles similar to those used in the original plan for North Augusta. The design consists of lots arranged on small blocks with a connected grid of streets. There is a small mixed-use center and the buildings have a common architectural vernacular that echoes the antebellum homes of North Augusta. The neighborhood has a wide variety of open spaces from pocket parks to natural, wooded areas with a network of trails connected to the Greeneway. 88 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 6 | STABLE, DIVERSE & WALKABLE NEIGHBORHOODS Existing sidewalk conditions in a downtown North Augusta neighborhood NIP project plan for the neighborhoods west of Uptown Charlotte, NC: West Trade and Rozzelles Ferry Area 6.1.1 Identify and categorize investments that need to be made in North Augusta’s neighborhoods including sidewalk repair and expansion, lighting, landscaping, and wayfi nding. Identify, categorize, and implement investments in North Augusta’s neighborhoods to improve the quality of life for citizens and make infi ll housing development more attractive for future growth. These enhancements will improve the public infrastructure in the city, and help focus investment in the most socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable locations. 6.1.2 Establish a Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) for the continued investment in neighborhoods. A Neighborhood Improvement Program is a city plan that determines an equitable strategy for implementing neighborhood projects. A program that ensures the constant investment in neighborhoods over an extended period can help them remain vibrant and continue to meet the needs of citizens. Projects included in a NIP may include a repaving schedule, improvements to parks or playgrounds, sidewalk repairs, utility and stormwater management. 6.1.3 Encourage infi ll development on vacant and underdeveloped lots. Encourage new development in or near existing or planned activity centers. This makes effi cient use of existing city services and infrastructure and can contribute to a more walkable and mixed- use environment. In addition, higher densities increase the number of housing opportunities and variety of housing options off ered in desirable, established neighborhoods, like the Downtown or along the riverfront their adjacent communities. GOALS & STRATEGIES REINVEST IN EXISTING NEIGHBORHOODS TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNITIES: Commit funding to projects in the public realm to encourage infi ll development and redevelopment within existing neighborhoods 6.1 89NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 6 | STABLE, DIVERSE & WALKABLE NEIGHBORHOODS Infill opportunities in downtown. Green parcels are vacant lots or buildings, ripe for infill development. Yellow parcels are underutilized properties that could be updated or redeveloped to a higher and better use. Ge o r g i a A v e E Clifton Ave E Main St E Buena Vista Ave 6.1.4 Preserve historic housing structures in downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. Preserving historic housing structures in Downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods will ensure their continued contribution to the identity of the city. Many properties in these areas date back to the 1920s and often have important architectural character. Prioritize the improvement, preservation and potential historic designation of these structures in order to create a unique neighborhood character. 6.1.5 Encourage more compact development patterns with higher quality design and building materials to increase and maintain property values. For greenfi eld development we will promote and encourage standards to ensure every future piece of development adds social, cultural, and/or economic value to the city. This does not mean that we seek only to promote expensive homes. In fact, we are desirous of a diversity of homes to better align to our expected needs in the coming decades. 6.1.6 Encourage live-work units in both residential and commercial areas. Live-work units are usually stacked units in the form of a townhouse with commercial space on the ground fl oor and residential space above. They are owned or rented by the same entity, which provides an economical market solution to promote incubators; boutique businesses; and small professional services. 6.1.7 Expand the defi nition and permissible size of accessory living units in residential areas of the city. Accessory living units will provide a smaller and more aff ordable housing option for one-to-two person households, especially the rising senior population. Such units can be in detached units such as in garage apartments or small cottages in the rear yard, accessory units attached to the main house, and short term rentals. 90 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 6 | STABLE, DIVERSE & WALKABLE NEIGHBORHOODS 6.2.1 Promote mixed-income neighborhoods throughout North Augusta, especially in downtown and near employment centers. Diff erent uses, such as retail, entertainment, businesses, and community services, within walking distance of one another in close proximity to a large number of housing units has many benefi ts. Including decreasing the dependence of the automobile, supporting transit, and contributing to a healthier and more active population. Focusing on neighborhoods adjacent to downtown will support its regeneration, and locating them near employment centers will allow workers and residents to access daily needs close to where they work. Planning for mixed-use neighborhoods throughout North Augusta will lead to a more socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable city. 6.2.2 Revise the zoning ordinance and map to incentivize a variety of housing types at higher densities, including multifamily, courtyard apartments, quadruplexes, duplexes, and accessory units, especially near Downtown and activity centers. The zoning map and district should be revised to support a variety of housing types. Multifamily should be integrated with single-family houses where appropriate to allow generations of family to remain in their communities. This could provide a balance of aff ordable 1-2 person housing types to accommodate young professionals, families with children, older families, and retirees. Also introducing higher densities while maintaining lower building heights will ensure housing diversity is implemented in a context-sensitive way. Allowing housing diversity downtown and near activity centers will place more residents closer to their daily necessities. PROVIDE A MORE VARIED HOUSING STOCK TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN A MORE DIVERSE POPULATION: Provide many diff erent housing types to attract and retain the citizen population 6.2 91NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 6 | STABLE, DIVERSE & WALKABLE NEIGHBORHOODS IMPROVE URBAN NEIGHBORHOODS: Invest in improvements in neighborhoods surrounding downtown Neighborhood street headed to downtown with no sidewalks Disconnected neighborhoods in North Augusta with many cul-de-sacs 6.3 So u r c e : G o o g l e E a r t h 6.3.1 Improve pedestrian facilities in neighborhoods. Repairing and building new sidewalks in neighborhoods will create a more walkable and safer environment for citizens. Making it safer to walk can improve the health of citizens and the social sustainability of the community. Also, enhanced pedestrian facilities will connect neighborhoods to activity centers or corridors that provide daily necessities or business services. 6.3.2 Make additional connections in existing street network. In order to make North Augusta a more walkable city, the street network must better connect within neighborhoods, and to each other. Connecting streets where possible will disperse traffi c throughout the city, helping to maintain existing street capacity, permit people to walk more directly to neighborhood centers or corridors that provide their daily necessities, encourage pedestrian and bicycle mobility, and make more land available for infi ll development. 92 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 6 | STABLE, DIVERSE & WALKABLE NEIGHBORHOODS RESOURCES Case Study: Charlotte’s Neighborhood Improvement Program Charlotte’s Comprehensive Neighborhood Improvement Program (CNIP) is a new approach for investing in the community’s future, one that combines the resources of several City departments to leverage with other public, quasi-public and private dollars for building new infrastructure. Projects under the CNIP are expected to be transformative, and help large, multi-neighborhood areas revitalize important business corridors, re-energize established neighborhoods, and capitalize on key economic activity centers. CNIP projects are also identifi ed to be the catalyst for further investments in the area soon after their implementation. Funding for the program comes from proposed City Neighborhood Improvement Bonds that will be presented to voters over the next fi ve years ($20.0 million in 2014; $40 million each in 2016 and 2018; and $20.0 million in 2020 for a total amount of $120.0 million). The overall goal of the CNIP is to invest in projects that maximize benefi ts and intended impacts to meet six stated city-wide needs: • Provide support for a well-connected network of streets, sidewalks, greenways and bike lanes that link to and enhance existing community assets. • Improve accessibility to transit and the larger regional network of streets. • Promote better connections between neighborhoods and major employment, institutional and retail areas. • Identify successful public/private partnerships that leverage investments and catalyze changes occurring in neighborhoods. • Find opportunities to coordinate with representatives for public safety, code enforcement, social services and education. • Enhance the public engagement process and work with residents to identify and evaluate investments that meet collective aspirations. Illustration of a potential CNIP project that would implement bike- ped infrastructure and planted medians on a major neighborhood corridor. CNIP - http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/charlottefuture/CIP/CNIP/Pages/default.aspx Charlotte Neighborhood & Business Services - http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/nbs/Pages/default.aspx Charlotte Quality of Life Explorer - http://mcmap.org/qol/ 93NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 6 | STABLE, DIVERSE & WALKABLE NEIGHBORHOODS This page was intentionally left blank. 94 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 7 | TRANSPORTATION THAT FACILITATES MOBILITY & ACTIVITY 95NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 7 | TRANSPORTATION THAT FACILITATES MOBILITY & ACTIVITY 7 TRANSPORTATION THAT FACILITATES MOBILITY & ACTIVITY In This Chapter Regional Transportation 98 Roadway Network 102 What are Complete Streets? 104 Connectivity 105 Martintown Road as a Gateway for North Augusta 110 Goals & Strategies 114 The greeneway network is the spine that holds the City together and connects downtown, neighborhoods, and activity centers. 97NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 7 | TRANSPORTATION THAT FACILITATES MOBILITY & ACTIVITY WHAT?WHY? access North Augusta’s streets, Greeneway and transportation network make up the largest percentage of publicly-owned space in the city. As a result, the location and design of streets and sidewalks is more crucial than any other element in the urban environment. North Augusta’s downtown street network is based on the original plat for the City, but this high degree of connectivity degrades quickly when moving away from the central core. The majority of the City and its neighborhoods were built after the 1970s and 1980s and are very dependent on a few north-south corridors for mobility. These arterial corridors, especially Martintown Road and Knox Avenue, have been designed to be very wide and autocentric, providing little infrastructure for alternative modes of transportation, like pedestrians and cyclists. North Augusta will strive to reconnect and enhance disconnected street networks throughout the city while also improving pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. This will help to relieve congestion and also give pedestrians and cyclists enhanced facilities to enjoy. Improved connectivity throughout the city will enhance the quality of life in North Augusta, making our neighborhoods more livable and the city more attractive to potential residents and employers. connectivity Improve infrastructure & connectivity for all modes of transportation in and around neighborhoods as well as enhancing connectivity to destination centers and the Greeneway system. Well connected transportation infrastructure links people more effectively with employment and with amenities like the Greeneway, parks and activity centers. 98 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 7 | TRANSPORTATION THAT FACILITATES MOBILITY & ACTIVITY REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION Augusta Regional Transportation Study Since the mid-1960s projects involving state and federal funds have been planned and programmed through the Augusta Regional Transportation Study (ARTS). The Intermodal Surface Transportation Effi ciency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) and its successor legislations, the 1998 Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, (TEA 21), Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), and Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), refi ned the process for integrating state and local transportation planning for federal programs. The responsibility for transportation planning was delegated to the states and regional metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) consisting of cities and counties within the urbanized areas of metropolitan regions. The MPO planning process is mandatory if local and state governments utilize the transportation program funds allocated by the federal government. The MPO for the urbanized areas within the Augusta metropolitan area is the ARTS, staff ed primarily by the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission staff . The MPO is made up of staff and elected offi cials from Richmond, Columbia and Aiken counties and the municipalities within them. Representatives of the Georgia and South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) also participate. The MPO plans and coordinates regional transportation system improvements and priorities. Because North Augusta is centrally located in the metropolitan area transportation network, the city is an active partner in the regional transportation planning process. The transportation planning process utilized by ARTS produces several elements. The most signifi cant is the Long Range Plan, a twenty year plan that includes a list of projects necessary to meet future transportation needs. A second element is the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), a document that prioritizes and schedules specifi c transportation projects. Another signifi cant element is the Unifi ed Planning Work Program, an annual staff work program and budget. Figures on the following page show North Augusta’s funded and unfunded transportation projects for the years 2015-2018. Note that several Pedestrian & Bike projects are unfunded, but are ‘priority projects.’. 99NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 7 | TRANSPORTATION THAT FACILITATES MOBILITY & ACTIVITY Widening & Capacity - Five Notch Road Widening & Capacity - Martintown Road Widening & Capacity - 1-20 Frontage Collector Operational Improvements - Celeste Avenue Intersection & Railroad - Knox Ave & Martintown Rd Belvedere Clearwater Rd Belvedere Clearwater Rd- Belvedere Rd E Buena Vista Ave Greeneway E Buena Vista Ave Georgia Ave E Martintown Rd Knox Ave Jefferson Davis Hwy Martintown Rd 13th Street Bridge FUNDED TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS (2015-2018) UNFUNDED TRANSPORTATION PRIORITY PROJECTS Palm e t t o P k w y S n Way Rd E M artinto w n R d SudlowLakeRd Broad S t FiveNot ch Rd §¨20 §¨520 §¨52011 t h S t ield BUNORTH AUGUSTA !28 !29 !25 !26 !16 !21 !32 !15 !7 Palm e t t o P k w y S Way Rd E M artinto w n R d SudlowLakeRd Broad S t §¨520 §¨52011 t h S t BUNORTH AUGUSTA !159 !113 !114 !128 !150 !155 !161 !162 !164 !166 !167 !168 !170 !171 !172 !174 Belvedere Clearwater Road Widening & Capacity Operational Improvements Bridge Construction Trail Intersection & Railroad Pedestrian & Bicycle Buena Vista & Atomic Roads corridor improvements I-20 over Savannah River SC 421 over Little Horse Creek Greeneway Tunnel under Bergen Road Greeneway Extension north of Bergen Road I-20 Rehabilitation & Maintenance 113 32 29 28 21 16 15 7 114 128 150 155 161 162 164 166 167 168 170 171 172 174 100 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 7 | TRANSPORTATION THAT FACILITATES MOBILITY & ACTIVITY Rail Transportation Passenger rail service is not available in the vicinity of North Augusta at this time. North Augusta is located between two Amtrak routes with the closest stations in Denmark, South Carolina (40 miles), Clemson, South Carolina (111 miles), and Savannah, Georgia (132 miles). Freight service is provided to the area by two railroads, Norfolk Southern and CSX Transportation, Inc. The Norfolk Southern main line tracks enter the city from the north across SC 125, Atomic Road east of US 1 and the North Augusta Industrial Park. The line turns west below the industrial park, passes under US 1 and then crosses the Savannah River into Augusta at 6th Street. The CSX main line traverses Augusta, Georgia, in an east- west direction and connects to Spartanburg, Savannah and Atlanta. Air Transportation Two airports serve the Augusta metropolitan area, Augusta Regional Airport at Bush Field and Daniel Field, both in Augusta. Commercial carriers, including Delta and American Airlines, operate from Augusta Regional Airport, approximately 8 miles from downtown North Augusta. Service is provided to Atlanta’s Hartsfi eld International and Charlotte- Douglas International Airports. Daniel Field is a general aviation facility located in the center of the City of Augusta. The Columbia, SC and Atlanta, GA Airports, located approximately 65 miles east and 150 miles west of North Augusta respectively, are served by more carriers on a more frequent schedule than Augusta Regional and airfares are often less expensive than from Augusta. As a result, the Atlanta and Columbia Airports are utilized by a substantial number of North Augusta air travelers. Public Transit Aiken County’s “Best Friend Express” provides daily bus service between and within Aiken and North Augusta. Service is provided by a fl eet of relatively small, 20-passenger buses. Patrons of the service are primarily elderly, handicapped and lower income riders that do not have other or personal means of transportation. In 2015, it provided more than 25,000 passenger trips and ridership grew 7%. In 2002 for the fi rst time the Aiken Transit system and the Augusta Public Transit system implemented an interconnection in North Augusta. Augusta Public Transit riders from the downtown area of Augusta also have access to expanded retail facilities and service providers in North Augusta. The Aiken Transit system was administered by Aiken County until 2004. In that year the responsibility for the system was assumed by the Lower Savannah Council of Governments. 101NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 7 | TRANSPORTATION THAT FACILITATES MOBILITY & ACTIVITY Best Friends Blue Route Map Best Friends Blue Route Schedule The Best Friends Blue Route Schedule & Map as well as other Best Friends Express information can be found at www. bestfriendexpress.com 102 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 7 | TRANSPORTATION THAT FACILITATES MOBILITY & ACTIVITY ROADWAY NETWORK North Augusta’s transportation network includes two interstate highways, two federal highways, several state primary routes, numerous state secondary roads and a substantial mileage of city streets. Of the 120 miles of roads within the City of North Augusta, approximately 75 percent of those miles are designated as state maintained roadways. The remaining 25 percent are split between roads deeded to the city (20%), public streets not formally deeded to the city (3%), and private streets (2%). Moving forward, most new roads built within the city will most likely be city owned and maintained. Functional Classifi cation Plan The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) classifi es roads based on the role they play in the roadway network, including type and volume of traffi c they carry. Roads are classifi ed as freeways, arterials, collectors, and local roads. The functional classifi cation of a road may change as the role it plays changes in relation to growth and development. Historically, functional classifi cation has put the automobile fi rst, often neglecting the comfort and safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and other users of the transportation network. It prioritizes how fast a car needs to get somewhere, often times without considering the eff ects that will have on the context or role in future development. While state owned, operated, and maintained roads follow functional classifi cation, local roads should be designed to be complete streets, accommodating and prioritizing all users of the road (see page 126.) It is important to understand the functional classifi cation system, so that in working with SCDOT, the design of state roads can be adapted over time to better meet the needs of North Augusta’s citizens. The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) updates the functional classifi cation plan for urbanized areas in the state every 10 years, generally in the third year following the census. The functional classifi cation plan for roads in North Augusta was updated in 2013 and is shown on the following page. Generally, roads classifi ed as freeways, arterials and collectors whether on the state system or the local system are eligible for federal funding under the Surface Transportation Program, the major source of revenues for highway construction. 103NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 7 | TRANSPORTATION THAT FACILITATES MOBILITY & ACTIVITY SAVA N N A H R I V E R 20 20 520 520 25 25 1 278 197 230 230 421 125 120 902 EDGE F I E L D AIKE N MA R T I N T O W N R D W F I V E N O T C H R D GEO R G I A A V E KN O X A V E SC GA AUGUSTA Legend Interstates Principal Arterials Minor Arterials Major Collectors North Augusta Municipal Area Functional Classification Map 104 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 7 | TRANSPORTATION THAT FACILITATES MOBILITY & ACTIVITY What are Complete Streets? Complete Streets are streets for everyone. They are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users – whether on foot, in a car, on a bike or riding a bus. People of all ages and abilities are able to safely move along and across these streets, regardless of how they are traveling. Complete Streets make it easy to walk to shops, and bicycle to work. They allow traffi c to move effi ciently, buses to run on time, and people to walk safely to and from transit stations, shops, offi ces, churches, and homes. »Wide, attractive sidewalks and well- defi ned bike routes, where appropriate to community context, encourage healthy and active lifestyles among residents of all ages. »Complete Streets can provide children with opportunities to reach nearby destinations in a safe and supportive environment. »A variety of transportation options allow everyone, particularly people with disabilities and older adults, to get out and stay connected to the community. »Multi-modal transportation networks provide communities an alternative to sitting in traffi c. »A better integration of land use and transportation through a Complete Streets process creates an attractive combination of buildings – houses, offi ces, shops – and street designs. »Designing a street with pedestrians in mind – sidewalks, raised medians, bus stop locations, traffi c-calming measures, and treatments for travelers with disabilities – may reduce pedestrian risk by as much as 28%. »Complete Streets help reduce carbon emissions and are an important part of a climate change mitigation strategy. Complete Streets contribute many benefi ts to the surrounding community. 105NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 7 | TRANSPORTATION THAT FACILITATES MOBILITY & ACTIVITY CONNECTIVITY Connectivity when used in the context of traffi c circulation is measured by the number of routes a driver can utilize to reach a destination. The more possible routes, or connections, that are available, the greater the connectivity. Increased connectivity will reduce congestion, especially on collectors and arterials that are used for longer trips and trips between cities. Connectivity also makes a city more walkable and bikeable, which are qualities that are in high demand when people around the nation are deciding where they want to locate their home and/or business. The development of the city has resulted in a lack of properly distributed or designed roads that provide adequate connections to and between arterials. Specifi cally, there are very few east-west arterial and collector roads. Local streets, including Pisgah and Bolin Roads primarily, are utilized for cut- through traffi c and function as collectors. Adequately designed connections between Martintown and Five Notch Roads and between Five Notch Road and Georgia Avenue are severely defi cient. The Bolin Road/Pisgah Road corridor is in a road network that was designed for local residential traffi c. However, it has evolved into and has been designated as a collector because of the traffi c it carries between Martintown and Five Notch roads. The Bolin Road-Pisgah Road situation is exacerbated by the location of major origin and destination facilities, Paul Knox Middle School, North Augusta High School, and Mossy Creek Elementary School. The solution is to construct a more extensive network of controlled access collector roads between arterials or allow for the connection of a substantially greater number of local roads to provide a greater number of choices. A large amount of North Augusta’s residential neighborhoods follow a contemporary subdivision design, which relies on very long block lengths and cul-de- sacs. The result in North Augusta is limited opportunities for pedestrian and bicycle travel, fewer routes to navigate and minimal connectivity between neighborhoods, rendering them isolated from adjacent ones. In contrast, traditional street networks are developed with shorter block lengths and more numerous through streets with adequate sidewalks and bicycle routes. While the Greeneway provides excellent recreation opportunities, it does not provide direct access to many desirable destinations. Therefore, it has the potential to function at a much higher connectivity capacity. Pedestrian and bicycle connectivity creates a more walkable community and provides alternative means of transportation, reducing dependency on automobiles and providing a circulation system that is more functional and safer. 106 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 7 | TRANSPORTATION THAT FACILITATES MOBILITY & ACTIVITY Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Bicycle and pedestrian facilities are important alternative modes of transportation in a community. Bicyclists use the road network on a regular basis and while bike lanes do exist, there is an inadequate amount of designated bike lanes, routes or bikeways to provide an adequate bicycle circulation system in the city. Off -road facilities used by cyclists include the North Augusta Greeneway and various extensions and connectors to the Greeneway. A relatively extensive network of sidewalks is present within the older areas of the city, but there are very few in newer neighborhoods and commercial centers. Sidewalks are located along some sections of arterial and collector roads, but do not complete a network that pedestrians can utilize. Sidewalks are noticeably absent in the vicinity of public schools. Where sidewalks are not present, especially on local and neighborhood streets, pedestrians generally walk in the roadway. The greatest asset to North Augusta’s bike and pedestrian network is the Greeneway. Currently 13 miles long, it connects neighborhoods to public facilities, downtown, the riverfront, and the13th Street Bridge, which connects to Augusta. For those who live close, it can operate as a legitimate commuting route to downtown Augusta. Extensions will be developed to tie substantial pedestrian and bicycle traffi c generators to the Greeneway. Many of the Greeneway extensions will tie existing neighborhoods and parks that include their own internal pedestrian circulation systems to the citywide system. Both Greeneway extensions and Greeneway connectors will utilize drainage ways (including the Boeckh ravine system) and open space either unsuitable or unavailable for development. The Georgia Power and South Carolina Electric & Gas power line easements that extend through the city parallel to the river are appropriate locations for Greeneway extensions. Open space and detention areas within neighborhoods are also appropriate for the development of Greeneway connectors. The City of North Augusta Greeneway, Pedestrian, and Bicycle Master Plan identifi es locations for future extensions of the Greeneway Corridor, Greeneway extensions and connectors, multi-purpose trails, bicycle lanes, and sidewalks equaling 96 miles. The plan has been incorporated into the ARTS Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan adopted by the ARTS Policy Committee in 2004, and was updated in 2012. In addition to these plans, recently completed studies have analyzed how to connect the Greeneway to and/or through downtown. Incorporating the Greeneway into downtown could be an important game-changer for North Augusta and could spark the revitalization of downtown. As such, a project of this importance should be considered as part of a comprehensive downtown master plan. 107NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 7 | TRANSPORTATION THAT FACILITATES MOBILITY & ACTIVITY City of North Augusta Pedestrian & Bicycle Master Plan ^!( !(!( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !(!( !( !( !(!( !( !( !( !( !( !(!(!( !(!(!(!( !( !( !(!( ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 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BOBBYE DR RICHLAND RD RHOMBOID PL APA CH E DR HEIL DR PINEVIEW DR W OODEN DR EAST AVE ADKINS DR TAY LOR P ON D RD GREENWOOD D R RED M APLE CT DAMBY CT CHARITY LN SYCAMORE DR VID OT CT OAKDALE DR SPRUCE CT ADAMS DR FRANKLIN DR IRENE ST ST JAMES ST AROMA DR SCENIC C T WEST DR TO W NSE ND ST LANTANA LN BRADLEY CT BARTLETT LN HOLLY LN GEORGIA AVE SA GE CT RAVEN DR STORM CT GOUDY CT SAND PINE DR DREDGE CT WESTIBOU XING VE RNON ST PRETTY RUN DR KIMBERLY LN POND DR JESSE DEE ST RAPIDS CT S FIR ST BROKEN BRANCH RD FLINT ST SLASH CT H EIL DR WALNUT CT RIDGE CLIFF CT VIRGINPINDR JOHNSON RD CHALET NORTH CT HILLW OOD CT RAPIDS CT PLANTATION CT MOUNTSIDE D R ALEXANDER DR DEEPW O OD PL WARE DR DABBS LN COURTNEY DR BENTLEY DR AMOS C T SHORT ST AMBERW OOD CT RADIO STATION RD S TADIUM CIR SECOND AVE ROSEMARY ST PINEVIEW AVE W OODBERRY LN E FAIRWAY AVE LEE ST BIG PINE RD WAPOO DR MCKINNEY LN LN SHADDOHILL PL HAZEL ST OLD AIKEN EXT FOX HUNT DR REAMS RD JACKSON GROVE RD HU NTERS FARM JAMES ST ORANGE ST RILEY CT GILMORE AV E KARNES ST DOUGLAS DR GRANT AVE DIAMOND ST E MARION AVE KINGSWOOD LN SHAWN EE DR KNOTTY PINE DR LEIGH PL CHER RY RD BRENDA DR ELDER STSYCAMORE ST WEB LEY ST RAILROAD AVE FAIRLANE AVE AYR DR SEMIN OLE DR KNOTTS LND G HOLLEY HILL DR COVE NTRY CT SUMMER LN BUTLER AVE MONTGOMERY PL UNNAMED RD SIKES AVE ASCAUGA LAKE RD JEFFREY ST SPRING HILL CT CRAZY HORSE LN BOYLAN ST NORTHSIDE DR BORDEN RD HAMPTON TER CLEARWATE R VILLAGE AP TS LUC Y AVE MEROVAN DR OAKDALE AVE ASHFORD DR VICTORIA DR NATHANIE DR PSA RD TRIMMIER PL SPRING WOOD DR CREIGHTON DR LANGFUHR WAY SCOTT DR SEDGEWO OD C T SUN FEST DR PINECREST DRNAPPIER LN TON WAY HILL ST FULTON ST UNNAMED RD SANDERS DR HERMITAGE LN MACKLIN LN MELODY LN FRANCES DR SUDLOW RIDGE RD MAPLE DR PALMETTO PKWY E MERALD DR ORIOLE AVE PATRICIA DR ATOMIC RD TAMARACK DR WHITLAWS RD COLO RA DO CT N TEAPOT RD LAVE RNE A VE OLD RIDGE RD SCHULTZ HILL DR M LORRAIN E DR BARBARA LN TERESA AVE PALMETTO PKWY METZ DR VIREO DR BLAIR DR BERGEN RD KENILWORTH DR ROSEMARY LN SAM UELS RD FLINTLOCK DR WELLINGTON R D WILLOW SPRINGS DR TIMBERIDGE DR LYNW OOD DR HEATHERWOOD DR CENTRAL AVE ALTAMAHA DR INTERSTATE 20 RAMP HICKORY NUT LODGE RD INTERSTATE 20 RAMP N ORRIS LAKES YAUN RD INTER STATE RAMP PALMETTO PKWY EUCLID RD EAST SHORELINE DR LEHIGH AVE MC KIE AVE CH ERO KEE DR E MARTINTOW N RD W MARTINTOWN RD FIVE NOTCH RD FIVE NOTCH RD BRADLEY DR OLD EDGEFIELD RD MCKENZIE ST COUNTRY CLUB HILLS DR SEYMOUR DR CRYSTAL LAKE DR FIORD DR CLEARMONT DR WREN RD CAROLINA AVE EDIS TO DR E DISTO D R MILL STONE LN FAIRVIEW ST MEDIE AVE LEE ST LAKE HARTWELL DR WINDY MIL L DR LAKE GREENWOOD DR FAIR VIEW RD O LD W ALNUT BRANCH RD REDBUD DR H AND H ST WARREN CT OAKHURST D R CURTIS DR LAMBACK WAY FOX C REEK DR ST J ULIA N PL ST JULIAN PL BURNSIDE AVE BOLIN RD BOLIN RD CLAYPIT RD SISKINCIR WEST AVE HAMPTON CIR E MARION AVE NO RTH RIDGE RD PLANK RD JOHNSON RD HILLSIDE DR A NDRE WS BR RIDGEFIELD DR SOCASTEE DR LIBERTY HILL RD DO VE ST SPRING GROVE AVE A UD UBO N CIR AUDUBON CIR THURMOND ST MAE ST M ONTE RE Y AV E NE W CA STLE AVE MILL BRANCH WAY ADAMS BRANCH RD WILDW OOD DR AMBASSADOR DR FIELDCREST DR CAMPBELLTON DR YARDLEY DR HOWARD MILL RD PONDEROSA DR RADIO STATION RD CARRIAGE LN AIKEN AVE PARIS AVE SAND PIT RD BIRCH ST BLEACHERY ST OAKLAND DR PINE BU TT E LN PALMETTO PKWY A UDUBO N RD AVALON LN FRIENDLY LN LA KE AVE MOKATEEN AVE OSPREY PT OD TRL THORNWOOD DR DOVE LAKE D R LAKMARION DR SHOALS WAY CT TOWHEE AVE MA PLE W OO D D R COVENTRY CIR BELVEDERE C LEA RW ATER R D LAURENS ST SAVANNAH BARONY DR FOX AVE PENN ST AUSTIN ST W MARTIN TO W N R D B YRNES RD B YRNES RD SPRING DR KERRY CT BELLVIE W DR LANHAM DR AM Y CIR RIVERSIDE BLVD E AG LE LA R D INTERSTAT E 20 R AMP ARIZO NA CT RIDGE LAND DR BEVERLY CIR BROWNING DR WOODSTONE WAY SWALLOW LAKE DR WARREN CT RIVER VIEW PARK DR MILLWO OD L N COUNT RY PLACE DR WHITE OAK DR C HEYENNE CIR PAUL WESTON DR BIG CONE DR MILL RUN CALBRIETH WAY O RCHARD WAY PALMETTO PKWY LAKEWOOD CIR PALMETTO PKWY KNOX AVE ASCAUGA LAK E RD PALMETTO PKWY JACKSON AVE INTERSTATE 20 RAMP PALMETTO PK WY MossyCreekElementary NorthAugustaHigh PaulKnoxMiddle Victory Christian School North Augusta Middle BelvedereElementary Hammond Hills Elementary North Augusta Elementary Our Lady of Peace School Martintowne Plaza CrossRoadsMarket NorthAugustaPlaza Edgewood Square River Commons NorthHills Triangle Plaza Shoppesat NorthAugusta NorthRidge Plaza Col. Leroy Hammond Park Riverview Park Maude Edenfield Park Curtis Park Wade HamptonVeterans Park Northview Park (Planned) Summerfield Park Greeneway Boeckh Park Creighton Park BrickPond Park John C. Calhoun ParkLions Memorial Field Bunting Park Davenport Park 18 5 6 19 10 6 8 191721 6 15 15 24 11 19 10 1 23 7 9 22 22 12 24 20 14 3 20 13 4 16 2 Augusta Riverwalk Au gusta Canal N a t i o nal Herita g e Trail A r ea River ClubGolf Course !Trailheads and Potential Trailheads !Intersection Improvements ^Proposed Grade Separated Crossing !(Project Number Existing Sidewalks Proposed Sidewalks Proposed Bike Lane Proposed Bike Route Existing Side Path Proposed Side Path Existing Greeneway Proposed Greeneway Trails by Developer Existing Soft Surface Trail Legend Proposed Soft Surface Trail Existing Connector Proposed Connector Existing Bridge Proposed Bridge Railroad School Park Shopping Center City Owned Parcels Water City Limits 0 108 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 7 | TRANSPORTATION THAT FACILITATES MOBILITY & ACTIVITY Palm e t t o P k w y Wagener Rd GordonHwy Sand BarFerryRd MikePadgettHwy TobaccoRd WashingtonRd WindsorSpringRd Highway 88 Rudy Mason Pkwy GordonHwy AugustaRd WashingtonRd TrolleyLineRd Walton Way Wrightsboro Rd Main S t SilverBluffRd DeansBridgeRd JeffersonDavis Hwy E MartintownRd RiverwatchPkwy Edgefield Hwy SudlowLakeRd ColumbiaHwy RichlandAve DeansBridgeRd Hitchcock Pkwy AtomicRd StormBranchRd TubmanRd WillisForemanRd Richardsons LakeRd FurysFerry Road Broad S t WrightsboroRd WillistonRd ChimeBellChurchRd Hardy Mcmanus Rd CharlestonHwy HuberClayRd Old Graniteville Hwy OldEvansRd ColumbiaRd Whiskey Rd WFiveNotch Rd PineLogRd PeachOrchard R d AtomicRd Do u g B arnar d Pk wy NBelairRd StoreyMillRd §¨20 §¨520 §¨20 §¨520 §¨20 §¨52011th S t Edgefield AikenColumbia Richmond GROVETOWN BURNETTOWN AIKEN NORTHAUGUSTA NEWELLENTON FORTGORDON BLYTHE HEPHZIBAH AUGUSTA Regional Transportation Study Map produced by Augusta Planning & Development Department for the 2015-2018 Transportation Improvement Program. 109NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 7 | TRANSPORTATION THAT FACILITATES MOBILITY & ACTIVITY SAVA N N A H R I V E R 20 20 520 520 25 25 1 278 197 230 230 421 125 120 902 EDG E F I E L D AIKE N MA R T I N T O W N R D GEO R G I A A V E KN O X A V E SC GA AUGUSTA Major Transportation Corridors 110 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 7 | TRANSPORTATION THAT FACILITATES MOBILITY & ACTIVITY MARTINTOWN ROAD AS A GATEWAY FOR NORTH AUGUSTA Martintown Road is a fi ve lane arterial road that runs northwest to southeast through North Augusta and connects to Georgia and Knox Avenues. While it connects Downtown with I-20 and acts as a gateway into the City, it also acts as a spine for some of North Augusta’s most established neighborhoods. Unlike Knox Avenue, there are fewer commercial uses along the corridor and the general character is more naturalistic and residential. Carolina Avenue & Martintown Road Intersection Modifications The Martintown Road and Carolina Avenue intersection’s current design (left) is more like a highway than a city street. A channelized right hand turn lane on both Martintown Road and Carolina Avenue make this intersection oriented for cars and unsafe for pedestrians. Crossing the channelized turn lanes and the wide roads is an impediment for local residents to walk to transit stops and existing stores. A preliminary study of traffic counts on Martintown Road and Carolina Avenue do not warrant these channelized movements. In an effort to make North Augusta more walkable, making this important gateway intersection safe for pedestrians and cyclists should be a priority. Reclaiming this land for a significant gateway structure can be instrumental in directing people from I-20 into the Downtown shopping and entertainment district. Proposed Martintown Road Street Improvements (Between Knox and Georgia Avenues) Proposed improvements narrow travel lanes where appropriate, add bike lanes, widen sidewalks, include a buffer between the sidewalk and the travel lane, introduce pedestrian- scaled streetlights, and landscaping. Appropriately sized travel lanes, tree line, and lamp poles narrow the cone of vision for the drivers. These elements serve to slow cars to speeds more appropriate to pedestrians and cyclists from the adjacent neighborhoods. 111NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 7 | TRANSPORTATION THAT FACILITATES MOBILITY & ACTIVITY New mixed-use construction Transition of scale between existing townhomes & new mixed-use construction Extend existing townhouse fabric Improve road connections to existing neighborhoods Line new major roads with street trees Legend New Buildings: Mixed-Use, Commercial, or Multi-Family Residential Townhomes Martintown Road Conceptual Redevelopment Opportunities Changes in the design of Martintown Road will support redevelopment of the focus area important to reaching the goals set forth by the citizens of North Augusta. Strip malls past their time should be the area to focus future retail and office growth. This design shows the demolition of the aged-out strip mall at Martintown Road and Carolina Avenue. The newly vacant land plus the massive parking lot now designed for mixed-use, retail, office, and residential uses in one location. 112 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 7 | TRANSPORTATION THAT FACILITATES MOBILITY & ACTIVITY 113NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 7 | TRANSPORTATION THAT FACILITATES MOBILITY & ACTIVITY The illustration shows how multifamily housing, which is very much needed in North Augusta, can enhance this gateway into Downtown and the riverfront. The redesign of Martintown Road, the retrofit of failing retail areas, and the introduction of housing in key areas, can set a foundation for this focus area to be oriented towards walkers, cyclists and cars. Making sure the design of the built environment and future development reflects the goal of making North Augusta more walkable will help tie together the focus areas at the heart of the city. Conceptual Improvements along Martintown Road Existing site conditions 114 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 7 | TRANSPORTATION THAT FACILITATES MOBILITY & ACTIVITY Rather than widening a road, adding elements like planted medians & buffers, bike lanes and decorative lighting can make a corridor more attractive while maintaining carrying capacity. A “protected bike lane” in Minneapolis is safely separated and delineated from 3 lanes of faster- moving vehicular traffic. 7.1.1 The widening of roadways and the construction of new roads should be sensitive to contextual land uses. Roadways should be widened as a last solution to congestion problems. Instead, making new connections between existing streets or building new streets to expand the transportation network should fi rst be considered. New roads should be designed with the surrounding context in mind, especially in residential, natural conservation, and historically signifi cant areas. Landscaping, forested areas, open space, and other mitigation elements should be used to create a sensitive transition between transportation and land use systems. 7.1.2 The design of each street shall provide safe and comfortable travel for users of all modes of transportation. As each street is resurfaced, it should be designed to accommodate all modes of transportation including pedestrians and cyclists to the greatest extent practical. The reduction of lane width and re-evaluation of number of lanes required can identify additional space in the right-of-way that could be used for protected bike lanes, cycle tracks, etc. Sidewalks should be widened and separated from the street with a landscaped buff er where possible. GOALS & STRATEGIES IMPLEMENT A COMPLETE STREETS POLICY: A complete streets policy can ensure safety for all modes of transportation7.1 115NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 7 | TRANSPORTATION THAT FACILITATES MOBILITY & ACTIVITY 7.2.1 Preserve and repair the existing street network through overall connectivity. Identify potential new vehicular, pedestrian, and multimodal connections, especially in the neighborhoods surrounding downtown, that will provide additional opportunities for residents to walk and bike to local retailers and businesses. Enhanced connectivity can encourage more walkability, a healthier population, and support local businesses. 7.2.2 Complete a Connectivity Study to identify and improve connections between downtown and its surrounding neighborhoods. Conduct a planning study to identify the most important connections between downtown, future and existing activity centers, neighborhoods, and other destinations. This will help prioritize future investment and projects. Improving pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and making it more attractive and signifi cant with larger sidewalks, street furniture, a street trees, additional landscaping, lighting, and bike facilities will improve the walkability of North Augusta and the quality of life for its citizens. 7.2.3 The use of cul-de-sacs and dead-end streets should be minimized. Cul-de-sacs and dead-end streets thwart the connectivity of the street network, making neighborhoods less walkable and nearby mixed-use, retail, and business uses less accessible to citizens. We will allow these only in cases where sites are physically restrained by water bodies, elevation changes, protected areas or species, etc. 7.2.4 Connect the streets of new development with the street network of existing development. In new development, leave stubs for future connection. When new development and redevelopment occurs, its street network should connect with the existing street network in as many instances as possible. This will help integrate new and existing neighborhoods, improve walkability and accessibility, and allow for more effi cient transportation systems. New development that is not adjacent to existing development shall leave at least two stubs within the street network for future connectivity between neighborhoods. Cul-de-sacs in subdivisions on Martintown Road impair connectivity between neighborhoods A street stub in a subdivision off Knox Avenue allows for future connectivity to a new development INCREASE CONNECTIVITY BETWEEN NEIGHBORHOODS AND DOWNTOWN: Greater connectivity can encourage walkability and support downtown businesses by local residents 7.2 116 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 7 | TRANSPORTATION THAT FACILITATES MOBILITY & ACTIVITY 7.3.1 Expand the Greeneway to downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods. The Greeneway is one of the most important elements to the citizens of North Augusta. The unique experience of being able to walk or bike next to the Savannah River draws visitors from all over the region. Expanding it to connect to more neighborhoods and downtown can help regenerate retail and business uses downtown and make them more accessible to residents and visitors. While connecting the greeneway to downtown has been studied, this important element needs to be considered as part of a comprehensive downtown master plan, rather than as an isolated facility. 7.3.2 Improve streetscape and pedestrian facilities on Georgia Avenue downtown to support a vibrant retail, entertainment, and mixed-use environment. Renovating and enhancing the streetscape downtown, including widening the sidewalks on Georgia Avenue, will lay the groundwork for activating downtown. Wider sidewalks will provide space for outdoor dining and other street activity that can revitalize the area ahead of any redevelopment and the construction of fi rst-class retail, dining, and entertainment uses. Providing updated lighting, street furniture, and landscaping will enhance the experience of being a customer downtown. Greenville, South Carolina’s Swamp Rabbit Trail is an iconic feature of its downtown, following alongside the Reedy River before it transitions seamlessly into the surrounding neighborhoods. Some enhancements have been made to the streetscape downtown, but the sidewalks currently are not wide enough to support outdoor dining and entertainment. PROVIDE MOBILITY SOLUTIONS FOR PEDESTRIANS AND CYCLISTS: Safe and convenient resources can encourage citizens to use multiple types of transportation instead of reliance on the automobile 7.3 117NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 7 | TRANSPORTATION THAT FACILITATES MOBILITY & ACTIVITY 7.3.3 Complete a sidewalk inventory. Take inventory of the location and condition of existing sidewalks. This will highlight gaps in the sidewalk network and allow North Augusta to plan and prioritize connecting those gaps in the network. It will also help to prioritized and plan needed repairs to aging sidewalks. 7.3.4 Complete and widen sidewalks on important pedestrian routes between neighborhoods and downtown. Widening, repairing, and completing gaps in sidewalks on important pedestrian routes between neighborhoods and downtown, as well as other focus areas will increase walkability and attractiveness in those areas, thereby enhancing and activating them. 7.3.5 Implement the City of North Augusta Greeneway, Pedestrian, and Bicycle Master Plan. The City of North Augusta Greeneway, Pedestrian, and Bicycle Master Plan identifi es and prioritizes future facilities to enhance the walkability and bikeability experience for North Augusta. Funding should be identifi ed for the completion of the recommended improvements in a timely manner. 7.3.6 Require designated pedestrian facilities in activity centers between transit stops and destinations. Ensure that new development is designed to be bicycle and pedestrian friendly. Pedestrian connections and facilities should be included in future activity center development. Facilities should include street furniture, lighting, ADA accessibility, landscaping, and other solutions to ensure the comfort, safety, and accessibility of pedestrians and cyclists. The quality of design and construction of our public realm has a direct impact on attracting people to those spaces and adjacent businesses. 7.3.7 Encourage bicycle racks, lockers, and showers be provided in new development. Our goals are to make North Augusta a more connected city with the Greeneway as the necklace of the community. As more cyclists begin to use the Greeneway throughout the city, we must provide adequate facilities for them, especially in and around businesses and activity centers. We will encourage new development to provide bicycle racks at a minimum, while new centers of employment will be encouraged to provide lockers and showers for cycling commuters. The sidewalk along Buena Vista Ave ends just two blocks outside of downtown. Bike racks can be beautiful and artistic pieces of public art that make the public realm more attractive, as well as functional. 118 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 7 | TRANSPORTATION THAT FACILITATES MOBILITY & ACTIVITY This attractive bus shelter and sidewalk include necessary amenities like signage, bike racks, and trash receptacles as well as public art, photo-voltaic panels and textured paving materials. EXPAND PUBLIC TRANSIT OPPORTUNITIES: Enhancing public transit routes and facilities will provide more transportation options to citizens7.4 7.4.1 Enhance local and regional bus service along important routes and corridors. We will work with Aiken County to expand regional bus service along important routes and corridors as identifi ed by the City of North Augusta. We will also coordinate with Aiken County to incorporate transit enhancements in future planning eff orts. 7.4.2 Bus stops should be improved with shelters, lighting, trash receptacles, street furniture, and bike racks. The character, cleanliness, and style of bus stops are important to promoting a well-used system and providing transit- dependent riders with dignifi ed locations to wait. Bus stops should be prioritized based upon their proximity to activity centers and visual prominence in the community. These stops should be enhanced with high quality facilities, such as, shelters, lighting, trash receptacles, street furniture, and bike racks to encourage transit use among residents and enhance the overall appearance of these stations. 7.4.3 Pedestrian connections between development and existing or planned bus stops should be included in every major site plan. To ensure that development design is sensitive to transit users and all pedestrians, pedestrian connections and facilities shall be included in every site plan approved by the City. Facilities should include street furniture, lighting, ADA accessibility, landscaping, and other solutions to ensure the comfort, safety, and accessibility of transit users to mixed-use, retail, offi ce, and residential developments. 119NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 7 | TRANSPORTATION THAT FACILITATES MOBILITY & ACTIVITY 7.5.1 Implement shared parking strategies and eliminate minimum parking requirements. We will work between city departments to identify strategies to minimize the amount of land devoted to surface parking. Future planning eff orts should implement shared parking strategies and eliminate minimum parking requirements in new development. Additionally, the City should work with private landowners of prominent parcels in activity centers which are currently predominantly used as surface parking. Temporary and pop-up uses can utilize surface parking lots to activate otherwise dead spaces. 7.5.2 On-street parking should be provided downtown and in other activity centers where possible. On-street parking can have many benefi ts for mixed-use, retail, and local businesses. It creates a safer and more comfortable pedestrian environment by buff ering the sidewalk from traffi c. On-street parking that is frequently occupied can provide signs of vibrancy and activity to passersby. It also can minimize the need for surface parking lots. Parallel on-street parking should be utilized primarily. Reverse angled parking can be useful, but front angled should be discouraged. 7.5.3 Encourage shared access between adjacent developments to reduce curb cuts in the streetscape. Curb cuts in the streetscape allow access to parking lots, but too many can have a very disruptive impact on the automobile and the pedestrian environment. They create more opportunities for cars and people to come in confl ict and can lead to issues of safety. We will require shared access between parking lots and encourage rear access for vehicles where appropriate. PROVIDE PARKING MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS THAT REDUCE THE IMPACT OF THE AUTOMOBILE ON OUR BUILT ENVIRONMENT: Reduced and coordinated parking requirements can maximize available land for better development 7.5 Possible opportunity to share parking between the churches in Downtown North Augusta and the adjacent commercial spaces, which usually differ in hours of operation from one another. Example of on-street parking mixed with open space along Broad Street in Augusta. 120 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 8 | STEWARDSHIP OF OUR NATURAL & CULTURAL RESOURCES 121NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 8 | STEWARDSHIP OF OUR NATURAL & CULTURAL RESOURCES 8 STEWARDSHIP OF OUR NATURAL & CULTURAL RESOURCES In This Chapter Historic Resources 124 Cultural Resources 126 North Augusta’s Environment 128 Goals & Strategies 136 The physical characteristics of the land and the area’s natural resources have played a signifi cant role in the development of North Augusta over the last 300 years. 123NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 8 | STEWARDSHIP OF OUR NATURAL & CULTURAL RESOURCES North Augusta has a wealth of natural, historical, and cultural resources that defi ne our identity. The physical characteristics of the land and the area’s natural resources have played a signifi cant role in our development and it is our intention to be good stewards of these gifts and enhance their role in our community. In the past, as urban land use has spread and natural areas have been developed, the community’s interest in protecting natural resources while accommodating new growth has risen. Making the Savannah River waterfront and other natural areas in the community more accessible in an environmentally sustainable way will increase their infl uence and meaning to our city. Additionally, North Augusta is built on a strong history that is refl ected in many cultural resources that still exist today. While some resources have been lost over time, we will continue to celebrate and cherish the physical and historical underpinnings of our community. WHAT? prioritize our resources WHY? unique & sustainable community With so many wonderful environmental and cultural resources to protect, setting priorities help to ensure the most important ones are maintained and exploited in the community. By maintaining and exploiting our top cultural and environmental resources we learn, respect, and grow as a unique and prideful community based in a sustainable frame of mind. 124 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 8 | STEWARDSHIP OF OUR NATURAL & CULTURAL RESOURCES HISTORIC RESOURCES Historic Buildings There are a number of historic buildings remaining in the city that represent North Augusta’s rich history, many of which are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places and should be preserved. The majority of these are located within the original 1891 Boeckh Plat, mostly concentrated on Georgia Avenue, Carolina Avenue, West Avenue, and Martintown Road. They include large, stately homes in Victorian and vernacular styles from the early 20th century. Because of their location on primary routes for traffi c, many historic buildings have been lost to new commercial buildings or parking lots, or have been drastically altered to accommodate zoning laws. Historic District The Georgia Avenue-Butler Avenue Historic District is a National Register Historic District. The district encompasses part of the property which was the site of the former Hampton Terrace Hotel and contains several buildings which were associated with it, as well as other large residences. The four buildings of architectural importance and 12 supporting properties were built between 1900 and 1930 and illustrate the antebellum growth of the city as a winter resort. Several of the structures along Georgia Avenue remain substantially intact and may be eligible for historic designation. One of the key properties, Star of Edgefi eld, (c.1859), is one of the oldest houses in North Augusta. It was once part of an extensive plantation owned by Robert J. Butler. Butler sold 5,600 acres of this property to James U. Jackson’s North Augusta Land Company in 1890. Several houses were constructed on lots which had been part of the Butler plantation including Palmetto Lodge, a hunting lodge (c.1903), and Pine Heights, a sanitarium (c.1899), both built for guests of the Hampton Terrace Hotel. The district also contains an unusually fi ne collection of intact early twentieth century residential styles including Queen Anne, Classical Revival and Tudor Revival. SiderealAve GeorgiaAve Observatory Ave W M a r t i n t o w n R d ButlerAve E M a r t i n to w n SummerhillRdCl a y S t San d e rsS t WArlingtonHts Atlan t i s A v e tonA v e ConcordAve E Mars h a l l A v e HamptonTer Ridgec r e s t A v e RidgecrestAve Outline and aerial of the Butler Avenue and Georgia Avenue historic district Lookaway Inn at the top of Georgia Avenue in Downtown 125NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 8 | STEWARDSHIP OF OUR NATURAL & CULTURAL RESOURCES Religious Institutions Seventeen (17) churches representing an extensive list of denominations are located in the North Augusta city limits. Some of which are historic, while others add to neighborhood amenities and culture, especially Downtown. • Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints • Fairview Presbyterian Church • First Baptist Church of North Augusta • First Providence Baptist Church • Grace Fellowship • Grace United Methodist Church • Hammond Grove Baptist Church • Holy Trinity Lutheran Church • Immanuel Baptist Church • North Augusta Bible Chapel • North Augusta Church of Christ • North Augusta Southern Methodist Church • Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church • Ridgeview Baptist Church • Second Providence Baptist Church • St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church • True North Church • Victory Baptist Church & School So u r c e : f a c e b o o k . c o m So u r c e : f a c e b o o k . c o m So u r c e : s c i w a y . n e t b y L a r y G l e a s o n So u r c e : c a r o l i n a s n a l c . o r g Grace United Methodist Church First Baptist Church of North Augusta Fairview Presbyterian Church First Providence Baptist Church Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 126 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 8 | STEWARDSHIP OF OUR NATURAL & CULTURAL RESOURCES CULTURAL RESOURCES Cultural and Tourist Attractions and Facilities North Augusta, as a suburb of Augusta, shares in many of the cultural activities and events that take place in Augusta. However, in recent years, the cultural activities and events off ered in Augusta have not met all of the needs of North Augustans. Nonprofi t community organizations in North Augusta including the Cultural Arts Council, Olde Town Preservation Association, Heritage Council and North Augusta Forward have developed cultural activities and events in recent years to supplement the activities and events provided by Augusta organizations. Citizens continue to regularly express the need for additional cultural activities, facilities and events in North Augusta. In addition to parks throughout the city, the South Carolina Heritage Corridor travels through North Augusta. The 240 miles and fourteen counties that comprise the nationally recognized South Carolina Heritage Corridor are divided into four distinct regions and two routes that stretch from the port city of Charleston in the southern part of the state to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Oconee County in the north. Designated as a national heritage area, the Corridor is viewed as an economic development initiative attracting an estimated 700,000 visitors per year. The Corridor travels though North Augusta along its Discovery Route, following the trail of the Charleston-Hamburg Railroad, the nation’s fi rst and then longest railroad which stretched from Charleston to North Augusta (then Hamburg, South Carolina). The railroad led to the development of many small market towns along the way. From North Augusta, the corridor travels west and north through mill towns that thrived on power generated from water as it meandered down from the Blue Ridge Mountains in the north. Community Festivals The residents of North Augusta enjoy a variety of cultural and historic events throughout the year. These events are sponsored and supported by numerous community organizations and businesses, the City of North Augusta and its neighbors and citizens. The annual Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee Festival, one of the City’s largest events, takes over downtown North Augusta. Photo from The Augusta Chronicle of the Living History Park in North Augusta, where cultural events and historic demonstrations bring the past to back to life. Children at Camp Calhoun, a summer camp about The South Carolina Heritage Corridor. S o u r c e : b y M i c h a e l H o l a h a n at c h r o n i c a l . a u g u s t a . c o m S o u r c e : w w w . c a r o l i n a l i v i n g . c o m a n d ww w . s c - h e r i t a g e c o r r i d o r . o r g S o u r c e : w w w . a i k e n s t a n d a r d . c o m 127NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 8 | STEWARDSHIP OF OUR NATURAL & CULTURAL RESOURCES Annual Events in North Augusta include: • Music in the Park Summer Concert Series • A Day to Remember Colonial Trades Fair and Militia Muster • Spring Artisans Fair • Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee • Labor Day “Rest Fest” • Lions Club Christmas Parade • Carols in the Park • Mayor’s Prayer Lunch • Easter Egg Hunt North Augusta Cultural Arts Council The North Augusta Cultural Arts Council, founded in 1996, is a not-for-profi t organization whose mission is the support of existing arts and the development of new arts programs for the citizens of North Augusta. The Arts Council is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and is funded by the City of North Augusta and various grants and donations. Regular program activities include “Music in the Park,” a series of free concerts throughout the summer at Maude Edenfi eld Park. Other activities have included: a annual student talent show, a citywide competitive student art show, a community artist-in-residence program, an artists’ banner program, and theater productions Veterans Concert and Prism Concert. In 2003, to provide the community with an indoor facility for the performing arts, the Arts Council solicited funding and, with the approval of the Aiken County Board of Education, completed extensive renovations to the North Augusta High School Auditorium. The $120,000 in improvements funded primarily by North Augusta Forward included new stage dressings and professional light and sound equipment. North Augusta Arts Heritage Center With the opening of the Municipal Center, The Cultural Arts Council and the Heritage Council jointly erected the North Augusta Arts and Heritage Center to manage 7,500 square feet of space within the center celebrating the community’s heritage and showcasing local artists. Olde Town Preservation Association The North Augusta Olde Towne Preservation Association was founded in 1991 to preserve the unique historic character of North Augusta. The Preservation Association hosts “A Day to Remember,” a two-day colonial trades fair and militia muster at the Creighton Living History Park. The Preservation Association also hosts a spring Artisans Fair, shares historic topics and activities with local school children, and participates in numerous community and regional events. The Lions Club Christmas Parade (2014) Music in the Park’s R2D1 Band (2011) A Day to Remember (2015) So u r c e : c h r o n i c l e . a u g u s t a . c o m by C h r i s T h e l e n So u r c e : a i k e n s t a n d a r d . c o m So u r c e : n a t o d a y . a u g u s t a . c o m by T o d d B e n n e t t 128 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 8 | STEWARDSHIP OF OUR NATURAL & CULTURAL RESOURCES NORTH AUGUSTA’S ENVIRONMENT Geography and Topography North Augusta is located in western Aiken County in central South Carolina adjacent to the Savannah River. Adjoining counties include Richmond and Columbia in Georgia to the south and west, and Edgefi eld County, South Carolina to the north. A substantial area of unincorporated Aiken County lies to the east and southeast. North Augusta is approximately 67 miles west of Columbia, the South Carolina state capitol, and 150 miles east of Atlanta, the Georgia state capitol. North Augusta and Aiken County are located on the “fall line,” a geologic boundary following the Appalachian Mountain Range from Alabama to New York. In South Carolina the “fall line” transition area separates the piedmont from the coastal plain topographic regions. Elevations range from 125 to 550 feet above sea level. In general, the area is comprised of fl at terrain and gently rolling hills with slopes ranging from zero to 20 percent. EDGE F I E L D AIKE N Topographic map of North Augusta area 129NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 8 | STEWARDSHIP OF OUR NATURAL & CULTURAL RESOURCES Climate North Augusta’s climate is relatively mild and characterized by long warm summers and relatively short mild winters. Average temperatures in June are in the 70’s while temperatures in January are in the 40’s. Prevailing winds are from the southeast and southwest, bringing in moist tropical air from the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. In summer, the average temperature is 79 degrees and the average daily high exceeds 90 degrees in June, July and August. In winter, the average temperature is 47 degrees and the average daily minimum temperature is 35 degrees. Total annual precipitation is approximately 46 inches. Annual precipitation amounts have been below normal for the last 45 years. The average relative humidity in mid-afternoon is about 50 percent. Humidity is higher at night and the average at dawn is about 90 percent. Soils Due to the variety of topography and geologic conditions within the city limits, numerous soil types are identifi ed in North Augusta. Generally, soils in the community are identifi ed as Troupe-Lakeland-Fuquay in the Soil Survey of Aiken County Area, South Carolina by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Troupe-Lakeland-Fuquay is characterized as well-drained sandy soils that have loamy subsoil, and excessively drained soils that are sandy throughout. Agricultural & Forest Land Historically, much of what is now within the North Augusta city limits was farmed. Today there is very little land within the city utilized for agricultural purposes. There is a considerable amount of undeveloped land that is timbered periodically both within the city limits and within the planning area. The forested lands are periodically timbered to take advantage of income opportunities, often just prior to land development activity. There is currently no land within the planning area that is exclusively for timbering purposes. New land development projects are not often planned with a goal of preserving high quality natural areas and existing tree stands. The result is often the clear cutting of forested land and unnecessary destruction of natural habitat. from Southeast & Southwest 79 degrees47 degrees46 inches Prevailing Winds Average Summer Temperature Average Winter Temperature Total Annual Precipitation 130 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 8 | STEWARDSHIP OF OUR NATURAL & CULTURAL RESOURCES Endangered Species Relict Trillium (Trillium reliquum), an herbaceous member of the lily family, is listed as an endangered species in Georgia and South Carolina and is on the federal endangered species list. It exists within and adjacent to Riverview Park and on several riverfront parcels that are privately owned. There have been additional fi ndings of Relict Trillium in other parts of the city north of I-20 and Bergen Road, specifi cally northeast of the Bergen Place development. Bottlebrush Buckeye (Aesculus parvifl ora) is a wide spreading shrub native to South Carolina. It is currently listed as a Regional Species of Concern by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. A protected population is located in the Savannah River Bluff s Heritage Preserve. The native habitat is river banks, bluff s and wooded hillsides in the piedmont and coastal plain of the state. The Rocky Shoals Spider Lily (Hymenocallis coronaria) is a perennial native to South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama. Also known as the shoals spider lily and cahaba lily, it is found in major streams and rivers in rocky shoals and in cracks of exposed bedrock. The Savannah River is a habitat of the rare fl owering plant. The Rocky Shoals Spider Lily is listed as an endangered species in Georgia and as a species of concern in South Carolina. It has been proposed federal endangered species status. All projects that require or utilize a direct federal approval, permit, grant, loan or loan guarantee must comply with provisions of the Endangered Species Act including consultation with the U.S. Department of the Interior to avoid adverse impacts on endangered species. Properties proposed for such permits or approvals are surveyed and evaluated for threatened and endangered species, especially Relict Trillium. Conservation Areas & Open Space The City of North Augusta and the planning area include several conservation, recreation and natural areas. The original plan for the city, prepared by Charles Boeckh, represented some of the best characteristics of the City Beautiful Movement in city planning and included the preservation of natural open space, steeply contoured land and natural drainage ways as parkland. The “Boeckh Plat” was based on a grid and set aside major open spaces following natural drainage ways leading to the Savannah River. Parks and open space were envisioned on those drainage ways. The “Boeckh Ravine Parks,” located on both sides of the original city, have been developed to some degree. The original planned natural areas in the city have been zoned “open space preservation” for approximately thirty years and the potential for future development, other than as parks and open space, is limited. Additional areas of the city annexed over the last sixty years are currently subject to future development and include natural and sensitive lands and drainage ways. Some of those areas are in danger of insensitive development and destruction. Additionally, there are large undeveloped areas of environmentally sensitive land outside the city limits but within the planning area that are also in danger of insensitive development. One example of an appropriate land conservation eff ort was undertaken by the South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Department when it acquired approximately 80 acres on the Savannah River north and northwest of the Savannah Barony subdivision for preservation in a natural state. The site, known as the Savannah River Bluff s Heritage Preserve, is part of the South Carolina Heritage Trust Program and is the only permanently protected habitat for the federally endangered Relict Trillium. ww w . f w s . g o v ww w . d i s c o v e r l i f e . o r g www . k a y a k i n g c a t a w b a r i v e r . c o m Bottlebrush Buckeye Rocky Shoals Spider Lily Relict Trillium 131NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 8 | STEWARDSHIP OF OUR NATURAL & CULTURAL RESOURCES There are a number of large undeveloped parcels close to the city center that contain areas of both steep slopes and wetlands. However, large portions of the unimproved parcels are appropriate for urban development. They are located east of Georgia along the bluff overlooking the Savannah River, east of Martintown Road between Martintown Road and the Savannah River, and east of US 25 in Belvedere. Air Quality Air quality is a signifi cant issue throughout the country, in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) and in Aiken County. Air pollution has a direct impact on public health and well-being. It also has implications for economic development, transportation, and the quality of life in a community. However, air pollution in the CSRA, including North Augusta, currently meets the limits set by the EPA. Ozone, the main ingredient of smog, is a serious air quality problem. Even at low levels ozone can have a number of eff ects on the human respiratory system. Particulate matter is another air pollutant, and includes any material that exists as solid or liquid in the atmosphere and may be in the form of fl y ash, soot, dust, fog, fumes or other materials. Particulate matter causes irritation and damage to the respiratory system resulting in diffi culty breathing, bronchitis and aggravated respiratory disease. Exposure to particulates aff ects individuals with chronic pulmonary or cardiovascular disease, infl uenza and asthma. It aff ects children and the elderly most severely. Current data indicate that the Augusta Metropolitan Area has an ozone problem. The states of Georgia and South Carolina monitor ozone in a variety of locations on both sides of the river. Monitoring stations in recent years have recorded ozone levels exceeding allowable standards on several occasions. As of 2015, under the Federal Clean Air Act Amendment, violations occur when 8-hour ozone averages exceed 0.07 parts per million. Communities whose three- year averages for ozone exceed the national 8-hour standard are designated as non- attainment areas. The Augusta metropolitan area has so far avoided such designation. Non-attainment designation has implications for economic development and transportation in the area. Under non- attainment new or expanding industry that generates emissions would be subject to the EPA’s new source review program requiring new plants and major modifi cations to existing plants to obtain a permit before construction which can be issued only if the new plant or major modifi cation includes pollution control measures that refl ect the best technology available. Under the Clean Air Act, metropolitan planning organizations in non-attainment areas must demonstrate through the transportation conformity process that planned transportation investment strategies and programs have air quality impacts consistent with the state implementation plan. They must also demonstrate that emissions do not exceed the target for emissions from mobile sources. Aiken County is participating with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Country (SCDHEC) in the State Implementation Plan (SIP). The State Implementation Plan (SIP) is developed to show how a state will meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for six common pollutants, called “criteria pollutants,” as set forth by the Clean Air Act. A SIP is the accumulated record of documents that form a blueprint and timeline for the state’s plans to assure compliance with the NAAQS for criteria 132 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 8 | STEWARDSHIP OF OUR NATURAL & CULTURAL RESOURCES pollutants (carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, lead, and particulate matter), as outlined in the Clean Air Act. SIPs include, among other things, control plans, regulations, and inventories of emissions within the state. Once approved, the SIP is enforceable by the state and EPA. For more information, see EPA’s SIP webpage. South Carolina’s SIP includes the initial SIP, which was submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1972, and the accumulated record of its amendments. These amendments, going back to 1973, along with the original SIP, constitute South Carolina’s SIP. Though there are many amendments, there is only one South Carolina SIP. DHEC submits amendments to the EPA, and after reviewing the revisions, the EPA publishes a proposed action, which is open for public comment in the Federal Register. Possible proposed actions include approval, disapproval, partial approval, conditional approval, and a direct fi nal rule. Following a review of the comments, the EPA issues a fi nal rule. The EPA memoranda that guides this process includes a 1992 memorandum and April and November 2011 memoranda. The EPA maintains approvals of all states’ SIPs in the Code of Federal Regulations. South Carolina’s is at 40 CFR Part 52, Approval of Implementation Plans, Subpart PP, South Carolina. Water Resources The dominant hydrographic feature in the city is the Savannah River. The river forms the city’s southwestern boundary and serves as the state line between Georgia and South Carolina. North Augusta’s potable water supply is pumped from the Savannah River. The stretch of the river adjacent to North Augusta is one of the more unique parts of the waterway. Adjacent to North Augusta is where the river rolls over the fall line separating the piedmont and coastal plain physiographic provinces. The shallow waters of the fall line served as a river crossing for centuries and the characteristics are in sharp contrast to the deeper navigable reaches downstream. This change in the river’s environment allows it to support a variety of plants, animals and wildlife, and gives residents a greater appreciation of the natural environment. Over the years a number of archaeological sites have been identifi ed in the area, many of which are located in the fl oodplains and swamps near the river corridor. Aerial of Savannah River between Augusta on the bottom and North Augusta above 133NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 8 | STEWARDSHIP OF OUR NATURAL & CULTURAL RESOURCES Drainage Basins North Augusta is located in the Middle Savannah Watershed of the Savannah River Basin. The City acquires its drinking water from the Savannah River. With that in mind, the Stormwater Management Department conducts extensive survys of the sub-basins drainage patterns, land uses, stream integrity, and water quality in sub-basins with medium and high density residential or commercial land uses. There are seventeen drainage sub-basins delineated and named. The data for each is used to rank the sub-basin’s overall health as Excellent, Good, Fair or Poor. When a new development project is proposed, its location in the watershed is determined along with the sub-basin ranking as part of the overall review and assessment of the project. The city ordinance requires all projects adhere to a 25 foot natural stream buff er. In addition, for Fair and Poor ranked sub-basins, the city takes an even closer look at the project for the long-term sustainability, preservation, and protection of stream integrity and water quality. Detailed information is available in the City of North Augusta Stream Water Quality Assessment reports. Carolina Bays Carolina Bays are elliptical depressions concentrated along the Atlantic seaboard within coastal Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, and north- central Florida. Carolina bays vary in size from one to several thousand acres. About 500,000 of them are present in the Atlantic Coastal Plain, often in groups, with each bay invariably aligned in a northwest-southeast direction. The bays have many diff erent vegetative structures, based on the depression depth, size, hydrology, and subsurface. There are several Carolina Bays within or adjacent to the North Augusta city limits. One signifi cant bay is located on the Wertz property in the southeast quadrant of the I-20 – US 25 interchange at exit 5. It is known as Mathis Lake and is skirted by the new I-520 alignment on the east. New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam The Augusta Pool of the Savannah River between North Augusta, South Carolina and Augusta, Georgia has signifi cantly infl uenced the development of both communities. Both cities have invested millions of dollars to improve the riverfront as an anchor for private redevelopment eff orts. Created by the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam, the Augusta Pool is critical to maintain the municipal water supply intakes in North Augusta and the process water intakes for the SCE&G Urquhart power generating facility and fi ve major manufacturing plants. Rendering of the New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam with a safe fish passage on the right New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam Aerial of one of North Augusta’s Carolina Bays in the 1-20 - US 25 exit 5 interchange A kayaker and tire swing hanging above Aiken County’s Historic Horse Creek Water Trail So u r c e : G o o g l e E a r t h So u r c e : ch r o n i c l e . a u g u s t a . c o m So u r c e : b a l a n c i n g t h e b a s i n . ar m y l i v e . d o d l i v e . m i l So u r c e : di s c o v e r s o u t h c a r o l i n a . c o m 134 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 8 | STEWARDSHIP OF OUR NATURAL & CULTURAL RESOURCES In 2000, the City of North Augusta and Aiken County initiated a process to obtain title to the facility and manage it with a consortium of local governments, aff ected area industries and SCE&G. It was the hope that this would avoid its demolition, but only if Congress fi nanced $22 million in repairs that included a $7 million fi sh ladder to allow striped bass and other species to swim upstream. Current Federal legislation has the future of the lock and dam in doubt. There are competing interests on how to deal with the dam and fi sh passage. A solution that preserves the integrity of the Augusta Pool is vital. Floodplains & Wetlands Floodplains A substantial portion of the southwestern boundary of North Augusta bordering the Savannah River has been identifi ed as within the river’s fl oodplain and fl oodway. Additionally, portions of the drainage areas of several tributaries, Horse Creek, Pole Branch, Fox Creek, Crystal Lake Creek and Rapids Creek and include both fl oodways and fl oodplains. Floodplain studies of the Savannah River and fl ood control measures constructed upstream from North Augusta conducted in the early 1990’s resulted in the fl oodplain elevation within the city being lowered signifi cantly. In 1994, revised Flood Insurance Rate Maps were published. In 1997, the River Golf Club was zoned Planned Development (PD). The development included a golf course, clubhouse and single family residential units along the river. The RiverNorth tract, another planned development, is also currently under development as a residential community. Both developments include substantial protected wetland areas. Since the dams were constructed on the Savannah River and the fl ood elevation was lowered in 1994, much of the available Savannah River frontage in the city has been developed for private residential use and ownership. The residential development has re-shaped the riverbank, stabilized it with stone rip-rap and eliminated the natural riverbank vegetation. Some residential properties have violated city fl oodplain and fl oodway management regulations by fi lling in the fl oodway and modifying the riverbank. Areas of undeveloped riverfront land outside the city limits remain in a variety of parcel sizes and ownerships. Future development should retain natural vegetation and character when possible. Public access to the river is now severely limited in the city and in the planning area both upstream and downstream of the city limits. Approximately one mile of riverfront, formerly the original North Augusta industrial area, was purchased by the city for Brick Pond Park and Greeneway. The limited amount of undeveloped land remaining on the riverfront presents additional opportunities for public access. Wetlands Substantial wetland areas have been identifi ed along the river and its tributaries. The Sanders (RiverNorth between US 1 and I-520, the Palmetto Parkway), River Golf Club (between the 5th Street and 13th Street bridges) and Mason Turf Farm (east of the Palmetto Parkway) properties all contain substantial wetland areas. The wetlands areas of the River Club have been incorporated into the River Club Golf course. The RiverNorth wetlands have been reserved as a conservation area. The city also contains a number of smaller wetland areas along Horse Creek, Little Horse Creek, Mim’s Branch, Pole Branch, Fox Creek, Rapids Creek, Crystal Lake Creek and in the Boeckh Ravines. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers no longer claims jurisdiction for isolated upland wetlands, but the SCDHEC considers them “waters of the state” and requires mitigation if development impacts them. 135NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 8 | STEWARDSHIP OF OUR NATURAL & CULTURAL RESOURCES SAVA N N A H R I V E R 20 20 520 520 25 25 1 278 197 230 230 421 125 120 902 EDG E F I E L D AIKE N MA R T I N T O W N R D GEO R G I A A V E KN O X A V E SC GA AUGUSTA Water Resources Map of North Augusta, including: floodplains, tributaries, creeks, lakes, ponds, and the Savannah River 136 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 8 | STEWARDSHIP OF OUR NATURAL & CULTURAL RESOURCES 8.1.1 Introduce public art into neighborhoods, public open space, parks, the Greeneway, and downtown. Include public art in public space throughout North Augusta, including neighborhood streets, parks, the Greeneway and Downtown through gateways and wayfi nding, sculpture, memorials, installations, and other arts programs. 8.1.2 Promote local artists. The Artists Guild will continue to Identify and work to promote local artists. Partnering with local artists to create public art, or exhibit their work in community centers, City Hall, and Downtown businesses will identify the City has a place that is friendly to the arts. 8.1.3 Require a public art element in all municipal projects. Requiring public art or some cultural element in all municipal projects will help ensure that North Augusta continues to develop as a place that respects its unique identity. 8.1.4 Connect places of cultural signifi cance to public open spaces through multi-modal and Greeneway facilities. Identify existing and future locations of places of cultural signifi cance and connect them through the Greeneway facilities and other public spaces. Enhancing sidewalks and trails with furniture, lighting, seating, and other design elements will help enhance Downtown and the Greeneway facilities. 8.1.5 Existing community events and programs should be supported and expanded when possible. Existing events and programs should be supported and expanded by the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. The City should promote these new programs throughout the community. Ensuring that programs are off ered for the entire population of citizens, including children, young adults, families, and seniors will help cultivate healthy and active residents. One resource to consider for cultural events is the South Carolina Hertiage Corridor, which runs through North Augusta with a few sites located in the city including: The Arts and Heritage Center, Rosemary B&B, Lookaway Inn, and The Living History Park. All of these sites tie together the rich history, cultural infl uence, and historical sites of North Augusta. GOALS & STRATEGIES EXPAND THE ARTS & OTHER CULTURAL RESOURCES: Expand creative arts, cultural events, and resources off ered in public space and city programs that support them 8.1 137NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 8 | STEWARDSHIP OF OUR NATURAL & CULTURAL RESOURCES 8.2.1 Identify historic resources important to North Augusta’s identity and ensure their protection with funding for maintenance. In addition to the Georgia - Butler Avenue Historic District and additional buildings listed on the National Historic Register, identify other important structures, parks, open spaces, natural features, fences, walls, cemeteries and viewsheds that contribute to the identity of North Augusta. These should be listed, prioritized, and funding should be allocated to ensure their maintenance and preservation. Funding can include grants, historic tax credits, and/or City monies. 8.2.2 Work with the owners of Lookaway Hall and Rosemary Hall to ensure their preservation and maintenance. Lookaway Hall and Rosemary Hall are both very important to the historic identity of North Augusta. As physical reminders of the City’s founding on their prominent location on a hill overlooking Downtown, it is imperative that they remain icons of North Augusta’s identity. Creating a “Friends of Lookaway Hall” group to organize fundraising eff orts, or identifying grants and historic tax credits can assist in the buildings’ maintenance. 8.2.3 Protect the existing structures and ruins of Hamburg Original buildings from Hamburg remain today by E. Railroad Avenue and 5th Street Bridge. They are at risk of demolition with pressure to develop along the Riverfront. Additionally, with no markings, signage, facility, or parking, they are not celebrated or accessible to the public. Protecting their remains, and connecting them to the future extension of the Greeneway, will help celebrate the history and founding of North Augusta. 8.2.4 Protect historic neighborhoods adjacent to downtown through the preservation of the street network, paving materials, and open space, as well as, promoting context sensitive infi ll development and the preservation of existing housing. The enhancement of the existing street network and the condition of roads, sidewalks, and open space can help ensure the preservation the historic character of neighborhoods adjacent to Downtown. Promoting context sensitive development consistent with this character will help protect the unique identity of North Augusta. PROTECT AND RESTORE HISTORIC RESOURCES IMPORTANT TO NORTH AUGUSTA’S IDENTITY: Identify historical resources and develop a maintenance and renovation program and funding to ensure their protection 8.2 138 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 8 | STEWARDSHIP OF OUR NATURAL & CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVE AND EXPAND THE TREE CANOPY: Adopt regulations and coordinate between City departments to preserve and plant more trees8.3 8.3.1 Maintain our Tree City USA designation. In order to maintain our current Tree City USA designation we will continue to undertake the public works management and budget actions necessary including the following: 1. Maintain a Tree Board or Department 2. Implement a Tree Care Ordinance 3. Adopt a Community Forestry Program with an Annual Budget of at Least $2 per capita 4. Host an Arbor Day Observance and Proclamation 8.3.2 Create regulations to protect signifi cant trees. Adopt development regulations to require the preservation of existing signifi cant trees and tree clusters where appropriate on land proposed for new development. 8.3.3 Implement a City street trees program. We will implement a city program to plant street trees in existing rights of way where none currently exist and on city property where appropriate. Examples of street trees to encourage the continual growth of street tree programs. Far right: example of a significant tree that was preserved during new construction, visible behind the new building. 139NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 8 | STEWARDSHIP OF OUR NATURAL & CULTURAL RESOURCES 8.4.1 Cooperate with other government entities in the management of water resources. Continue cooperation with the states of South Carolina and Georgia, Aiken County, Augusta/Richmond County and Columbia County in the cooperative management of water resources in the Savannah River Basin. Maintain the Augusta Pool to preserve natural resources, provide for appropriate economic development and maintain an adequate water supply for the area. Cooperate with Aiken County, the SCDHEC and the ARTS in the implementation of the state SIP. 8.4.2 Improve water quality and channel integrity of impaired watershed basins. There are at least four basins in North Augusta that are considered to be impaired due largely to construction- related pollutants and erosion, making them unhealthy for aquatic life and human contact. Specifi c measures should be initiated to remedy these situations and restore them to ecological health. 8.4.3 Acquire or otherwise permanently protect environmentally sensitive areas. Utilize available city funding and intergovernmental grants to acquire natural drainage ways, Carolina Bays, unprotected upland wetlands and other environmentally sensitive areas, for open space preservation, stormwater management, park land and extensions of the Greeneway system. 8.4.4 Work with other local governments to protect the New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam Continue to work with the Army Corps of Engineers to restore the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam as well as the fi sh ladder to allow striped bass and other species to swim upstream. PROTECT THE SAVANNAH RIVER AND OTHER NATURAL RESOURCES: Coordinate with other organizations and adopt policies to protect natural resources in North Augusta 8.4 Views of and around the Savannah River CHAPTER 9 | ROBUST PARKS, RECREATION, & GREENEWAY NETWORK 140 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 141NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 9 | ROBUST PARKS, RECREATION, & GREENEWAY NETWORK 9 ROBUST PARKS, RECREATION & GREENEWAY NETWORK In This Chapter North Augusta Parks 144 The Greeneway System 148 Recreation Programs & Services 151 Goals & Strategies 152 The Greeneway network is the necklace of the community and one of the most valued amenities in North Augusta. 143NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 9 | ROBUST PARKS, RECREATION, & GREENEWAY NETWORK WHAT?WHY? robust green network North Augusta has a very strong sense of community. The public parks, recreation areas and Greeneway system nurture this and are a source of pride in our community. These public spaces are shared by everyone and, as such, are possibly the most diverse and unifying element in the city. The Greeneway network is the necklace of the community and one of the most valued amenities in North Augusta. The social fabric of the city is strengthened through these facilities and the programs they provide. They are critical to this sense of community in North Augusta. lifestyle & community As the city grows, we will strive to ensure that these amenities are expanded and maintained and that new facilities are implemented with new development. It is the recommendation of some parks advocates, like the Trust for Public Land, that every household be within a 1/2 mile from a park or the Greeneway. This is a very lofty goal, but certainly one to strive for, as our community has shown that we value public open space. Our citizens continue to prioritize investment in parks, the Greeneway, and community activities above most others. a comprehensive parks network that ensures every citizen is within 1/2 mile from a public, green space. to provide a healthy, walkable, and active lifestyle for citizens that builds community cohesion CHAPTER 9 | ROBUST PARKS, RECREATION, & GREENEWAY NETWORK 144 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN NORTH AUGUSTA PARKS The Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism maintains 17 parks, the Riverview Park Activities Center and the North Augusta Community Center. Parks have been developed over the years in North Augusta according to standards established by the National Recreation and Parks Association. The standards address the needs and population ratios for parks of various scales including mini, neighborhood, district and regional parks. Neighborhood Parks are developed on parcels of less than 2-5 acres in size, within walking distance of one or more neighborhoods and are easily accessed by bicycles. Neighborhood parks provide a playground area with picnic tables, tennis courts or basketball courts, open green space for play, a water fountain, and a small shelter. Neighborhood parks in the city system include Calhoun, Creighton, Bunting and Colonel Leroy Hammond Parks. Community Parks are 5 to 15 acres in size and include a playground, tennis and/or basketball courts, picnic tables and shelter, and open green space. Parks in the city system categorized as community parks include Summerfi eld, Walnut Lane, and Maude Edenfi eld Parks. District Parks are 15 to 70 acres in size and provide athletic fi elds, basketball courts, tennis courts, playground, water fountain, picnic shelter with seating for 50 people, a walking trail and paved parking. There are no district parks in the system at this time. Regional Parks are 100 to 200 acres in size and include major amenities including three or more softball fi elds, four or more baseball fi elds, two or more soccer fi elds, four or more lighted tennis courts, a picnic shelter capable of seating 80 or more people, four or more horseshoe pits, two or more restrooms, two or more campsites, trails, and paved parking. The only regional park in the city currently is Riverview Park. Lions Memorial Field Lions Memorial Field is one of North Augusta’s oldest recreational facilities. It was named for the North Augusta Lions Club who leased the property from the city for almost 30 years. Primarily used for football and community events, Lions Field was returned to the city and in 1999 received a $1.4 million dollar renovation that included new grandstands, a new concessions pavilion, new restroom facilities, new playground equipment and new practice fi elds. 5 25 25 278 197 230 120 EDGE F I E L D AIKE N MA R T I N T O W N R D W F I V E N O T C H R D GEO R G I A A V E KN O X A V E C Walnut Lane Neighborhood Park Wade Hampton Veterans Park Colonel Leroy Hammond Park Maude Edenfield Park Curtis Park John C. Calhoun Park GreenewayLiving History Park Riverview ParkCreighton Park Boat Ramp & Fishing Piers Summerfield Park Lions Memorial Field Davenport Park Boeckh ParkBunting Park Brickpond Park 1 1 10 10 11 11 2 2 12 12 3 3 13 13 4 4 14 14 5 5 15 15 6 6 16 16 7 7 17 17 8 8 9 9 North Augusta’s parks 145NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 9 | ROBUST PARKS, RECREATION, & GREENEWAY NETWORK Not included within the North Augusta city limits, but a short distance away is Hamilton Branch State Park within the Francis Marion Natural Forest. It off ers many recreation opportunities and facilities, including camping, fi shing, boating, playgrounds, picnic shelters, bird watching, geocaching, biking, and trails. Wade Hampton Veterans Park Named after Civil War General Wade Hampton, the park has monuments dedicated to the veterans of every war our country has participated in since the revolution. John C. Calhoun Park Located downtown between Georgia, Carolina and Forest Avenues, Calhoun Park contains a fountain and an obelisk erected in memory of Thomas McKie Meriweather, the only resident of Hamburg to be killed in the Hamburg riot of 1876. The monument was erected in 1913 or 1914. At the south end of the park is a monument for those killed in the World Wars. Originally, the park was rectangular, lying between Jackson and Forest Avenues. Calhoun Park is the site of the annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Carols in the Park. Also in the park is a statue of James U. Jackson, the founder and developer of North Augusta. Living History at Creighton Park The north area of Creighton Park, known as the Living History at Creighton Park, serves as the primary location for a variety of cultural venues. The park is also the site of “A Day to Remember,” a colonial trades fair and militia muster held in the fall, and a spring Artisans Fair, both sponsored by the Olde Towne Preservation Association. 17 Parks in North Augusta 7 Organized sports in North Augusta 13.8 Miles of Greeneway in North Augusta Optimist Club’s Easter Egg Hunt held at Lion’s Field Wade Hampton Veterans Park Calhoun Park Living History Park annual artisan’s fair Im a g e S o u r c e : S C I W A Y So u r c e : N o r t h A u g u s t a T o d a y Im a g e S o u r c e : L i v i n g H i s t o r y P a r k CHAPTER 9 | ROBUST PARKS, RECREATION, & GREENEWAY NETWORK 146 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SAVA N N A H R I V E R 20 20 520 520 25 25 1 278 197 230 230 421 125 120 902 EDGE F I E L D AIKE N MA R T I N T O W N R D W F I V E N O T C H R D GEO R G I A A V E KN O X A V E SC GA AUGUSTA Areas in North Augusta’s Within 1/4 - 1/2 mile of existing parks and Greenway facilities Walnut Lane Neighborhood Park Wade Hampton Veterans Park Colonel Leroy Hammond Park Maude Edenfi eld Park Curtis Park John C. Calhoun Park Greeneway Living History Park Riverview Park Creighton Park Boat Ramp & Fishing Piers Summerfi eld Park Lions Memorial Field Davenport Park Boeckh Park Bunting Park Brick Pond Park Legend 1/4 mile buff er 1/2 mile buff er North Augusta municipal area Parks 147NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 9 | ROBUST PARKS, RECREATION, & GREENEWAY NETWORK SAVA N N A H R I V E R 20 20 520 520 25 25 1 278 197 230 230 421 125 120 902 EDGE F I E L D AIKE N MA R T I N T O W N R D W F I V E N O T C H R D GEO R G I A A V E KN O X A V E SC GA AUGUSTA Areas in North Augusta not within 1/2 mile of existing parks Legend Areas not within 1/2 mile of a park Parks North Augusta municipal area CHAPTER 9 | ROBUST PARKS, RECREATION, & GREENEWAY NETWORK 148 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN THE GREENEWAY SYSTEM The North Augusta Greeneway is a public access multi-purpose trail, currently over 13.8 miles in length and initially developed as a “Rails-to-Trails” project on an unused Norfolk Southern railroad right of way. Its unique name stems from Mayor Thomas Greene, who served the City of North Augusta from 1985 to 1997 and was instrumental in the trail’s creation. The current Greeneway network runs south from Bergen Road past Riverview Park and Brick Pond Park and ends at Buena Vista Avenue. It includes a number of extensions and connections to public facilities and neighborhoods. It also includes a fi ve mile section parallel to the recently completed Palmetto Parkway (I-520). The Greeneway is used by the residents of North Augusta for many diff erent purposes: recreation, transportation, and fi tness. For many residents who live along the Greeneway it provides a safe, shady area to walk the dog, go for a run, or take children for a bike ride. The Greenway connects many neighborhoods and subdivisions to each other, downtown North Augusta, and the 13th Street bridge which connects directly to downtown Augusta. This makes the Greeneway a perfect route for many cyclists biking to work, or heading to the Augusta Canal for a ride. Development of the Greeneway continues. The fi rst phase, a 3.3 mile section from Georgia Avenue to Martintown Road, was completed in 1995. Phase 2, 1.5 miles from Martintown Road to Pisgah Road, was completed in early 1999. Later that year, the Greeneway Bridge, Phase 3, a 180-foot arch-truss pedestrian bridge across Martintown Road, closed the gap between the two sections. Phase IV of the Greeneway, another half mile, extended the Greeneway east from the Georgia Avenue Bridge to the clubhouse at the River Club Golf Course in 2000. Next, a 1.5 mile extension of the Greeneway along the Savannah River was completed in conjunction with the Hammond’s Ferry development. This public-private partnership development includes 55 acres of public park lands, consisting of a riverfront park and promenade connecting with the Greeneway and a 20+ acre lake. In 2011, an extension was built from Pisgah Road approximately 1 mile to the north under I-20. A master plan for the future development of the Greeneway has been developed and is included in the Augusta Regional Transportation Study Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities long range plan. It includes additional connections with neighborhoods, parks and schools throughout the community and another 2.7 mile extension to the southeast to Horse Creek. It also anticipates Savannah River crossings at up to fi ve locations to provide connections between the Greeneway 25 197 230 120 902 6 2 3 1 5 4 M A R T I N T O W N R D W F I V E N O T C H R D GEO R G I A A V E KN O X A V E Phases of the Greeneway Georgia Avenue to Martintown Road Martintown Road to Pisgah Road Pedestrian bridge across Martintown Road Georgia Avenue to River Club Golf Course Brick Pond Park to Hammond’s Ferry along the Savannah River Pisgah Road to I-20 1 2 3 4 5 6 149NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 9 | ROBUST PARKS, RECREATION, & GREENEWAY NETWORK and the Richmond County, Columbia County, and Augusta Canal National Heritage Area systems. Public parking and access to the Greeneway is provided at nine locations along the trail: SAVA N N A H R I V E R 20 20 520 520 25 25 1 278 197 230 230 421 125 120 902 EDGE F I E L D AIKE N MA R T I N T O W N R D W F I V E N O T C H R D GEO R G I A A V E KN O X A V E P P P P P P SC GA AUGUSTA Existing and Proposed Greeneway & Parking Facilities Legend Existing trails Proposed trails Parks Public parking North Augusta municipal area P • I-20 and Bergen Road • Pisgah Road near Five Notch Road • Martintown Road near the Greeneway Bridge • Activities Center in Riverview Park • Hammond’s Ferry Road • Municipal Center • Riverside Boulevard adjacent to Georgia Avenue • Carolina Springs Spur and Atomic Road • Ascauga Lake Road near I-520 CHAPTER 9 | ROBUST PARKS, RECREATION, & GREENEWAY NETWORK 150 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Access to the Greeneway is also provided through a number of connections to adjacent neighborhoods, streets and parks. The Greeneway is open to the public year-round from dawn until dusk and is ADA accessible. Construction of the Greeneway has been funded by grants from the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, South Carolina Department of Transportation and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. Other funding sources include the Aiken County Capital Projects Sales Tax and North Augusta Capital Projects funds. The Greeneway with public pavilion near Hammond’s Ferry The Greeneway bridge over Martintown Road The Greeneway crossing Center Street near Brick Pond Park A patron on the Greeneway near Martintown Road 151NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 9 | ROBUST PARKS, RECREATION, & GREENEWAY NETWORK RECREATION PROGRAMS & SERVICES Each year several thousand area youth and adults participate in North Augusta’s Recreation program off erings in athletics including youth football and cheerleading, youth baseball, youth and adult softball, youth basketball, youth soccer, and youth and adult volleyball. Sporting tournaments are held at the city’s Riverview Park Activities Center and include the Nike PeachJam Tournament which showcases the best high school basketball players from around the country and Canada. Several regional and state level basketball tournaments are also coordinated by the department. The recreation department sponsors, co-sponsors or provides support for a number of community events and activities. Annual city-sponsored events include The Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee in October and an annual Tree Lighting and Caroling event to celebrate the holiday season. Co-sponsorship and support is also provided for other community events including the annual Easter Egg Hunt, Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, Kids Earth Day, Christmas Parade and others. Riverview Park Activities Center The 94,000 square foot Riverview Park Activities Center opened in 1995. The center serves as headquarters for the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. It includes four basketball courts, a 1/6 mile walking/jogging track, game and arts and crafts rooms, locker rooms, meeting rooms, a concession area, two racquetball courts and a weight room. It operates at various times during the week and is generally open 15 hours per day. Memberships are off ered at varying rates to city residents, out of city and out of state members, both for individuals and families. North Augusta Community Center The 14,000 square foot North Augusta Community Center is located on Brookside Drive and was opened in 1985. The meeting, reception and banquet facility includes 3 meeting rooms, 2 banquet rooms and a commercial kitchen. The capacity of the largest room is 500. Rentals at the Community Center vary from a one hour meeting of several participants to all day sessions including meals for up to 500 people. From top to bottom: Nike Peach Jam; Calhoun Park Christmas Tree Lighting; Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee So u r c e : y o u t u b e . c o m So u r c e : N o r t h A u g u s t a T o d a y S o u r c e : T h e A u g u s t a C h r o n i c l e CHAPTER 9 | ROBUST PARKS, RECREATION, & GREENEWAY NETWORK 152 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN GOALS & STRATEGIES ENHANCE EXISTING OPPORTUNITIES AND CREATE ADDITIONAL OPEN SPACES AND RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES: Ensure that every citizen is within walking and cycling distance of natural, passive, and active open spaces 9.1 9.1.1 Update the park master plan that determines the location of future open spaces based on the planned future growth of North Augusta. The parks in North Augusta are owned and operated by North Augusta Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. Many open space off erings are available for the citizens of North Augusta including the Greeneway along the Savannah River, sports at the Riverview Park Activities Center, or walks in Wade Hampton Veterans Park downtown. An updated park master plan will determine the existing conditions and activities within these parks, identify areas for improvement in existing facilities, plan new park locations taking into account their location in relationship to future growth, and consider their maintenance needs over time. A major goal for North Augusta should be that every citizen can eventually walk and/or cycle to an open space at the heart of their community. This means that every household is within a 1/2 mile from a park or the Greeneway. 9.1.2 Provide indoor facilities for social programs and activities, recreation, and special events. The Riverview Park Activities Center is the hub of North Augusta’s parks and recreation facilities. Built in 1992, the 94,000 square foot center anchors the city’s 149-acre Riverview Park. We will continue to maintain and enhance this facility as well as continue to connect this facility to surrounding neighborhoods through wider sidewalks and trails. As the Riverview Center is located near downtown, we will also consider providing new indoor facilities to serve diff erent parts of the city as North Augusta continues to grow and develop. 9.1.3 Plan, develop, and operate diverse recreation activities for citizens of all ages that are geographically distributed throughout North Augusta. The City of North Augusta will continue to plan, develop, and operate a diverse recreation program for its citizens, young and old. Care should be taken to provide facilities that can be fl exible to changing trends in youth sports and activity programming for the changing population. Connecting these geographically distributed activities by trails and the Greeneway, can make the facilities more accessible to a broader segment of citizens and encourage a more active community. 153NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 9 | ROBUST PARKS, RECREATION, & GREENEWAY NETWORK 9.1.4 Support community gardens, whenever possible. Community gardens provide many benefi ts for North Augusta and its citizens. They can increase community cohesion, encourage more active and healthy lifestyles, provide fresh and aff ordable foods within easy reach, reduce crime, and provide educational opportunities for youth. We will work with neighborhood leaders and organizations to establish programs that create and maintain community gardens throughout the city. 9.1.5 Work with Aiken County public schools to share playground and recreation space when not being used by the school system. There are a number of public schools in North Augusta that have recreational facilities. There is an opportunity to create a partnership that would allow citizens to use those recreation facilities when they are not being used by the school system. This strategy could provide more public access to recreation facilities without the need for capital funds to construct them. A long range plan to fund and construct new recreation facilities throughout the city is still necessary. This strategy could increase access for citizens in the meantime and could be a critical piece of the long-term parks and recreation master plan. 9.1.6 Develop regulations requiring the provision of public open space in all new development. For every development over 10 acres, require that 5-10% of the site be set aside for open space that is accessible to the public. The developer should work with the Director of Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Services to determine the most appropriate use of the open space, whether it’s active or passive. The developer should program and pay for the design and construction of the open space, which will be accessible to the public by project completion for the entire development. 9.1.7 Increase public access to the Savannah River. The Savannah River has emotional, environmental, and economic signifi cance for the citizens of North Augusta. The “South Carolina Riverfront” is one of, if not the most important natural element to be celebrated and enhanced in North Augusta. New iconic development have been attracted to its banks with Project Jackson. This is a massive placemaking opportunity that will put North Augusta in the regional spotlight and attract new residents and businesses. Additionally, the Greeneway adjacent to the River has been loved by residents and visitors; connecting future points of access and development by trails and sidewalks is essential. While riverfront access points and new development could be a ”game-changer” for North Augusta, it is equally critical to protect and enhance the environment, natural and cultural resources while encouraging access to the river. So u r c e : w w w . f r i e n d s o f t h e - g r e e n e w a y . o r g / a b o ut / A wild snapping turtle at Brick Pond Park. CHAPTER 9 | ROBUST PARKS, RECREATION, & GREENEWAY NETWORK 154 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN A bridge over Martintown Road that connects two segments of the Greeneway. EXPAND THE GREENEWAY SYSTEM: Expand and connect the Greeneway so that it can become the necklace around the community9.2 9.2.1 Expand the Greeneway system as identifi ed in the City of North Augusta Greeneway, Pedestrian, and Bicycle Master Plan. Prioritize funding and implementation of the Greeneway as identifi ed in the City of North Augusta Greeneway, Pedestrian, and Bicycle Master Plan. Future development projects should plan for and incorporate sidewalk and trail connections to the Greeneway where appropriate. 9.2.2 Connect the Greeneway from the Savannah River to downtown. The Greeneway is one of the most prominent assets in North Augusta that attracts residents and visitors regionally. Physically connecting the existing Greeneway facilities along the Savannah River to Georgia Avenue downtown can have not only social and economic benefi ts, but can attract development and redevelopment opportunities as well. Potential residents and visitors of downtown would have the ability to easily and comfortably patronize retail shops and restaurants, which could be critical to the revitalization of downtown. 155NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 9 | ROBUST PARKS, RECREATION, & GREENEWAY NETWORK This page was intentionally left blank. 156 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 10 | A VIBRANT DOWNTOWN & RIVERFRONT 157NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 10 | A VIBRANT DOWNTOWN & RIVERFRONT 10 A VIBRANT DOWNTOWN & RIVERFRONT In This Chapter How We Got (Grew) Here 160 Project Jackson 162 Infi ll Opportunities 165 A Future for Downtown 166 Georgia Avenue Opportunities 168 The Streetscape 171 Goals & Strategies 174 North Augusta’s Downtown and Riverfront are the historic foundation that has contributed substantially to the City’s identity since its beginning. 159NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 10 | A VIBRANT DOWNTOWN & RIVERFRONT WHAT?WHY? activate downtown & river the heart of the community Downtown and the Savannah riverfront have been the core of the city since the beginning. The original plan for the city organized industrial and business uses along the river in what is now Brick Pond Park. Large homes and churches primarily occupied parcels along Georgia Avenue. The area that is now downtown was originally mostly residential. Downtown and the riverfront have gone through many changes since then. The riverfront, prone to fl ooding, regressed back to a natural state, whereas downtown became a commercial center bordered by neighborhoods. Today, Project Jackson is set to bring new and iconic commercial, retail and entertainment development back to the riverfront. Downtown, having lost much of its commercial vitality, is poised to see a revitalization as well. New offi ce and apartments with active ground fl oor retail and restaurants will fi ll in the underutilized blocks. New residents in downtown will create lively pedestrian activity that it has long needed. Downtown will be connected to Project Jackson through wonderful natural amenities in Brick Pond Park and the Greeneway. The future of downtown is rich with opportunity, but we must take steps now to maximize the potential of our downtown and make it the heart of the community where everyone can live, work and play. With Project Jackson imminent, it is even more critical to focus our attention to downtown in order to capitalize on the energy that will be created only a few blocks south along the river. Hammond’s Ferry Downtown Greenway Greeneway Trai l Brick Pond Park Project Jackson City Hall 10 m i n u t e w a l k 7 minute walk Although downtown will be only a 10 minute walk from Project Jackson, great connections through Brick Pond Park are essential to help pedestrians find their way between the two destinations. 160 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 10 | A VIBRANT DOWNTOWN & RIVERFRONT Historically, as suburban and big box commercial development progressed up East Martintown Road and Georgia Avenue toward Belvedere, downtown retail declined. Retail in downtown was converted to less intensive offi ce uses or demolished for parking lots. This happened in many US cities from the 1960s onward, especially in the southeastern US. The major churches in the downtown area also exerted signifi cant infl uence through the removal of structures to develop parking lots. Those lots serve a substantial, but infrequent, parking demand. Additionally, in the past, most of the homes in the neighborhoods adjacent to downtown were older and smaller than the homes being developed today in newer subdivisions. Many of the older units were converted to rentals or became de facto low and moderate income housing. The result was an extended period of low maintenance which is refl ected in some of the housing conditions west of the downtown area. The developing riverfront areas of the community including RiverNorth, The River Club, Campbelltown Landing, and Hammond’s Ferry in the central riverfront area, represent signifi cant additions to the city. However, most of these neighborhoods, with the exception of Hammond’s Ferry, have privatized the riverfront, taking away opportunities for public access to the river and further disconnecting the river. Land available for development on the Savannah River is now severely limited. The annexation of riverfront parcels upstream and downstream of US 1 could provide for additional riverfront open space, commercial uses and residential development. Sanborn Fire Insurance map of downtown North Augusta, 1918. At this point in time, there were many residences on Georgia Avenue and throughout downtown. HOW WE GOT (GREW) HERE 161NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 10 | A VIBRANT DOWNTOWN & RIVERFRONT 210 220 MaudeEdenfieldPark 170210 240 260 150 196 320 154 160 280 270 250 130 230 150 178 202 200 170 200 220 152 220 220 200 210 160 130 200 190 194 270 140 290 190 210 210 250 220 230 180 190 260 180 310 160 220 300 140 130 Existing Greeneway City proposed Greeneway extension Proposed Greeneway extension City proposed multi-use paths City proposed bike path First phase key redevelopment sites Second phase key redevelopment sites Georgia Ave improvements Veteran’s Square adjacent parcel redevelopment Veteran’s Square improvements Veteran’s Square adjacent street improvements Strategic streetscape improvements DOWNTOWN STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES DIAGRAM KEY PROJECTS 3 4 5 2 1 1 2 3 4 3 2 5 Strategic Opportunities City investments in the public realm downtown, as well as expected private development, will help encourage its revitalization. The diagram below shows key projects that could help revitalize downtown. Examples include Greeneway extensions, multi-use paths, bike paths, and streetscape improvements. Implementing key connections and streetscape improvements could stimulate future development turning Downtown into a unique regional destination that combines history, the Greeneway, restaurants, and boutique shops. G e o r g i a A v e E Buena Vista Ave Brick Pond Park We s t A v e direct new private investment downtown connect riverfront & downtown more directly create a pedestrian- friendly streetscape Planned Greenway Extensions Existing Greeneway Conceptual Greeneway Extensions Proposed Multi-Use Paths Conceptual Alley Trail First Phase Key Redevelopment Sites Second Phase Key Redevelopment Sites 162 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 10 | A VIBRANT DOWNTOWN & RIVERFRONT PROJECT JACKSON Project Jackson is a $75 million, mixed-use development along the Savannah River oriented around a new ballpark. In addition to the wonderful new baseball stadium it will include other public works like parking decks, a conference center, park, and boat docks. The private development will include: a 175 room hotel, 270 apartments, condos, townhouses, offi ce spaces, retail, restaurants, and riverfront single-family homes. The project reaches out towards the Savannah River with a Greeneway connection, terraced green amphitheater, and river front plaza. The amphitheater brings visitors up from Riverfront Park and planned boat docks into the development and along an extension of Center Street towards The Municipal Center. The ballpark will be surrounded by retail, team facilities, and condos to create a highly active streetscape with more retail, condos, and a conference hotel with a restaurant on the other side of the pedestrian-friendly street. Further into the development, there is more residential planned in a variety of scales as apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes. The offi ce spaces will be located closer towards town near Town Hall. Illustration of the Project Jackson site plan with the Savannah River to the bottom. 163NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 10 | A VIBRANT DOWNTOWN & RIVERFRONT Renderings from the developer, Greenstone, of Project Jackson. The images show bird’s eye aerials of the project to express massing and layout, as well as, a few closer to ground floor perspectives which show the human experience of Center Street extension and the green amphitheater. 164 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 10 | A VIBRANT DOWNTOWN & RIVERFRONT The Design & Form of New Development When trying to encourage private investment Downtown, it is important to be able to control the design and form of development. Blank building walls or inactive uses like parking lots adjacent to the public realm discourage pedestrians, such as, shoppers and diners, from exploring an area. For example, the building at the southwest corner of Georgia Avenue and Buena Vista Avenue is a good example of how to restore the character of a traditional downtown, while providing the space required of modern day development. It provides active uses adjacent to the street with individual doors and windows next to the sidewalk for each business. Its main entrance embraces the corner of Georgia Avenue and it has a pedestrian-friendly streetscape with on-street parking. However, other recently built structures Downtown do not embrace their urban location. The Waffl e House on Georgia Avenue and East Main Street located their parking lot adjacent to the historic Wade Hampton Veterans Park. Instead of better integrating public space into the Downtown, this arrangement stifl es further activity in the pubic realm. The Jackson Square building facade demonstrates design elements that respect the history of North Augusta while also creating a modern, pedestrian-friendly street environment. Details along the top of the building and around windows give a historic nod and commercial storefront windows, doors and awnings add permeability and pedestrian interest to the ground floor. The placement of the Jackson Square building in relationship to the street is an important element that helps to create a pedestrian-friendly street environment. Its placement adjacent to the sidewalk allows pedestrians easy access and adds vibrancy and interest to the pedestrian realm. Parking is placed in the rear of the parcel and does not clutter the street frontage. 165NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 10 | A VIBRANT DOWNTOWN & RIVERFRONT Ripe: A large, post-industrial warehouse building for sale across the street from City Hall on Georgia Avenue could be renovated to take advantage of the historic architectural character, or the site could be redeveloped completely. Opportunity: An architecturally interesting building on Georgia Avenue currently contains a gardening supply business. This building could be revitalized as a new cafe utilizing the large windows facing Georgia Avenue and the outdoor space for patio seating. This diagram categorizes parcels into three groups: Ripe - ready for redevelopment (vacant lot or empty building for sale) Opportunity - underutilized and/or could benefit from renovation, new tenant or redevelopment (when combined with adjacent Ripe tracts) Firm - no significant changes anticipated 1 C ar o lina Av e Ge o r gia Ave EBuenaVistaAve East A v e WCliftonAve W Buena Vista Ave Me r i d i a n A v e Bro o ksid e A v e Georgia Ave ESpringGroveAve WPineGroveAve W SpringGrove Ave de Blvd La k e A v e E Clifton Ave W MainSt EPineGroveAve VictoriaLn JacksonAve East A v e We s t Ave We s t A v e PlazaPla c e Dr RIPE OPPORTUNITY FIRM N RIPE & FIRM ANALYSIS NORTH AUGUSTA DOWNTOWN Legend Firm Opportunity Ripe1 2 2 INFILL OPPORTUNITIES 166 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 10 | A VIBRANT DOWNTOWN & RIVERFRONT The Ten Year Vision: The illustration below depicts small incremental changes, renovated buildings and new development that will make a more walkable and mixed-use downtown. New apartments and townhomes begin to fi ll in vacant lots particularly along side and secondary streets with vertically mixed-use development emerging mostly within one block of Georgia Avenue. A FUTURE FOR DOWNTOWN 1/4 mile 5 minute walk 167NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 10 | A VIBRANT DOWNTOWN & RIVERFRONT The Twenty Year Vision: The illustration below shows a 20 year vision of downtown with infi ll residential and mixed use development making use of vacant lots and underutilized parcels. This concept includes accessory dwellings as part of single-family residences in downtown neighborhoods and multifamily housing where appropriate. This moves more residents downtown, within walking distance of retail, entertainment, and business uses, which will create vibrancy and activity on the street. 1/4 mile 5 minute walk 168 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 10 | A VIBRANT DOWNTOWN & RIVERFRONT A renovated streetscape could attract new private investment to Georgia Avenue. Changes depicted include: >reverse-angle parking allows exiting drivers to see oncoming traffic better >landscaped bulb-outs enhance the appearance and move the trees to create a wider sidewalk >facade improvement grants can help businesses provide attractive storefronts >additional seating opportunities provide patrons places to stop and sit; visible activity on the sidewalk can attract more patrons >new sharrows or bike lanes encourage vehicles to slow down and can draw cycling activity to Georgia Avenue GEORGIA AVENUE OPPORTUNITIES Existing conditions 169NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 10 | A VIBRANT DOWNTOWN & RIVERFRONT Existing shop on Georgia Avenue in downtown The same shop reimagined as a lively cafe with outdoor seating (if the current tenant is relocated to a more appropriate auto-oriented location) 170 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 10 | A VIBRANT DOWNTOWN & RIVERFRONT Conceptual opportunities to renovate the existing building and take advantage of the arcade area for outdoor seating Existing vacant buildings at Pine Grove Rad ad Georgia Avenue 171NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 10 | A VIBRANT DOWNTOWN & RIVERFRONT Existing Downtown Streetscape Elements North Augusta made improvements to the streetscape in 1999 and 2005, but neither has generated the private investment anticipated. Brick banding was added to the sidewalks from Buena Vista Avenue to Jackson Avenues, pedestrian lighting and wayfi nding was placed along the street, and trees were planted in the planting strip. While these improvements certainly improved the aesthetics of the street, they are not transformative enough to attract substantial investment. The street still operates with an emphasis on moving car traffi c instead of catering to pedestrians. The current traffi c volumes of approximately 16,000 vehicles per day place the current four lane section under scrutiny for a potential road diet to something that is more appropriate to a downtown environment. Though there are challenges with completely redesigning the street, especially since it is a state-owned and maintained road, North Augusta should work closely with SCDOT to implement more pedestrian-friendly design measures that will help to transform downtown. The images on the following page depict diff erent design options for improving Georgia Avenue. Options include reverse-angled parking, median parking, and moving open space to the center of the road by including a planted median, plaza or trail. These improvements can help make Georgia Avenue more walkable and more conducive to restaurant seating and outdoor festivals. High quality public space integrated into the streetscape supports retail and entertainment activities by creating places where people want to relax and spend money. THE STREETSCAPE 172 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 10 | A VIBRANT DOWNTOWN & RIVERFRONT Option B: Center median with multi-use path & promenade. This option relegates parking to the rear of buildings on Georgia Avenue, where there is ample space, and provides a grand tree-lined pedestrian experience on Georgia Avenue. Option C: Wide, multi-functional center median. This option installs a flush center median that primarily provides angled parking, when cordoned off it becomes a signature downtown linear plaza. Option A: Reverse angled parking and mid-block crossing. This option enhances safety by allowing drivers to exit the parking spot moving forward, rather than attempting to back into oncoming traffic. The mid-block crossing provides pedestrians a safer connection across Georgia Avenue, helps to slow traffic and makes drivers more aware that they are moving through a pedestrian friendly zone. Options for a New Downtown Streetscape on Georgia Avenue S o u r c e : w w w . c i t y - d a t a . c o m Lancaster Boulevard, Lancaster, California. Downtown Aiken, SC. 173NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 10 | A VIBRANT DOWNTOWN & RIVERFRONT Downtown Parks & Connectivity to the Riverfront The original Boeckh Plat for North Augusta set a strong framework for development, especially in Downtown. Each end of Georgia Avenue is bookended by beautiful parks that were intended to serve as large public plazas. Wade Hampton Veterans Park to the south and Calhoun Park to the north both honor North Augusta’s history. The newly completed Brick Pond Park just south of downtown contains natural wetlands, ponds and trails, all unique to a downtown environment. While each of these open spaces are enjoyable for citizens, their potential has not been maximized yet. For example, Calhoun Park and Wade Hampton Veterans Park have the potential to be active and vibrant spaces on downtown’s main corridor which could encourage private investment around them. They have been fragmented by 60 feet of asphalt and high-speed traffi c. These two downtown parks present interesting and diffi cult scenarios when trying to improve the pedestrian experience and maximize their potential as signature open spaces in North Augusta. But, creative, short-term strategies such as decorative street paint could serve as public art as well as a visually connective element of the streetscape until a longer-term (and more expensive) paver treatment can be installed. Additionally, while Brick Pond Park is connected to the Greeneway, it remains disconnected from downtown. The City and the community have made substantial progress in improving this connection by exploring how to extend the Greeneway to downtown. A Greeneway connection to and through downtown should be explored as part of a comprehensive downtown master plan. Implementing a signature piece of public infrastructure like the Greeneway into downtown would have major implications on the urban design, land use and streetscape. Disconnected Downtown Parks Both Calhoun Park and Wade Hampton Veterans Park were originally designed to be public squares with roads entering and leaving. Above are suggestions to use various visual elements like textured paving, gateway arches and other prominent features to unite them once again similar to the treatment used on Main Street in downtown Greenville. John C. Calhoun Park Wade Hampton Veterans Memorial Park Decorative paving in downtown Greenville, SC visually connects the four corners of the intersection making it seem like one large public space. The Indianapolis Cultural Trail integrates seamlessly into the downtown streetscape and meanders past retail storefronts. So u r c e : c h i . s t r e e t s b l o g . o r g / t a g / in d i a n a p o l i s - c u l t u r a l - t r a i l 174 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 10 | A VIBRANT DOWNTOWN & RIVERFRONT GOALS & STRATEGIES CONTINUE INVESTMENTS IN THE PUBLIC REALM: Additional study and investment in various civic infrastructure projects is necessary to leverage future private development opportunities. 10.1 10.1.1 Study the reconfi guration of Georgia Avenue. With traffi c volumes of 16,000 - 17,000 vehicles per day this roadway is a perfect candidate for a road diet to slow down traffi c and better accommodate a pedestrian and bicycle friendly main street for the downtown. Two lanes should be considered for removal with the excess pavement evaluated for multi-functional medians and/ or additional on-street parking. 10.1.2 Reunite the elements of the two historic parks along Georgia Avenue - Calhoun Park and Wade Hampton Veteran’s Park. Both Calhoun Park and Wade Hampton Veterans Park were originally designed to be public squares but have been fragmented by modern highway engineering. Using temporary or permanent visual elements like street painting, textured paving, gateway arches and other prominent features should be evaluated as a means to demarcate these gateways of the downtown. 10.1.3 Create a fi ne-grained pedestrian and bicycle plan for the downtown area. With a laser sharp focus on connecting downtown to the Greeneway, the City will evaluate the option that best compliments the desired commercial viability of businesses along Georgia Avenue. 10.1.4 Evaluate opportunities to widen the sidewalk zone on the east side of Georgia Avenue between Buena Vista Avenue and Spring Grove Avenue. The present sidewalk zone is too narrow to support the preferred activities and uses in the existing buildings. By considering the relocation of the existing trees in the sidewalk into tree planters between parking spaces or in bulb-outs, an additional four- fi ve feet of sidewalk zone can be reclaimed. 175NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 10 | A VIBRANT DOWNTOWN & RIVERFRONT INVEST IN PLANNING EFFORTS TO ENSURE A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR DOWNTOWN: Careful planning to coordinate investments is critical to ensuring a predictable development environment. 10.2 10.2.1 Create a Downtown Master Plan. Create a Downtown Master Plan that develops specifi c economic development, land use, and transportation solutions that will strengthening Downtown for future growth while honoring the historical structures, cultural institutions, and open spaces that are important to the community. 10.2.2 Enforce Existing Standards that Encourage Walkability and Vibrancy. Great main streets are lined with active ground fl oor uses and storefronts. We will continue our commitment to high quality, long-term investment through the continued enforcement of permeability and design of street walls or building facades, active ground fl oor uses, pedestrian-friendly streetscapes, locating the building up to the street and orienting the parking behind the building, screened from the street view. 176 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 10 | A VIBRANT DOWNTOWN & RIVERFRONT PRIORITIZE INFILL & REDEVELOPMENT DOWNTOWN: Focus future growth and development in Downtown to support its economic vitality and bolster its identity as the heart of North Augusta. 10.3 10.3.1 Develop a shared parking strategy. The provision of parking can dramatically increase the cost of renovation or redevelopment. Even though the current overlay standards for the Downtown area exempt the provision of parking, the ownership fragmentation has created ineffi ciencies in the management of this precious resource. To address this, the city will work with property owners to create a strategy that shares parking between compatible uses. 10.3.2 Provide incentives to renovate existing buildings in and around Downtown. Revitalizing existing buildings and fi nding new uses for them can give new life and character to downtown. Renovations can be more economically feasible and have a shorter construction timeline than complete tear-downs. The city could encourage the rehabilitation of existing buildings by off ering tax incentives, reduced permit fees and expedited permitting. 10.3.3 Attract high-quality multi-family developers. Market downtown North Augusta to multi- family developers that have established portfolios and can deliver the type of quality mixed-use development that downtown needs. New prominent development in downtown should be executed with a high level of design and quality materials. 10.3.4 Create a position and hire a new downtown development professional. North Augusta needs a dedicated advocate whose full-time job is promoting the revitalization of downtown. This position would serve as a direct connection from city staff to downtown property owners. They would possess community development, economic development and marketing skills to help make development in downtown more attractive to potential investors as well as making downtown more attractive to new residents and businesses. 10.3.5 Develop an inventory of available properties for sale and rent as well as available development sites. Collect and maintain an inventory of available development sites and parcel assemblages, as well as individual properties for sale and rent. Market the properties to local and regional developers, investors and business owners. 10.3.6 Engage an individual or group to create a local and regional marketing campaign for downtown investment. This could be completed in conjuction with or independently of recommendation 11.1.3. Engage a specialist to create a marketing campaign to promote downtown to the local and regional markets. Emphasize the Greeneway, Hammond’s Ferry, Project Jackson among other assets in our emerging downtown. 177NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 10 | A VIBRANT DOWNTOWN & RIVERFRONT A vacant lot in downtown that is ripe for new infill development 10.3.7 Work with downtown property owners to assemble parcels. A downtown redevelopment authority could work to purchase and assemble various contiguous smaller parcels with separate owners into larger, more developable parcels. This can make downtown land more attractive to potential developers by allowing them to avoid taking on this process themselves. 10.3.8 Encourage infi ll development on vacant and underdeveloped lots. Concentrating development within the existing boundaries of North Augusta, especially in the downtown area, will provide many benefi ts for the future growth of the City, including: allowing for more effi cient City services, such as fi re, police, etc., creating a higher population density, which can provide a greater market for retail and business services desired by citizens, and contributing to a more walkable and multimodal environment, which allows less reliability on the car alone as a transportation mode. 10.3.9 Continue implementation of Project Jackson. Project Jackson is a regionally signifi cant public-private partnership that will continue to be supported by the city to ensure its long-term success. 179NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 11 | IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES 11 IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES In This Chapter Goals & Strategies 182 Project List 183 Future Land Use 186 180 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 11 | IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES Individual commitment to a group eff ort — that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work. 181NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 11 | IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES In accordance with Section 6-29-510 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the City is required to include as part of its comprehensive plan, a “priority investment element that analyzes the likely federal, state, and local funds available for public infrastructure and facilities during the next ten years, and recommends the projects for expenditure of those funds during the next ten years for needed public infrastructure and facilities such as water, sewer, roads, and schools. The recommendation of those projects for public expenditure must be done through coordination with adjacent and relevant jurisdictions and agencies.” The list of projects in this chapter that meets this requirement is made of the Sales Tax Prioritization list approved by the City Council and the Priority Projects list approved by the ARTS MPO. This list summarizes the priorities of the community identifi ed by citizens, planners, and offi cials. The project list should be referenced as this plan is being implemented. Also included in this chapter are strategies for the implementation of this plan and how it should be used as a tool in planning eff orts over the next fi ve years. WHAT?WHY? projects & strategiesplanning tool It is important to construct a list of prioritized projects based on likely available federal, state, and local funding. We need to facilitate recommendations and funds on public infrastructure and facilities for the next ten years. 182 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 11 | IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES GOALS & STRATEGIES CREATE STRATEGIES TO IMPLEMENT THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT GOALS FOR PUBLIC AND PRIVATE INVESTMENT11.1 11.1.1 Monitor the implementation of the plan annually. In January of each year the Planning Commission will report to the City Council on the progress made in implementing an annual priorities list established by the planning staff for the prior year and will also report on any other matters relating to implementation of the plan. In February of each year the Commission will work with the City Council and staff and will list annual priorities for implementation of this plan. 11.1.2 Update the plan every 5 years. The plan shall be updated every 5 years to ensure that it stays relevant and to add goals & strategies that may emerge. 11.1.3 Explore new institutional arrangements. Where appropriate, new institutional arrangements to facilitate multi- jurisdictional cooperation on funding issues should be explored. 11.1.4 Develop an overall funding strategy and selection of revenue sources to address the capital and any possible operating funding gap. The following factors should guide the selection of revenue sources to address the capital and operating funding gap: • Revenue Potential: Whether the tool can generate substantial sums of monies to fund capital infrastructure; • Geographic Application: Whether the tool can be applied across the region; • Legislative Authorization: Whether the tool requires legislative authorization; • Technical/Administrative Ease: The ease of administering the tool; and • Public Acceptability: How citizens will accept the tool. 183NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 11 | IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES PROJECT LIST SOUTH CAROLINA TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (TIP) PROJECTS 2015-2018 Project NameFromToDescription2015 Dollars/ Year of ExpendIture FUNDED PROJECTS East Buena Vista and Atomic Road Corridor Improvements Brookside AvenueOld Edgefi eld RoadWiden E Buena Vista to two (2) through lanes with turn lanes and widen Atomic Road to fi ve (5) lanes with intersection improvements. Includes parking and bike lanes. $4,640,000 North Augusta Bergen Road Tunnel (Greeneway) Bergen RoadNorth Augusta Greeneway Construct tunnel under Bergen Road (S-2183) for the North Augusta Greeneway $553,000 North Augusta Greeneway Extension Bergen RoadBergen Village Development Extend North Augusta Greeneway from Bergen Road north through the Bergen Village Development into the Woodstone Development $245,000 1-20 Rehabilitation and Maintenance Work Mile Marker 1Mile Marker 5Rehab and maintenance work on I-20 from Mile Marker 1 to near Mile Marker 5. $4,971,000 UNFUNDED PROJECTS Five Notch RoadUS 25 Business Road (Georgia Avenue) Walnut LaneWiden 2 to 4 lanes$23,481,644/ $38,981,395 Martintown RoadI-20Old Martintown Road Widen 2 to 4 lanes$5,679,909/ $9,429,091 I-20US 25 (Edgefi eld Road) Bettis Academy Road Widen to 6 lanes$26,170,246/ $43,444,649 I-20 Frontage CollectorFive Notch RoadUS 25 (Edgefi eld Road) Widen to 3 and 5 lanes$8,100,345/ $13,447,205 Ascauga Lake RoadUS 25 (Edgefi eld Road) S 80 (Canal Street)Widen Ascauga Lake Road (S-33) between US 25 and Canal Street (S 80), with full landscaped median and turn lanes as needed. $65,794,600 $109,224,168 Celeste AvenueUS 25 (Edgefi eld Road) S-45 (Five Notch Road) Operational Improvements$1,421,010/ $2,358,988 Knox Avenue and Martintown Road Knox AvenueMartintown RoadRealign intersection and pedestrian improvements$1,477,395/ $2,452,591 Belvedere Clearwater Road Edgefi eld RoadPalmetto ParkwayStriped Bike Lane$17,833/ $29,605 Belvedere Clearwater Road-Belvedere Road Palmetto ParkwayAugusta RoadMulti Use Path$3,113,398/ $5,168,483 184 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 11 | IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES Project NameFromTo Description 2015 Dollars/ Year of Ex- penduture East Buena Vista Ave Greenway Riverside Boulevard Georgia AvenueStriped Bike Lane $13,218/ $21,942 E. Buena Vista AvenueFloyd AvenueAtomic RoadMulti Use Path $477,303/ $79 2,360 Georgia Avenue13th Street BridgeKnox AvenueStriped Bike Lane $30,002/ $49,806 Knox AvenueE. Martintown Road Edgefi eld RoadStriped Bike Lane $841,400/ $1,296,789 Martintown RoadE. Buena Vista Avenue Jeff erson Davis Highway Multi Use Path $295,473/ $490,509 E. Martintown RoadMartintown RoadE. Buena Vista Avenue Multi Use Path $113,644/ $188,657 Jeff erson Davis HwyMartintown RoadRevco RoadGreenway $2,113,334/ $3,508,299 13th Street BridgeGA SC Shared-lane marking $1,471/ $2,442 CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA SALES PRIORITIZATION PROJECT LIST Project NameLocationTime FramePrinciples MetTotal Cost Completion of Station 3Belvedere Clearwater Road 1 yearEffi cient, High Quality City Services$600,000 New Fire PumperFire Station 31 yearEffi cient, High Quality City Services$500,000 Headquarters’ Fire Station (Replace Station 1) E. Buena Vista Avenue5-10 yearsEffi cient, High Quality City Services$1,300,000 Headquarter’s Administration (Replace HQ) E. Buena Vista Avenue5-10 yearsEffi cient, High Quality City Services$4,100,000 Road, Parking, Landscaping Riverfront/Town Center/ Downtown Areas 1-5 yearsSustainable Economic Growth Stable, Diverse, and Walkable Neighborhoods Transportation that Facilitates Mobility and Activity A Vibrant Downtown and Riverfront $1,000,000 Designated Parking (Additional allocation) Riverfront/Town Center/ Downtown Areas 1-5 yearsSustainable Economic Growth Stable, Diverse, and Walkable Neighborhoods Transportation that Facilitates Mobility and Activity A Vibrant Downtown and Riverfront $3,000,000 New GymRiverview Park Activities Center 1-5 yearsEffi cient, High Quality City Services Robust Parks, Recreation, and Greeneway Network $2,500,000 185NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 11 | IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES Project NameLocation Time FramePrinciples Met Total Cost Greeneway Expansion, Extension, Connectors, and Crossing Improvements Various OngoingSustainable Economic Growth Stable, Diverse, and Walkable Neighborhoods Transportation that Facilitates Mobility and Activity Robust Parks, Recreation, and Greeneway Network A Vibrant Downtown and Riverfront $1,000,000 New Park DevelopmentRiverfront Park (Project Jackson Development) 1-3 YearsSustainable Economic Growth Robust Parks, Recreation, and Greeneway Network A Vibrant Downtown and Riverfront $3,000,000 Street Resurfacing Program See Engineering Department OngoingEffi cient, High Quality City Services Stable, Diverse, and Walkable Neighborhoods Transportation that Facilitates Mobility and Activity $1,400,000 Road Reconstruction Program See Engineering Department OngoingEffi cient, High Quality City Services Stable, Diverse, and Walkable Neighborhoods Transportation that Facilitates Mobility and Activity $1,200,000 Curbing and Sidewalk Development Program See Engineering Department OngoingEffi cient, High Quality City Services Stable, Diverse, and Walkable Neighborhoods Transportation that Facilitates Mobility and Activity $200,000 186 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 11 | IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES FUTURE LAND USE The projections for future land use are based on current planning best practices and are fundamentally designed to help the city achieve the vision set forth in this plan. Future land use projections are also established by making basic assumptions about development activity and intensity as well as formal and informal city policies for the appropriate location of diff erent uses. Future land use will continue to be infl uenced by current development patterns or trends, the availability of utilities and improved roads, environmental constraints, the availability of land, proximity to complementary land uses and the city’s application of land use policies and regulations. Additionally, the city’s administration of these policies and regulations will substantially infl uence future land use on the periphery of the city. Recent signifi cant shifts in land use have been realized at the suburban edge of the city and beyond, especially near I-20 interchanges to the north. More intense uses of land like multifamily apartments and big box commercial centers have developed in these locations that were once low density and often rural in character. While these suburban growth areas have provided new residential and commercial opportunities to the city, county and local region, one primary goal of the community is to revitalize the center of North Augusta with pedestrian-friendly infi ll and new development. Thus, the Future Land Use Map includes new mixed use land use projections in the center of the city especially along Knox Avenue. Future Land Use Plan and Map Future land use in the city and the surrounding planning area is divided into the eight categories depicted on the included Future Land Use Map, and described below. Property considered for rezoning or annexation into the city should be zoned in accordance with the classifi cation for the property as shown on the Future Land Use Map. Property proposed for annexation or rezoning that is contrary to the Future Land Use Map would receive either a negative recommendation from the Planning Commission or would include a recommendation to amend the Future Land Use Map. 187NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 11 | IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES §¨¦I-20 §¨¦I-520 §¨¦I-520 S a v a n n a h R i v e r Aik e nEdge f i e l d Augusta County,GA NorthAugustaFutureLandUses NorthAugustaIncorporatedArea MajorRoads Streets FutureLandUseCategories LowDensityResidential HighDensityResidential Commercial Industrial MixedUse Institutional,GovermentandPublicFacilities Transportation,CommunicationandUtilities Parks,Recreation,OpenSpace,andConservation SavannahRiver 00.51 Miles Future Land Use Map 188 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 11 | IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES Future Land Use Categories Low Density Residential The predominant land use in this category will continue to be single family detached and attached subdivisions. However, it may include small amounts of neighborhood commercial. Specifi c zoning districts will regulate the range. A development project in this classifi cation could be designed in a diff erent form and clustered in one area with a higher net density but the same overall gross density to avoid steep slopes or protect environmentally sensitive areas. Buff ers between the clustered project and conventional single family subdivisions would be required. A planned development or a traditional neighborhood development could also be developed in this classifi cation provided the gross density and other general standards were not exceeded. High Density Residential This classifi cation is to provide for a wide range of housing types, styles and densities. Specifi c zoning districts will regulate the range to a greater degree than the land use classifi cation description. Both Traditional Neighborhood Development and Planned Development projects are permitted and encouraged in this classifi cation. A larger amount of neighborhood commercial use to serve the higher density would be permitted. The general standards in this classifi cation are much broader than in the Low Density Residential classifi cation. Commercial The commercial classifi cation is intended for a wide range of commercial uses. Specifi c zoning districts will more narrowly defi ne the permitted uses and development standards. Small scale and fully enclosed manufacturing and assembly uses may be permitted in the heavier intensity commercial districts. Residential uses may be permitted in an area classifi ed for commercial land use as a subordinate or accessory use or in a mixed use project. High density residential uses developed adjacent to existing or planned commercial uses may also be permitted. Separate developments that are exclusively low density residential are discouraged. Industrial The industrial classifi cation is intended for areas that provide relatively large sites for manufacturing, large scale assembly and distribution uses. Development standards provide a wide range of development options. Uses in this classifi cation generally provide a relatively large number of jobs, often create heavy truck and peak period traffi c and contribute signifi cantly to the tax base. Low density residential High density residential Commercial Industrial 189NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 11 | IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES Land identifi ed in the industrial classifi cation is located adjacent to freeway arterials and interstate highways. If not physically separated from residential and lower intensity commercial uses, a substantial buff er and screen would be required. Institutional, Government and Public Facilities This classifi cation provides for public buildings including administrative offi ces, schools and libraries. It also includes hospitals, churches and cemeteries. Development standards vary by building type, use and location. Structures housing religious, institutional and government uses are not limited to this classifi cation. They may be developed in some residential, most commercial and mixed use districts including planned developments and traditional neighborhood developments. Larger scale uses in this category including government complexes, educational and medical campuses and cemeteries may be zoned exclusively for the use. Mixed Use The mixed use classifi cation permits most residential, commercial, institutional, government and religious uses. Land uses can be developed in a variety of forms. The downtown and riverfront areas are the most signifi cant mixed use areas in the city. Some areas adjacent to interstate highways and along major arterial corridors are also appropriate for the mixed use classifi cation. Within this classifi cation zoning districts with substantially diff erent standards may be located adjacent to each other. Transportation, Communication and Utilities This classifi cation is limited to land uses exclusively for roads and larger scale utility uses. Examples may include interstate highways and rest areas, electrical substations, water and sewer treatment and storage facilities, mass transit facilities, and communications towers and transmission sites. Development standards are broad and subject to conditional review. Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Conservation This classifi cation applies to land that is or should be predominantly undeveloped and retained for open space conservation, environmental protection or stormwater management. It also includes land that has been improved or designated for outdoor recreation purposes including golf courses and parks. Zoning districts in this classifi cation include those designed for community facilities and open space preservation. Development standards are broad and subject to conditional review. Institutional, government and public facilities MIxed use Transportation, communication and utilities Parks, recreation, open space and conservation 191NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 11 | IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES A APPENDIX Appendix A SC Code Requirements 193 192 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 11 | IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES Success is bred not from what we say, but in what we accomplish. 193NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 11 | IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES South Carolina Comprehensive Planning Act of 1994 states that the local Comprehensive Plan must include, but not be limited to, the following planning elements: 1. A population element which considers historic trends and projections, household numbers and sizes, educational levels, and income characteristics; 2. An economic development element which considers labor force and labor force characteristics, employment by place of work and residence, and analysis of the economic base; 3. A natural resources element which considers coastal resources, slope characteristics, prime agricultural and forest land, plant and animal habitats, parks and recreation areas, scenic views and sites, wetlands, and soil types; 4. A cultural resources element which considers historic buildings and structures, commercial districts, residential districts, unique, natural, or scenic resources, archaeological, and other cultural resources; 5. A community facilities element which considers water supply, treatment, and distribution; sewage system and wastewater treatment; solid waste collection and disposal, fi re protection, emergency medical services, and general government facilities; education facilities; and libraries and other cultural facilities; 6. A housing element which considers location, types, age, and condition of housing, owner and renter occupancy, and aff ordability of housing. This element includes an analysis to ascertain nonessential housing regulatory requirements, as defi ned in this chapter, that add to the cost of developing aff ordable housing but are not necessary to protect the public health, safety, or welfare and an analysis of market-based incentives that may be made available to encourage development of aff ordable housing, which incentives may include density bonuses, design fl exibility, and streamlined permitting processes; 7. A land use element which considers existing and future land use by categories, including residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, forestry, mining, public and quasi- public, recreation, parks, open space, and vacant or undeveloped; 8. A transportation element that considers transportation facilities, including major road improvements, new road construction, transit projects, pedestrian and bicycle projects, and other elements of a transportation network. This element must be developed in coordination with the land use element, to ensure transportation effi ciency for existing and planned development; 9. A priority investment element that analyzes the likely federal, state, and local funds available for public infrastructure and facilities during the next ten years, and recommends the projects for expenditure of those funds during the next ten years for needed public infrastructure and facilities such as water, sewer, roads, and schools. SC CODE REQUIREMENTS 194 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 11 | IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES SOUTH CAROLINA CODE REQUIRED PLAN ELEMENTS Required ElementLocation of InformationPage PopulationChapter 2: Who We Are - Population 14 Economic DevelopmentChapter 2: Who We Are - Employment 27 Chapter 2: Who We Are - Business & Retail Industry 29 Chapter 4: Sustainable Economic Growth 45 4.1 Focus development and resources into priority investment areas 60 4.2 Attract high quality jobs and positive economic activity 61 4.4 identify targeted businesses and investment for the i-20/i-520 interchange 64 Chapter 10: A Vibrant Downtown and Riverfront 157 Chapter 10: A Vibrant Downtown and Riverfront - Georgia Avenue Opportunities 168 Natural ResourcesChapter 8: Stewardship of our Natural & Cultural Resources 121 8.3 Preserve and expand the tree canopy 138 8.4 Protect the Savannah River and other natural resources 139 Cultural ResourcesChapter 8: Stewardship of our Natural & Cultural Resources 121 8.1 Expand the arts and other cultural resources 136 8.2 Protect and restore historic resources important to North Augusta’s identity 137 Community FacilitiesChapter 5: Effi cient, High Quality City Services 67 5.2 Ensure the fi nancial sustainability of North Augusta 77 Chapter 9: Robust Parks, Recreation and Greeneway Network 141 9.1 Enhance existing opportunities and create additional open spaces and recreation opportunities152 9.2 Expand the Greeneway system 154 Housing Chapter 2: Who We Are - Housing 20 6.2 Provide a more varied housing stock to attract and retain a more diverse population 90 6.3 Improve urban neighborhoods 91 Land Use 4.3 Prioritize infi ll and redevelopment 62 4.5 Focus new development in or near mixed-use activity centers 65 5.1 Establish annexation and growth strategies 76 Chapter 11: Implementation Strategies - Future Land Use 186 Because of the unique approach undertaken by the City of North Augusta in the adoption of this Comprehensive Plan, the standard elements listed above are not segregated. Rather, they are packaged in more integrative Chapters that better articulate North Augusta’s priorities for achieving economic, social, and environmental sustainability. The matrix below is intended for use by state and local offi ces to fi nd all required elements throughout this Plan. 195NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 11 | IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES SOUTH CAROLINA CODE REQUIRED PLAN ELEMENTS Required ElementLocation of InformationPage TransportationChapter 7: Transportation that Facilitates Mobility & Activity 95 7.1 Implement a complete streets policy 114 7.2 Increase connectivity between neighborhoods and downtown 115 7.3 Provide mobility solutions for pedestrians and cyclists 116 7.4 Expand public transit opportunities 118 7.5 Provide parking management solutions that reduce the impact of the automobile on our built environment 119 Chapter 10: A Vibrant Downtown and Riverfront - The Streetscape 171 Priority InvestmentChapter 4: Sustainable Economic Growth - Priority Investment Areas 49 6.1 Reinvest in existing neighborhoods to strengthen communities 88 10.1 Continue investments in the public realm 174 10.2 Invest in planning eff orts to ensure a sustainable future for downtown 175 10.3 Prioritize Infi ll & Redevelopment Downtown 176 11.1 Create strategies to implement the growth and development goals for public and private investment182 Chapter 11: Implementation Strategies - Priority Project List 183 196 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 11 | IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES 197NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 11 | IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES