Sharon & I-485 south corridor station area plans Transit Station Area Plan Uptown

south corridor station area plans Uptown South End New Bern Scaleybark Sharon & I-485 Woodlawn Tyvola Archdale Transit Station Area Plan ADOPTED BY CHARLOTTE CITY COUNCIL MAY 26, 2009 Arrowood Sharon Road West I-485/South Boulevard 2009 NORTH CAROLINA MARVIN COLLINS OUTSTANDING PLANNING AWARD SPECIAL THEME CATEGORY Sustainable Community Planning Table of Contents Executive Summary iii Volume I: Concept Plan 1 Study Area Context 3 Planning Process Plan Boundaries Opportunities and Constraints Vision Goals Land Use and Community Design 3 3 4 6 6 9 Transit Station Area General Corridor Area 9 11 Transportation and Streetscape 15 Transportation/Street Design Recommendations Streetscape Standards Street Cross-sections Boulevard Avenue - Four-Lane Divided Avenue - Two-Lane Undivided Avenue - Two-Lane Divided Office/Commercial Street - Wide Local Residential Street - Wide Infrastructure and Public Facilities Public Facility/Infrastructure Recommendations Park and Greenway Recommendations Environment Environmental Recommendations 15 19 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 26 26 27 27 Volume 2: Implementation Plan 29 Public Sector Responsibilities Private Sector Responsibilities Corrective Rezonings Implementation Strategies 31 31 31 32 Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan i Appendix 35 Existing Conditions 37 Demographics Environment Land Use and Urban Design Transportation Infrastructure /Public Facilities 37 38 39 48 55 List of Maps Map 1: Study Area within Corridor Context Map 2: Concept Plan Map 3: Recommended Future Land Use Map 4: Future Transportation Network Map 5: Streetscape Cross Section Key 2 7 8 17 18 Map 6: Corrective Rezonings 30 Rendering of the I-485/South Boulevard Station, showing Sterling Elementary School and playground on the garage rooftop. Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan ii Executive Summary iii Purpose lels the light rail line, its relatively poor pedestrian environment, and the disconnected street network. It The Sharon Road West and I-485/South Boulevard is home to a number of large industrial operations Transit Stations are the fourteenth and fifteenth sta- and automobile-oriented retail businesses. While not tions heading south from Center City along the South transit-supportive in nature, such uses serve employCorridor Light Rail Transit (LRT) line, also known as ment and economic functions within the City, and the LYNX Blue Line. may remain in place for many years to come. The Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan is the sixth of a series of plans for areas around the stations south of South End. The Introduction to the South Corridor Station Area Plans lays the foundation for the station area plans. This plan builds on that document. It analyzes current conditions in the area around the station, detailed in the Appendix. Vision The desired future for the plan area is highlighted in the following vision statement: The Sharon and I-485 plan area is home to existing industrial and commercial operations important to The Concept Plan makes recommendations to bring the City’s employment and economic needs, and conthe right mix of development to complement the tinuing operations will be supported. Incrementally transit investment, and to optimize the land use and over time, the area is expected to transition to become infrastructure within the wider surrounding area to part of the series of vibrant, high density transit vilsupport its continued viability. The Concept Plan is lages along the South Corridor. Within its boundarthe only section of this document to be adopted by ies, there will be two distinct areas: City Council. • Transit Station Area: The core of the plan area will transform over time to a pedestrianStudy Area oriented district with higher density, transitsupportive uses. The plan focuses on the area within approximately • General Corridor Area: The areas generally 1/2 mile of the two transit stations. The actual stabeyond the ½ mile walk distance will include tions are visible just west of South Boulevard. Sharon a range of uses appropriate for a Growth Station is accessible by vehicles from Crump Road and Corridor. Existing commercial, industrial, by pedestrians via a pedestrian bridge. I-485 Station warehouse and distribution, office, and instihas vehicular and pedestrian connections to South tutional uses will remain. Over time, those Boulevard under the light rail line. However, the plan uses closest to the transit station may redearea covers a much larger area, encompassing South velop with higher density, mixed uses typically Boulevard, Sharon Lakes Road, Sharon Road West, associated with transit. Existing multi-family China Grove Church Road and East Westinghouse areas may remain or redevelop at slightly Boulevard. It is entirely within a Growth Corridor, higher densities. The primarily single-family as envisioned by the City’s Centers, Corridors and neighborhoods will be preserved and proWedges growth framework, although it does include tected from incompatible uses. the Sterling, Pine Valley, and Sharonbrook neighborhoods. Land Use and Community Design Opportunities & Constraints The plan contains a number of recommendations related to Land Use and Community Design within Through examination of existing conditions in the each of the two areas noted in the vision statement. Sharon & I-485 plan area (see Appendix), oppor- The recommendations, shown on Map 3, include: tunities to build upon and constraints to overcome were identified. The station locations are highly Transit Station Area visible from South Boulevard, and easily accessible by vehicle, but are more difficult for pedestrians. The • Support continuing use of major industrial area around the stations has some underutilized propoperations located in close proximity to the erties in large parcels. The surrounding area has stable Sharon Station, until such time as the propneighborhoods and diverse housing stock. The plan erty owners are ready for redevelopment to area is challenged by the freight rail line that paraltransit supportive uses. Sharon & I-485Transit Station Area Plan EXECUTIVE SUMMARY iv • Promote a mix of transit supportive land uses in the Transit Station Area, generally within 1/2 mile of the stations; support expansion of CATS Park & Ride capacity, including more intense mixed use development in the future. Allow for existing businesses and industrial operations to remain in place until property owners are ready for redevelopment. • Provide active, ground floor, non-residential uses such as retail or office, at key locations. • Create urban parks and plazas near stations. • Encourage incremental intensification of the Carolina Pavilion Shopping Center with transitsupportive uses. • Ensure that development adjacent to single family neighborhoods provides good transition. General Corridor Area • Enhance pedestrian and bicycle crossings at • key locations; site new development to allow for future bicycle lanes on South Boulevard. Install pedestrian lighting in key locations. Streetscape Cross-Sections This section recommends future cross sections for streets, and identifies building setbacks and streetscape standards based on the ultimate curbline location. These standards supplement requirements in TOD and other urban zoning districts. Based on the City’s Urban Street Design Guidelines, they will be met by developers who undertake new development or major renovation in the plan area. Map 5 shows the location for each type. The following street types are recommended for the plan area: • Maintain a mixture of office, commercial, • Boulevard • Avenue: 4-lane divided, 2-lane undivided, • • • • • • • • warehouse, and industrial uses in the vicinity of Hebron Street and Westinghouse Boulevard. Maintain the predominantly single-family portions of Pine Valley, Sharonbrook, and Sterling neighborhoods. Support continued moderate density residential use off of Sharon Road West and Sharon Lakes Road under specific criteria. Maintain the moderate density residential character in the portions of the Sterling neighborhood surrounding the Sterling Elementary School, with specific criteria for increased density in some areas closest to the I-485 Station. Support moderate density residential use of property on Westinghouse Road west of the Sterling neighborhood under specific criteria. Provide for a mix of retail and office land uses along South Boulevard north of the station area, and along part of Westinghouse Boulevard. Transportation and Streetscape and 2-lane divided Main Street Office/Commercial Street- wide Local Residential Street- wide Infrastructure and Environment The core of the plan area includes present and former commercial and industrial development, expected to redevelop over a period of time. Its water and sewer system may require expansion for more intense new uses. In addition, the plan recommendations include: • Encourage small urban open spaces in Transit • • • Station Area. Make street trees a feature of all streets, and reduce impervious surfaces. Design new buildings to reduce stormwater runoff and improve water quality; protect and enhance watersheds. Encourage burying of overhead utility lines. Implementation Plan Transportation recommendations address proposed new streets and enhancements to existing streets to make them more pedestrian and bicycle friendly. The recommendations, shown on Map 4, include: • • The Implementation Plan recommends projects to implement the policy recommendations of the Concept Plan. Because the Implementation Plan is not adopted by elected officials, it is a guide, not a commitment. The Implementation Plan recommends Provide new street connections at key loca- a number of sidewalk improvement and street contions; enhance existing street network. nection projects, as well as corrective rezonings as Widen sidewalk system along area thorough- shown on Map 6. fares, improve system in Transit Station Area. Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Uptown South End New Bern Scaleybark Volume 1: Concept Plan Woodlawn Tyvola Archdale Arrowood Sharon Road West I-485/South Boulevard Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan 1 2 Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan Map 1: Study Area and South Corridor Boundaries TESSAVA CT LN HIL MAPLE PL D CT RD GL AN ST SHERBOURNE DR S EA ST LA KES W ITT K OC ST Little Sugar Creek Greenway RD DR DR BR ON DR RIDGEBROOK QU AIL US HW Y 521 CO VE Y HIL L RD CH AS E TIO NA M THORNCLIFF OL HE DR NS KH DR RIDGE MAPLE N RO FO G ST OC ST EN RD RD HA RD OLD NATIONS FORD RD RD O WO WE MEA CE HEBRON COMMER R G D D TH AR ST EN E DR LEDG ROCK MAPLE SUGAR PL ED ST RON ON DS WIN R D D K BAR SW HEB DE NM AR K LONG CPCC Southwest Campus RD RD VALL EY DR L WISTE R PL LA DR SU STARVALLE Y DR NIN R C R E ST PE TE WA OLD HEB RON RD MU STA LN MA GG IE LN NG T RD N TO PE HO SH AR ON RD WE CK BE ER DR BA UM ID KIR IG KN CT EN AR ON CH HT S EN BR K D R BR OO RID B AY WN L RG T A C BE JEN AF DR E M HA LY T LIN GREYLEAF PL DR LE NG LO B CT RE RY ) E RD (CLO SED LN PINEVILL DR HA NO VE R S O K C RO S SIN G OLD PINE VILLE RD DR IAL MO N CT DR LOGA ERS TR RY TR KEN LAU RE CAD ILLA C S T NS EE CT QUAK O R ST ST LIS K OA N TR HADLEIG H PL CA DIL LAC PAL M ST TRACE CT NIC HA AT NE Y PENSHURST CH RO D BY KEL H T L DR FOXF ALL ICK CIR WARW USTR BIRNEN DR N DR KIL C UT PAR CIR B TL RAE MA R L LANDSBURG RA T N SO LIS G DR R HOLLOW UN RD VE MO HANOVE A BR CT BA L ANTO TRES IND EAD EMST CT R HANOVERPL WOODS RE ME E ND 85 Southland Industrial Park DR DE GLEN DR I-4 HANOVER AVE LE MYRTLE AVONDA AVE Little Sugar Creek Greenway DENDY LN PACKARD ST G UR NB DE OL H RIDAN GEOVE CTR GROVE Carolina Pavilion Shopping Center TUR ER D HE CT LN ERVIN T VD H BL CHINA Sterling Elementary SOUT LN LN NBER M BRANSO N CT CH LN E DL CH UR YA N B C IG PL ON E DR LE D D R N LO BLOLLY L RG LN Pine Valley Neighborhood LEBU TIM RD BE R DR CE SPRU PL PINE OR S F RD AF GLE LON PO ION LN ZIG G HEID LIN GE NAT ER CIR D LO PL ST EEN AIL Sterling Neighborhood ERVI N DR SH CR AF CR UM TE RS P R D LN G E PEWSBURY RD LEIP OLD E CRESSIDA GE U HO ING ST WE D BLV SE OB LN RD GR UE NE WA L D LN Sharonbrook Neighborhood LN RK NT PA REGE SHARON BROO K DR ST N GIS .m Charlotte ore than ma W ... .. .. .. South Corridor Boundary Study Area Boundary ps Produced by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department. E S 0 750 feet 1,500 Date: September 19, 2008 Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan Study Area Context The Sharon Road West and I-485/South Boulevard Transit Stations are the fourteenth and fifteenth stations heading south from Center City along the South Corridor Light Rail Transit (LRT) line, also known as the LYNX Blue Line. They are the last two stations on the line. This document is the sixth of a series of plans for the station areas extending south from South End. The plan is divided into the Concept Plan, the Implementation Plan, and an Appendix containing a thorough review of existing conditions. The Concept Plan is the only section of the plan adopted by City Council. The Concept Plan: • Defines the growth and development vision • • • for the area surrounding the Sharon Road West and I-485/South Boulevard LRT stations (hereafter referred to as Sharon & I-485); Makes recommendations for land use, transportation, urban design, and other development-related topics; Updates the Centers, Corridors and Wedges boundaries for the plan area from those initially outlined in the Transportation Action Plan; and Serves as the official streetscape plan for the combined station area once the Concept Plan is adopted. 3 More detailed information on the background, purpose and process for developing this, and other, station area plans can be found in the companion document, Introduction to the South Corridor Station Area Plans. Plan Boundaries The Sharon & I-485 Transit Stations are located on the South Corridor light rail line running parallel to South Boulevard. A Transit Station Area is defined as the property generally within a ½ mile walk distance of a transit station, about a ten-minute walk. While the Transit Station Area is the primary focus of this plan, for contextual purposes, the boundaries of the Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan extend beyond the ½ mile distance, including residential, employment, institutional and industrial areas. As shown on Map 1, the plan area is bisected by the light rail line and the Norfolk Southern freight rail line. Major roads include South Boulevard, Sharon Lakes Road, Sharon Road West, China Grove Church Road and East Westinghouse Boulevard. The entire plan area except for the flood plain along the east boundary falls in the South Growth Corridor as defined by the Centers, Corridors and Wedges Growth Framework. Plan boundaries generally follow existing zoning and block configurations. The two stations within the plan area function differently. Sharon Station serves as a Community Station Planning Process as defined in the Introduction to the South Corridor Initial planning for the Sharon & I-485 plan area Station Area Plans. Typically, Community Stations are transit oriented, but have the potential to transbegan in conjunction with planning for the South not form into a transit-oriented district over time. They Corridor LRT line. A community planning and urban serve multiple destinations within a three-mile radius, design consulting firm and an interdepartmental staff with strong reliance on bus connections and parkteam, led by Planning Department staff, held public and-ride facilities. This station has a 190-space lot, meetings to gather initial input from area residents connected to South Boulevard by Crump Road. and property owners. The staff team has developed plan recommendations based on citizen input, the As the terminus station for the LYNX Blue Line, I-485 area context, and guidance from a number of City Station functions as a Regional Station. Regional Council adopted policies. Stations generally serve an area of five miles or more, by bus connections and park-and-ride Prior to adoption of the plan, staff will hold addi- augmented facilities. I-485 includes a parking deck tional public meetings with area residents and prop- with 1,100 spacesStation accessible from South Boulevard, erty owners to present the plan recommendations and as well as additional surface overflow lots. Plans are to receive feedback. The next step of the process will under consideration for additional spaces, as funding be presentation to the Planning Committee of the becomes available. A bus transfer area is adjacent to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Commission who the parking deck. A landscaped sidewalk links the will hear citizen comments and make a recommenda- Sterling neighborhood to the station platform. tion to the Charlotte City Council. The City Council will also hear citizen comments and make a final decision concerning adoption of the plan. Sharon & I-485Transit Station Area Plan STUDY AREA CONTEXT 4 Sharon Road West Station has a bridge crossing the light rail and freight rail lines to South Boulevard. The I-485/South Boulevard Station sits on a bridge over the street entrance to the park and ride garage. Opportunities and Constraints Review of existing conditions reveals a number of opportunities and constraints to transforming the core of the plan area into a transit supportive environment. Success will depend upon effectively dealing with the constraints and capitalizing on the opportunities described below. • For a complete discussion of existing conditions, see the Appendix of this document. Opportunities • Station Facilities and Visibility: Both sta- • tions include highly visible and attractive facilities. Sharon Station has a 190-space surface parking lot accessible from Crump Road with good vehicular accessibility. Bus feeder routes serve the station. The pedestrian bridge at the Sharon Station across the Norfolk Southern railroad line provides visibility and access as a catalyst for redevelopment of properties east of South Boulevard. The I-485 station includes a 1,100-space parking deck, with amenities including walkways, benches, and landscaping. Bus feeder routes serve this station also. The top level of the parking deck provides a playground for the Sterling Elementary school. Major Interstate Access: Both stations have the advantage of access to major interstate highways. The terminal station, I-485, offers convenient access to I-485 (less than ½ mile away), making the station attractive to • • a broad ridership. From both the Sharon and I-485 stations, East Westinghouse Boulevard provides access to Interstate 77. Improved Transportation Environment: As a part of the Light Rail construction project and the South Corridor Infrastructure Program (SCIP), a number of physical and visual improvements to the streetscape were made around both stations, including crosswalks and pedestrian scale lighting. These improvements have made the area somewhat safer and more attractive. As development occurs, additional transportation improvements should be provided. Underutilized Assembled Land: There are a number of large parcels throughout the plan area under single ownership which could be redeveloped in the future for higher density uses. This includes some vacant and underutilized sites, but also includes numerous properties in retail and business use that may redevelop in the longer term. Long-term Redevelopment Opportunities: The 2003 market study by Charles Lesser & Company found that the northern portion of the plan area represents a longer-term development opportunity than stations closer to downtown. Around Sharon Station, near term opportunities are for new “horizontal” local-serving office and multi-family development. In the I-485 Station area, the Carolina Pavilion parking lot presents opportunities for gradual transit-oriented commercial and residential development that might include structured parking. Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan STUDY AREA CONTEXT • Housing Diversity: The plan area has con- • siderable diversity in its housing stock. This includes single-family neighborhoods, townhouses, and multi-family apartments. These neighborhoods offer a base of riders to build upon. Protection and enhancement of these neighborhoods will be a priority in this plan. Institutional Uses: Schools in the plan area present the opportunity to capture student and faculty ridership. At Sharon Station, students and faculty can walk to the Kennedy Charter Public School; students, faculty, and staff at the CPCC Campus on Hebron Street could use Sharon Station if shuttle service were provided. Sterling Elementary School faculty and staff are potential riders at the I-485 station. Constraints • Railroad Line: The Norfolk Southern freight • • • Large Industrial Areas: The vast expanse of • • the Lance plant, Caraustar facilities and other industrial uses are not typically transit supportive uses. Nonetheless, they provide strong employment and economic base for the City, and are anticipated to remain in place for the indefinite future. However, there is little physical or visual connection between Sharon Station and these employment areas. Hostile Pedestrian Environment: Much of the streetscape in the study area is uninviting to pedestrians. With intermittent narrow sidewalks, limited planting strips, absent midblock crossings, few street trees, no on-street parking, multiple curb cuts, and poor lighting, the streets are more oriented to vehicular travelers than to bicyclists or pedestrians. Need for Open Space: Little Sugar Creek Greenway runs along the eastern boundary of the plan area. A park on Westinghouse Boulevard near the I-485 crossing is projected for the west edge of the plan area, but is not funded. Additional open space and landscaping, consistent with an urban environment, is desirable in the station area. Limited Tree Canopy and Landscaping: Currently, the core of the station area has few trees and minimal landscaping. As the land around the transit stations redevelop, the quality of the built environment, especially in the core of the plan area, could be improved by the addition of trees and landscaping. railroad line bisects the plan area and parallels the LYNX light rail line the entire length of the plan area. With the freight line immediately adjacent to South Boulevard on the northern end, there is little opportunity for active use on that street frontage. • Disconnected Street Network: The plan area has a largely disconnected and sparse street network. All long-distance north-south travelers must use South Boulevard. Other than the street grid at Hebron and England Streets and Denmark and Sweden Roads, east-west traffic must funnel through Westinghouse Boulevard, onto South Boulevard, and on to Sharon Road West. Even vehicular trips within the plan area are restricted to these routes. Better connections and an extensive street network leading into and through the station areas will be needed in order to support the high intensity transit oriented development anticipated. Automobile-oriented strip development: At present, the development character in both station areas is largely automobile oriented, including auto dealerships, fast food restaurants and gas stations along South Boulevard. While such uses represent employment opportunities, they do not generate the higher density transit-oriented development preferred in proximity to transit stations. Carolina Pavilion, as well as many of the other retail uses that line South Boulevard near the I-485 station are relatively new, and have stable occupancy, making redevelopment in Across South Boulevard from the I-485/South Boulevard the short to medium-term unlikely. Station is Carolina Pavilion, a big box shopping center. Sharon & I-485Transit Station Area Plan STUDY AREA CONTEXT 5 6 Vision Goals The Sharon and I-485 plan area is home to existing industrial and commercial operations important to the City’s employment and economic needs, and continuing operations will be supported. Incrementally over time, the area is expected to transition to become part of the series of vibrant, high density transit villages along the South Corridor. Within its boundaries, there will be two distinct areas: To achieve this vision, the following goals have been identified for the Sharon & I-485 plan area. The goals draw on adopted, or in-progress, City policies, many of which were discussed in the Introduction to the South Corridor Transit Station Area Plans. • Transit Station Area: The core of the plan area, defined generally as the ½ mile walk distance from either station, will transform over time to a pedestrian-oriented district with higher density, transit-supportive uses. • General Corridor Area: The areas generally beyond the ½ mile walk distance will include a range of uses appropriate for a Growth Corridor. Existing commercial, industrial, warehouse and distribution, office, and institutional uses will remain. Over time, those uses closest to the transit station may redevelop with higher density, mixed uses typically associated with transit. Existing multi-family areas may remain or redevelop at slightly higher densities. The primarily single-family neighborhoods will be preserved and protected from incompatible uses. Unlike the other transit station areas, the Sharon & I-485 plan area does not include Wedge Neighborhood Areas. However, neighborhoods within the General Corridor will incorporate protection measures similar to Wedge neighborhoods. Map 2 illustrates the development concept for the Sharon & I-485 plan area. 1. Land Use: Promote higher density uses that would be best served by the high capacity transportation facilities in the Corridor, while protecting the fabric of the existing residential neighborhoods. 2. Community Design: Building on the synergy of existing public infrastructure investments, establish a high quality pedestrian-oriented environment with attractive streetscapes. At the same time, respect the character of existing and future residential areas. 3. Transportation: Enhance the area’s transportation system by providing new street connections and improving the pedestrian and bicycle system. 4. Infrastructure/ Public Facilities: Provide the infrastructure and public facilities needed to support development in the Growth Corridor. 5. Environment: Improve the quality of the natural environment by providing access to the Little Sugar Creek Greenway, enhancing the tree canopy, improving water quality from stormwater run-off, and creating open space for the station areas. The vision and goals serve as the basis for the recommendations in the chapters that follow. The I-485 Station is connected by a bridge to a park and ride New residential development directly abutting the LYNX lot, topped by a playground serving the adjoining elementary line at New Bern station is a model for future development. school. Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan STUDY AREA CONTEXT 77 Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan Map 2: Concept Plan Sw ede Corridor Commercial nR Hebro d church nd Mu lti-U Corridor Zone se Tra il n St LRT Sou th B v Industrial Sharon Station T Corridor Commercial Corridor Zone Transit Station Area school v st We park park church Moderate Density Residential We st Neighborhood Preservation I-485 Station school Corridor Zone Sharon R d Transit Station Area se B ou ingh Moderate Density Residential L akes Rd Lin ea Sharon Neig hbo I-4 T rho 85 od park N W E S 0 750 1,500 feet Corridor Zone Transit Oriented Development Produced by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department. Sharon & I-485Transit Station Area Plan STUDY AREA CONTEXT Neighborhood Preservation Moderate Density Residential Date: December 2008 8 Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan Map 3: Recommended Future Land Use Corr LN HIL DR L SW D ST MAPLE PL CT RD ST RIDGE MAPLE DR DR RIDGEBROOK SHERBOURNE DR S N RO BR ON E DR LEDG ROCK MAPLE SUGAR PL RD GL AN HE DR TIO NA M EN RD FO NS OL RD HA G RD OLD NATIONS FORD RD RD KH CE HEBRON COMMER O WO R G D D TH AR ST OC R D D MEA ON DS WIN K BAR EN DE NM AR K LONG VALL EY ED TESSAVA CT idor WISTE R PL LA RD *Note: The location of the proposed streets is conceptual. Alternative locations, consistent with the intent of the proposed network,HEBRO N S T W will also be considered. EST SU STARVALLE Y DR NIN R C R E ST PE DR RD THORNCLIFF OLD HEB RON TE WA Proposed Street Connections* 1/4 Mile Walking Distance 1/2 Mile Walking Distance EA ST LA KES W RD ITT RD HIL L QU AIL US HW CO VE Y Y 5 21 CH AS E DR DR K OC ST MU STA LN MA GG IE LN NG T RD N TO PE HO SH AR ON RD WE ST OB RD GR UE NE WA L D LN LN ER BE CK LN RK NT PA SHARON BROO K DR REGE DR EN S KIR KN CT EN AR ON CH HT IG BR OO RID B AY WN L GREYLEAF PL RD MO N CT LOGA DR FOXF ALL LIS ERS TR RY TR KEN LAU RE CAD ILLA C S T NS EE CT QUAK O R ST ST PAL K OA N TR HADLEIG H PL CA DIL LAC TRACE CT M ST PENSHURST HA AT NE Y BY KEL H T L DR CH RO D KIL OLD PINE VILLE DR DR UT G B TL RAE MA R R S O SIN ICK CIR IAL M NO VE K C RO S N DR USTR HA HA PAR NIC BIRNEN DR BRANSO N CT ) E RD (CLO SED PINEVILL LN DR CIR C DR L N SO LIS G R HOLLOW VE RA HANOVE UN RD MO T LANDSBURG AN BR CT BA L ANTO TRES IND EMST CT R ER M DE WARW Institutional Office/Retail Open Space Industrial Transit Oriented - Mixed EAD DE 85 E HANOVERPL WOODS I-4 DR H RIDAN GEOVE CTR LN E DL YA N CH UR CH G UR NB LN DE GLEN DR AVE TUR ER OL LE AVONDA AVE MYRTLE RY NBER M D HE CT GROVE B CT RE HANOVER CHINA T PACKARD ST DR DR LE NG LO VD H BL SOUT DENDY LN AF RG LN LE D D R LN ERVIN B C IG PL ON E LEBU PO OR S F LN N LO BLOLLY L LY T LIN DR TIM RD BE R AF GLE LON CE SPRU PL PINE LN E BE JEN ZIG G RD LIN CIR GE ION EEN AIL HEID ER Proposed Land Use Residential <= 5 DUA Residential <= 8 DUA Residential <= 17 DUA Office/IndustrialWarehouse-Distribution T A C RG SH CR UM BA UM ID BR K D R P R D LN RS TE AF CR DR D LO PL ST NAT ERVI N CRESSIDA LEIP OLD E G E PEWSBURY RD U HO ING ST WE D BLV SE GE N W GIS .m Charlotte ore than ma ... ps Produced by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department. E S .. .. .. 0 750 feet 1,500 Date: December 09, 2008 Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN 9 Land Use and Community Design such time as the property owners are ready for redevelopment. These properties are within a 1/2 mile walk of the Sharon Station, and as such are suitable for mixed transit-supportive land uses consistent with the Transit Station Area Principles if and when redevelopment occurs. This chapter sets forth land use and community design recommendations to achieve the vision and goals for the Sharon & I-485 plan area. An overview of the proposed street network is also included. Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Map 3: Recommended Future Land U LA TESSAVA CT LN HIL L DR SW R D D ST MAPLE PL CT RD K EA ST LA KES RD US HW Y 5 21 11 1 MU STA IE SH AR ON ST RD E G ID S HT INE RL BE B C IG PL ON E GREYLEAF PL CH UR CH GROVE CHINA AF DR LE NG LO 7 4 11 PINEVILL I-4 85 BA L MA R MO ILLA C S T LAC DIL CA NE RY TR CAD Map 3.1: Transit Station Area Recommendations RO D than ma ps DR CIR B TL RAE RD ST Y S T IND USTR IAL DR OLD PINE VILLE KIL HADLEIG H PL ... .. Charlotte ore L ICK CIR .m VE RA WARW .. .. UN RD MO GIS LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN RE ME DE AN BR CT N DR Sharon & I-485Transit Station Area Plan AVE ANTO TRES 1. Support continuing use of major industrial operations located adjoining or in close proximity to the Sharon Station. While not transit-oriented in nature, these uses serve other important employment and economic functions within the City. These properties should retain their industrial zoning to allow them to continue as-of-right operations and allow for business expansion, until MYRTLE LE Land Use and Community Design AVONDA AVE PACKARD ST E RD (CLO SED ) 9 3T N LO BLOLLY L VD H BL 8 LN ERVIN DENDY LN SOUT YA ND LE LN D D R LN 8 CE SPRU PL PINE LE PO OR S F RD DR TIM RD AF GLE LON AIL 10 KN RID B AY WN L AR ON DR SH CR UM CRESSIDA PEWSBURY RD BR K D R GE BR OO P R D LN RS TE AF CR LN 8 11 SHARON BROO K DR 1 RK NT PA LN WE GE G RD D LO PL ION NAT LIN LN REGE OLD ER CIR NG LN 5 6 T 7 ST EEN S AR ST 2 The Transit Station area is located along South Boulevard, in the approximate center of the larger plan area. The station area, encompassing both the Sharon and I-485 stations, currently includes a variety LVD E B US HO of industrial/ distribution, retail, office, institutional G IN EST E W and residential uses. The Lance plant, and several other large industrial operations, are a major presence in the area. It is anticipated that these uses will remain in place, and continue to grow, over a number of years. The following recommendations are intended to allow this lower intensity, suburban oriented area to transform, over time, into a higher-intensity urban district. MAPLE SUGAR PL DE NM BR ON Transit Station Area ERVI N M EN GL AN D HE DR OLD NATIONS FORD RD RD GA OL RD RD N RO CE HEBRON COMMER O WO R G D D H RT KH MEA ON DS WIN K BAR ST OC EN MA GG LONG VALL EY ED HA South Growth Corridor that surrounds theHEBRON ST WE Sharon and I-485 light rail stations including ST important existing industrial uses; and RD RD • General Corridor Area, which includes FO S ON general corridor commercial,NATIoffice/industrial and moderate density residential land uses of the South Growth Corridor. The land use recommendations are shown on Map 3. The general location for each recommendation is noted on the map extracts within each section, using the item numbers below. The recommendations also are cross referenced using the item numbers in the Implementation Section of this plan. Produced by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department. 0 750 feet 1,500 WIS SU Y DR NIN • Transit Station Area, the portion of the STARVALLE PE DR RD THORNCLIFF OLD HEB RON IG This chapter divides the study area into two distinct districts: 10 2. Promote a mix of transit-supportive land uses 3. Encourage capacity expansion of the I-485 park-and-ride facility. The park and ride garage (residential, service-oriented retail, civic, office) at I-485 Station is generally at capacity by early within the Transit Station Area. This will occur morning. Over the long term the garage should primarily through new development over a period be expanded. The expansion might be in conjuncof time. The area desired for future transit-oriented tion with redevelopment of other property, intedevelopment lies generally within a 1/2 mile walk grating a mix of transit-supportive uses. If so, it distance of the transit stations and includes land should include active ground floor uses that wrap currently in use as industrial/distribution facilithe parking to create an active streetscape. In the ties, commercial development, and strip shopping short term, additional temporary surface parking centers. spaces in proximity to the station are being considered. • For new development within the Transit Station Area, ensure that uses, intensity, site and facade design, and transportation ele- 4. Encourage an intensification of the Carolina Pavilion Shopping Center with an integrated mix ments are consistent with the Transit Station of transit-supportive land uses (residential, retail, Area Principles outlined in the Introduction to civic, and office). Over time and in an incremental South Corridor Station Area Plans. manner, this shopping center could be transformed • Design new development to support pedesinto a vibrant, mixed use development, possibly trian activity, with buildings brought close to including a strong residential component. Future the sidewalk and parking to the rear. growth and development of this site should be consistent with the Transit Station Area Principles out• In addition to the properties within the lined in the Introduction to South Corridor Station Transit Station Area designated for continuArea Plans. ing industrial use, a number of other properties in the Transit Station Area are occupied by ongoing businesses and industrial operations. 5. Encourage redevelopment of the CATS parkand-ride surface parking lot at Sharon Station, While not transit-oriented in nature, it is recpossibly in conjunction with redevelopment of ognized that these uses serve other important other adjoining property, to integrate a mix of employment and economic functions within transit-supportive land uses (residential, retail, the City. These properties should retain their civic, office, as well as the needed parking.) commercial or industrial zoning to allow them Development should include active ground floor to continue as-of-right operations and allow uses that wrap a parking facility to create an active for business expansion, until such time as the streetscape. The current surface lot is filled by property owners are ready for redevelopment. early morning. Provision of additional park-andride spaces is important at this location. 6. Provide active ground floor non-residential uses, such as retail or office, in the area immediately surrounding the Sharon Station: along all existing and proposed streets within 500 feet of the transit station. To be most accessible to transit users, design these ground floor uses to include clear glass windows and doors, as well as entrances that front on and connect to the sidewalk. The park-and-ride garage at the I-485 Station is filled to capacity on weekday mornings. 7. Provide open space and/or pedestrian amenities near both transit stations. Open space should be incorporated into any future park-and-ride redevelopment. Public property along South Boulevard at the edge of the Norfolk Southern rail line should be landscaped with low-maintenance native plant materials and should be used for a buffer and green space to the extent possible. Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN 8. Ensure that development adjacent to the Sterling, Pine Valley, and Sharonbrook neighborhoods provides a good transition from the low scale neighborhoods to the taller buildings desired in the station area. Ensure that building and site design for development in the vicinity of single family housing in these neighborhoods is of a scale and design that complements the existing housing. General Corridor Area The remaining portion of the plan area, extending outward from the Transit Station Area, is classified as the General Corridor Area. It is part of the larger South Growth Corridor. The area has interstate access from South and Westinghouse Boulevards, and includes a range of uses designed to take advantage of interstate and other vehicular access. These include automobileoriented retail development, suburban office/ware9. Recognize the Sterling Elementary Public house properties, and institutional/civic uses. There School as an institutional use within the I-485 also are a number of multi-family developments along Station Area. Sharon Lakes Road and Sharon Road West. 10. Recognize the China Grove AME Zion Church as an institutional use within the I-485 Transit Land Use and Community Design Station Area. 12. Maintain a mixture of office, commercial, warehouse, and industrial land uses along Hebron Supporting Street Network Street East, England Street, Stockholm Court, Sweden Road, Denmark Road, East Westinghouse Key street network recommendations related to Boulevard, and Crafters Lane. These areas are proposed land use in this area are noted here. The currently developed with a mixture of low density Transportation and Streetscape section of this plan office/flex development, other commercial uses, provides more detail. and warehouse/light industrial uses. Development may be single use or include a mixture of uses. 11. Provide new street connections needed to create New development plans should also be consistypical block lengths of 400 feet (desired), or 600 tent with the applicable design guidelines in the feet (maximum), as shown on Maps 3 and 4. General Development Policies. Properties within These connections are the highest priority for the a 1/2 mile walking distance of the Sharon Station plan area. could be converted to TOD if consolidated for redevelopment. The street network shown on existing industrial and commercial developments represents a longterm expectation at the point of property redevelopment, not necessarily applicable to continuing uses in the nearer term. It should be noted that the street network shown on Map 3 and Map 4 provides a representation of the desired street network for the Sharon & I-485 plan area and may require adjustments to address site conditions. An alternative but comparable network, consistent with the intent of providing connectivity, will also be considered. Industrial and commercial operations such as the Lance plant adjoin the Sharon Station, and are expected to remain for some time to come. Sharon & I-485Transit Station Area Plan LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN 11 11 • Sharon South Neighborhood, on Regent Park 13. Support continued moderate density residential Lane and its connecting streets: This area is use on Sharonbrook Drive, and on Regent Park generally beyond a ½ mile walk from Sharon Lane and its connecting streets, at a density not Station. It consists largely of existing individto exceed 17 dua consistent with existing zoning. ually owned townhomes with some surroundThis will provide an appropriate transition from ing multi-family development, designed as a the station area to areas of lesser density, and help compatible whole. to preserve the existing mature tree canopy in these areas. 14. Maintain the existing Pine Valley single-family neighborhood north of Carolina Pavilion • Sharonbrook Drive: This neighborhood at a density of up to 5 dwellings per acre (dua), consists of older single-family homes and a compatible with the existing homes. While the variety of small multi-family properties develadopted future land use for this neighborhood is oped over many years. While some of the area single family, it currently has incompatible multiis within a ½ mile walk of Sharon Station, family zoning. Maintain the existing open space, increased density would not be in character including neighborhood association and park with the neighborhood. and recreation facilities, as open space within the neighborhood. Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan Map 3: Recommended Future Land Use TESSAVA CT Y DR LN ST OC ST KH AN GL BR ON 26 RD 12 EN HE S NM OLD NATIONS FORD RD MAPLE PL CT ST 22 EA ST DR DR RIDGEBROOK SHERBOURNE DR 17 N RO FO TIO NA M RIDGE MAPLE MAPLE SUGAR PL D ST OL RD RD K VALL RD DR NS WE EN HA RD GA ST R D D CE HEBRON COMMER H RT RD R G D D O WO ED MEA ON DS WIN K BAR SW E DR LEDG ROCK RD RON AR EY HEB DE DR L R PL HIL WISTE LA STARVALLE SU DR NIN R C R E ST PE THORNCLIFF RD TE WA OLD HEB RON LONG LA KES RD E L CH HIL Y QU AIL CO VE US LN MA GG IE LN NG RD AS Y 5 21 HW 15 26 STA DR DR K OC ST ITT W MU 16 CK BE RK NT PA LN 13 LN 24 REGE WA L GR UE RD DR BA UM E G ID EN BR CH KIR IG KN CT EN RG T A C CH ) E RD (CLO SED PINEVILL UT G B TL RAE MA R R S O SIN N CT LOGA DR PAL MO LIS RY TR ERS TR LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN AM LAU RE ILLA C S T N TR HA NS EE CT QUAK O R CAD KEN T KS OA AC ST TRACE CT H AT CH ILL PENSHURST Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan RD OLD PINE VILLE KIL BY KEL H T L DR FOXF ALL ICK CIR Y S T DR NO VE K C RO S WARW NE AM H RIDAN GEOVE CTR LN HA PAR NIC C DR DR CIR BIRNEN DR R HOLLOW L HANOVE UN RD VE RA LANDSBURG 18 MO T N SO LIS G N DR DR EAD EMST CT R AN BR CT BA L E ER M DE ANTO TRES IAL DR DE 23 Map 3.2: General Corridor Area Recommendations USTR LY TH LIN GREYLEAF PL UR LN E DL YA N CH GROVE G UR NB LN DE OL HANOVERPL WOODS 5 TUR ER D HE CT CHINA 25 RY NBER M GLEN DR 18 I-48 B CT RE HANOVER AVE DR LE NG LO LE MYRTLE 23 AF RG LN 20 B C IG PL ON E AVONDA AVE PACKARD ST N LO BLOLLY L TIM RD BE R 14 DR RD DR LEBU DENDY LN T 20 LN ERVIN VD H BL SOUT LN AF GLE LON CE SPRU PL PINE LN ZIG G HEID LIN LE RD 26 22 19 PO D OR S F 23 E DG LO PL ION NAT ER CIR E BE JEN BRANSO N CT DR HT S K D R BR OO RID B AY WN L AR ON CRESSIDA PEWSBURY RD LEIP OLD ST EEN AIL 21 ERVI N GE OU GH IN EST E W CR D BLV SE 13 SH AF TE CR UM RS LN 12 P R D NE SHARON BROO K DR ST ER WE OB RD LN AR ON RD N TO PE HO SH D T IND 12 15. Support continued moderate density residen- 20. Maintain the moderate density residential character in the portions of the Sterling neighbortial use along Sharon Road West and Sharon hood surrounding Sterling Elementary School Lakes Road at a density not to exceed 17 dwelland I-485 Station. Because of the close interrelaings per acre (dua). This area is generally beyond a tionship between these areas and the low density 1/2 mile walk from Sharon Station and has poor single family portion of the neighborhood, buildstreet connectivity. It consists largely of existing ing heights, setbacks, property access, and buffers multi-family developments. Redevelopment at a to the existing homes will be important condensity not to exceed 30 dua may be considered if siderations. Density of up to 8 dua is generally the following criteria are met: appropriate, subject to further considerations as follows: • Usable park / open space, and connections to the greenway where adjacent, are provided; • Dendy Street and Packard Street west of • A significant low to moderate income housing China Grove Church Road have been develcomponent in accordance with Counciloped with single family homes, generally at 8 adopted Affordable Housing Policies is dua. The plan should reflect this density. included in a mixed income environment; • Property south of Sterling School and along • A mixture of housing types is provided; Packard Street and Myrtle Avenue is irregularly developed with single-family homes, • Existing mature trees are preserved, and an and existing density here is appropriate. If appropriate street network is provided in all property owners come together to sell accordance with this plan; the land, and if additional direct vehicular • The Residential Design Guidelines in the access to South Boulevard can be achieved, General Development Policies are met. the property might be redeveloped at a higher density up to TOD level, subject to appropri16. Recognize the Kennedy Charter Public School ate height and buffer standards as related to as an institutional use within the plan area. the continuing single family neighborhood. 17. Recognize the Redeemed Christian Church of • Existing homes in common ownership genGod as an institutional use within the plan area. erally along the west side of China Grove Church Road have a current density limit 18. Recognize the two day care centers at the southof 8 dua. Development up to 17 dua will be ern end of the Sterling neighborhood as instituconsidered only if the proposed plan has settional uses within the plan area. backs, dwelling entrances, building heights, street connections, and parking accommoda19. Maintain the low density single family portion tions that are compatible with the surroundof the Sterling neighborhood at a density up ing single family neighborhood. to 4 dua, consistent with existing land use and 21. Support moderate density residential use of zoning. the property west of the Sterling neighborhood at a density not to exceed 17 dwellings per acre (dua). This area is generally beyond a 1/2 mile walk from I-485 Station and has poor street connectivity. Because of its irregular boundaries and potential street interconnections with the Sterling neighborhood, buffers and height relationships to existing homes will be important considerations. Increased density not to exceed 30 dua may be considered if the following criteria are met: • Usable park / open space, and connections to • The Sterling neighborhood, adjoining the I-485 station, has affordable single family homes. Sharon & I-485Transit Station Area Plan LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN the greenway where adjacent, are provided; A significant low to moderate income housing component in accordance with Counciladopted Affordable Housing Policies is included in a mixed income environment; 13 14 A pedestrian path alongside Sterling Elementary School provides access to the I-485 station from the Sterling neighborhood. Development is underway for the Little Sugar Creek Greenway along the eastern edge of the plan area. 25. Adjust the official boundary between the South • A mixture of housing types is provided; Growth Corridor and the adjacent Wedge to the • Existing mature trees are preserved, and an east to be consistent with the boundary shown on appropriate street network is provided in accordance with this plan; • The Residential Design Guidelines in the General Development Policies are met. 22. Provide an opportunity for a mixture of retail and office land uses for the properties along South Boulevard at the northern end of the plan area, and in the Westinghouse Boulevard vicinity. This area is beyond the 1/2 mile walk distance from the stations. It is envisioned to accommodate a mixture of pedestrian-oriented uses, similar to transit oriented development, but at a lesser intensity. Development may be single use or include a mixture of uses. New development plans also should be consistent with the applicable design guidelines in the General Development Policies. Building heights should not exceed four (4) stories or 40’ in height in this area. 23. Recognize Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation’s existing and proposed projects. The Little Sugar Creek Greenway is planned to extend from Archdale Drive to I-485. A new park in the Pine Valley neighborhood is under development. A park facility on East Westinghouse Boulevard at Old Nations Ford Road, generally along Kings Branch, is planned for the future. 24. Recognize plans by the Mecklenburg County Library System to develop a regional/branch library on Sharon Road West along Little Sugar Creek Greenway. Map 3. The flood plain on the eastern edge of the plan area and existing development therein will be included in the Growth Corridor. Supporting Street Network Key street network recommendations related to proposed land use in this area are noted here. The Transportation and Streetscape section of this plan provides more detail. 26. Maintain and enhance the existing street network in the General Corridor Area as shown on Maps 3 and 4. Provide new street connections needed to create typical block lengths of 600 feet desired, or 650 feet maximum. The proposed new streets shown represent a longterm expectation, to be built at the point of property redevelopment, not necessarily applicable to continuing uses in the nearer term. It should be noted that the street network shown on Map 3 and Map 4 provides a representation of the desired street network for the Sharon and I-485 plan area and may require adjustments to address site conditions. An alternative but comparable network, consistent with the intent of providing connectivity, will also be considered. Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan LAND USE AND COMMUNITY DESIGN 15 Transportation and Streetscape Transforming the existing streets into an attractive and functional multi-modal street network is critical to the success of the plan area, especially the area around the LRT stations where transit-oriented development is planned. Providing a well-connected street network is important throughout the study area to facilitate mobility choices and minimize congestion. In conjunction with the establishment of the LRT line, the City made a number of improvements to the Sharon & I-485 street network through the South Corridor Infrastructure Program (SCIP). This chapter recommends additional transportation improvements for the plan area for new streets, street cross-sections, and streetscape elements. Transportation/Street Design Recommendations This section outlines transportation recommendations addressing both proposed new streets and enhancements to existing streets to make them more pedestrian and bicycle friendly. These include both City sponsored capital improvements, as well as improvements that will be required in conjunction with new development and redevelopment. The general locations of the recommendations are noted on Map 4. It should be noted that this map provides a representation of the desired street network and may require adjustments to address site conditions. An alternative but comparable network consistent with the intent of providing connectivity will also be considered. The recommendations also are cross referenced using the item numbers in the Implementation section of this plan. Street Network 27. Provide new street connections in the Transit Station Area, as discussed in item 11 in the Land Use Section. Street connections, creating block lengths of 400 to 600 feet, are the highest priority for this Plan, as these are needed to support high density development and to provide additional travel routes. The streets planned as part of transit-oriented development along South Boulevard exemplify this principle. Sharon & I-485Transit Station Area Plan TRANSPORTATION AND STREETSCAPE 28. Provide new street connections in the General Corridor Area, as discussed in item 26 in the Land Use Section. Street connections, creating block lengths of 600 to 650 feet in the General Corridor Area, are critical to alleviating congestion on South Boulevard, Westinghouse Boulevard, Hebron Street, and Sharon Road West. New connections also support redevelopment and provide a more balanced network of route choices. 29. Increase connectivity within the Sterling neighborhood by extending existing street stubs of Sterling Lane, Aileen Circle, and Ervin Lane south of Westinghouse Boulevard and near the I-485 station at the time of any proposed development. 30. Increase connectivity within the Pine Valley neighborhood by extending Timberline Road to Sharon Road West, and a new local street between Longleaf Drive and Cressida Drive at the time of proposed redevelopment. 31. Plan for the extension of Myrtle Avenue to South Boulevard as a condition for transit-oriented development within the Sterling neighborhood areas south of the I-485 Station. Such new connection may require modification to the existing private drive serving the parking deck to further connect to Carolina Pavilion Drive North, or may require connection to Carolina Pavilion Drive South over, under, or across the rail rights of way of both the LYNX and freight corridors. The final location and manner of these connections will involve agreements between the railroad, the City, CMS, and other parties that control these rights of way. Sidewalks 32. Widen sidewalk system along area thoroughfares. Many of these sidewalks are only five feet wide, inconsistent with the recommended width found in the Streetscape Standards on subsequent pages. Additionally, planting strips which separate pedestrians from vehicular traffic are narrow or completely lacking. This plan recommends widening the sidewalks and adding planting strips along South Boulevard and other thoroughfares within the plan boundaries in conjunction with redevelopment. 16 South Boulevard at the entrance to the I-485 Station and Parking garage is difficult for pedestrians. A pedestrian bridge spans the light rail and freight rail lines, providing access to Sharon Station from South Boulevard. 33. Improve the sidewalk network in the Transit Bicycle Accommodations Station Area. As the streetscape cross-sections recommend, new development and redevelop- 35. Site new development to allow future addition ment should install sidewalks on all streets. New of bicycle lanes on thoroughfares. This plan recstreets shown in the plan are largely located on ommends the long-term installation of bicycle blocks closest the stations. lanes along all thoroughfares as shown on Map 4. Pedestrian Crossings Street Lighting 34. Enhance pedestrian and bicycle crossings. Area 36. Install pedestrian scale lighting in key locathoroughfares and major collectors can be diftions. Typical streetlights illuminate the roadway, ficult for pedestrians and bicyclists to cross due but do not provide significant lighting for the to factors such as traffic volume, traffic speed, pedestrian area of a street. Pedestrian scale lighting number of lanes, frequent turning movements, is shorter in height than streetlights and focuses and distance between signalized crosswalks. on lighting sidewalk areas. It should be installed While SCIP resulted in an enhanced intersection in the public right-of-way, with special attention at South Boulevard and Sharon Road West, other to blocks along and near South Boulevard and in intersections still have room for improvement. blocks adjacent to the Sharon and I-485 stations. This plan recommends adding enhanced crossings, as shown on Map 4. In the plan area, these include: • South Boulevard at Sweden Road and Sharon • • • • Lakes Road; South Boulevard at Hebron Street; South Boulevard at Westinghouse Boulevard and Cressida Drive; Westinghouse Boulevard at Crump and China Grove Church Roads; and South Boulevard at Carolina Pavilion North. Enhanced crossings may include a combination of vehicle traffic signals, pedestrian countdown signals, painted or textured cross walks, ADA curb ramps, and pedestrian refuge islands in the median. Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan TRANSPORTATION AND STREETSCAPE 17 Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan Map 4: Future Transportation Network LA TESSAVA CT LN HIL ST OC KH OL RD EN G BR ON ST DR K DR RIDGEBROO SHERBOURNE DR S N RO OLD NATIONS FORD RD HE DR TIO NA MAPLE PL CT LA ND M DE NM AR K VALL EY LONG RD FO NS ST RIDGE MAPLE MAPLE SUGAR PL RD E DR LEDG ROCK HA RD WE EN RD RD DR RD G ST R D D MEA CE HEBRON COMMER K BAR G ON DS O WO ED RON WIN D TH AR SW HEB ST DR L WISTE R PL SU STARVALLE Y DR NIN RC REST PE THORNCLIFF DR RD TE WA OLD HEB RON EA ST LA KES MU STA LN MA GG IE LN NG QU AIL CO VE HIL Y L RD CH AS E DR DR K OC ST ITT W RD T RD N TO PE HO SH RD WE OB DR PEWSBURY RD BA UM ID EN BR S CH HT KN KIR IG BR OO CT EN AR ON DR GREYLEAF PL AF E RD (CLO SED ) HA NO VE MA R R S O K C RO S G B TL RAE RD OLD PINE VILLE DR IAL MO RY TR ST ILLA C S T N CT LOGA DR KEN LAU RE N TR DIL CA H PL N W E S .. TRANSPORTATION AND STREETSCAPE NS EE CT QUAK O HADLEIG .. Sharon & I-485Transit Station Area Plan TR R CAD Produced by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department. ERS ST LAC LIS K OA Y S T PAL AM Enhanced Pedestrian Crossing Enhanced Pedestrian Crossing Pending Street Connection TRACE CT H AT NE PENSHURST CH USTR H T L DR FOXF ALL ICK CIR WARW KIL BY KEL NIC C UT PAR SIN Street Connections* Bicycle Lanes Widened Sidewalk *Note: The location of the proposed streets is conceptual. Alternative locations, consistent with the intent of the proposed network, will also be considered. RO D M H RIDAN GEOVE CT R DR CIR BIRNEN DR DR R HOLLOW PINEVILL LN L LANDSBURG VE RA HANOVE HANOVERPL WOODS GLEN DR UN RD MO T N SO LIS G BRANSO N CT R CHINA DE EAD EMST CT N DR IND DR D HE CT HANOVER BA L RE ME DE AN BR CT ANTO s. UR NB LN DE TRES .. p than ma TUR ER OL LE 85 RY NBER M AVONDA AVE AVE I-4 Charlotte HA B CT RE G MYRTLE ore LY T DR LE NG LO T PACKARD ST .m DR BE LIN E CH LN E DL YA N CH VD H BL GROVE DR B C IG PL ON E RG LN LE SOUT D D R LN N LO BLOLLY L LEBU PO OR S F RD DR TIM RD BE R AF GLE LON CE SPRU PL PINE LN DENDY LN GIS JEN ZIG G HEID LIN GE ION NAT ER CIR D LO PL ST EEN AIL LN ERVIN .. T A C RG SH CR UM TE AF CR GE RID B AY WN L LEIP OLD ERVI N CRESSIDA UR GH STIN E E W K D R P R D LN RS D LV E B S OU G E RD GR UE NE WA L D LN LN ER BE CK LN RK NT PA REGE ST SHARON BROO K DR AR ON 0 750 feet 1,500 Date: November 05, 2008 18 Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan Map 5: Street Cross Section Key LA TESSAVA CT LN HIL TIO NA ST M MAPLE PL CT HE BR ON ST DR OLD NATIONS FORD RD RD FO NS OL S DR K DR RIDGEBROO SHERBOURNE DR N RO G RD KH RIDGE MAPLE HA R G D RD ST OC RD ON O WO ST E DR LEDG ROCK MAPLE SUGAR PL RD DE NM AR K DS D TH AR WE R D D EN D ST ED MEA CE HEBRON COMMER WIN K BAR SW GL AN LONG RON RD RD VALL EY HEB EN DR L WISTE R PL SU STARVALLE Y DR NIN R C R E ST PE THORNCLIFF DR RD TE WA OLD HEB RON EA ST LA KES RD ITT W STA LN MA GG IE LN NG QU AIL CO VE Y HIL L CH RD AS E DR DR K OC ST MU T RD N TO PE HO SH AR ON RD WE ST OB DR BA UM ID EN BR S CH HT KIR KN CT EN DR IG BR OO GE RID B AY WN L AR ON NO VE AR R S O RD RY TR AC ST DIL L LOGA DR FOXF ALL PAL LIS ERS TR NS EE CT QUAK O KEN LAU RE N TR HADLEIG H PL CA Y S T CT R NE TRACE ST RO D PENSHURST K OA ILLA C S T H T L DR AM CAD BY G N CT B TL RAE M SIN H AT CH OLD PINE VILLE DR MO UT K C RO S KEL BIRNEN DR BRANSO N CT E RD (CLO SED H RIDAN GEOVE CTR CHINA ) HA PAR NIC C DR PINEVILL LN KIL LANDSBURG DR CIR T N SO LIS G R HOLLOW L EMST CT HANOVE VE RA CIR IAL EAD R DE HANOVERPL WOODS GLEN DR UN RD MO ICK WARW USTR DR D HE CT HANOVER BA L RE ME DE AN BR CT N DR ANTO IND UR NB LN DE TRES ... N W E S .. .. than m TUR ER OL Avenue: Four Lane Divided Local Residential Wide Avenue: Two Lane Undivided Boulevard Avenue: Two Lane Divided New Street* Office/Commercial Wide *Note: The location of the proposed streets is conceptual. Alternative locations, consistent with the intent of the proposed network, will also be considered. Produced by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department. RY NBER M LE 85 s ap M B CT RE AVONDA AVE AVE I-4 Charlotte HA DR T MYRTLE ore LY T TIM RD BE R GREYLEAF PL AF LE NG LO G PACKARD ST .m DR BE LIN E H UR C LN E DL YA N CH VD H BL GROVE DR B C IG PL ON E RG LN LE SOUT D D R LN N LO BLOLLY L LEBU PO OR S F RD DR ZIG AF GLE LON CE SPRU PL PINE LN GE G A HEID LIN D LO PL ION NAT ER CIR DENDY LN GIS JEN LEIP OLD ST EN ILE LN ERVIN .. T A C RG CR UM CRESSIDA SH RS TE AF E W ERVI N K D R P R D LN D BLV CR SE OU GH IN EST G E RD GR UE NE WA L D LN LN ER BE CK LN RK NT PA SHARON BROO K DR REGE PEWSBURY RD 0 750 feet 1,500 Date: November 10, 2008 Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan TRANSPORTATION AND STREETSCAPE Streetscape Standards Street Cross-Sections Streets are more than just pathways to and through a place. Streets are one of the most highly visible types of urban places. As the entrance and exit to a community, streets have the ability to set the tone for the surrounding environment. Based on the City’s Urban Street Design Guidelines, the future cross-sections have been determined for streets within the Sharon & I-485 plan area, with the exception of the single family neighborhood areas where little change to existing streets is expected. The following street types are recommended for the plan area: The streetscape cross-sections on the following pages are essential to “setting the tone” for the type of setting desired in the plan area. The cross sections have been developed in accordance with the Urban Street Design Guidelines (USDG), adopted by City Council in October 2007. The cross-sections set forth: • • • • • • Boulevard Avenue - Four-Lane Divided Avenue - Two-Lane Undivided Avenue - Two-Lane Divided • Building setback requirements, Office/Commercial Street - Wide • Streetscape, sidewalk, and street tree requireLocal Residential Street - Wide ments, and • Future character of the streets regarding the Map 5 shows the desired location for each of these number of lanes, bicycle, pedestrian and street types. Consult this map to identify the rectransit accommodations and provisions for ommendation for a specific street, then refer to the matching cross-section on the following pages. Streets on-street parking. within neighborhood areas slated for preservation are When this plan is approved, the streetscape standards intended for preservation as well, so new cross secspecified herein will become the official “Streetscape tions for these areas are not provided. Plan” for the study area, as referred to in the zoning standards for a number of the City’s urban zoning districts. As such, all new development on sites zoned TOD, TS, PED, UMUD, MUDD, NS, UR, or other urban zoning districts that may be established must be designed in accordance with these standards. The specifications in the cross-sections are based on typical conditions and may vary based upon further study and in unique circumstances. Note that these cross-sections are not plans for immediate road improvements, but many are recommended long-term changes. Improvements such as on-street parking, streetscape enhancements, and sidewalk installation typically will be implemented through private redevelopment, although the City may fund minor improvements. New streets also typically will be implemented through private development, while major improvements to existing streets generally will be constructed by the City. Sharon & I-485Transit Station Area Plan TRANSPORTATION AND STREETSCAPE 19 Boulevard • Continuous median with left turn lanes and Description: Boulevards are intended to move large numbers of vehicles, often as “through traffic,” from one part of the city to another, and to other lower level streets in the network. Thus, the modal priority shifts toward motor vehicles, while still accommodating pedestrians and cyclists as safely and comfortably as possible. pedestrian refuge. • Additional widening for turn lanes may be required in some circumstances in accordance with CDOT standards. Behind the Curb: Minimum building setback is 24 feet from back of (unrecessed) recommended curb. Tree planting is required with spacing, irrigation, subdrainage, and adequate soil space for roots per the Charlotte Tree Ordinance. Land Use: The land use will vary; within the plan area the desired uses will be typically medium density mixed use; retail, office, industrial, warehouse, and distribution uses. • Planting strip serves as buffer from traffic to Situation: South Boulevard is a major thoroughfare. From Sharon Lakes Road southward to I-485, traffic volumes and speeds increase significantly from the portion of South Boulevard further north. Within this plan area, a four-lane divided Boulevard cross section is recommended. • • Existing Condition: South Boulevard in this plan area has two lanes in each direction, widened for left and right turn lanes and merging lanes in various locations. Right of way is typically 100 feet, varying significantly from 60 feet to over 200 feet in some locations. Proposed Curb to Curb: Recommended width is 76 feet from back-of-curb to back-of-curb; right-ofway is 124 feet. pedestrians on sidewalk. Because of intense traffic on this street, on-street parking is not appropriate. Ped zone is the usual location for the clear sidewalk. The additional planting strip behind the sidewalk is intended to provide additional landscaping, and a buffer between sidewalk and building uses. It can be used for landscaping, sidewalk dining, or paved merchandising purposes, as appropriate to the land use. Encroachments into this strip for features such as steps and open porches are allowed in accordance with the zoning ordinance, but encroachments at grade may not reduce the clear sidewalk to less than 8 feet. Tryon Street-Clanton Road to I-77 • Two travel Boulevard-South lanes and bike lane in each direction. 7.5’ 22‘ 24’ Setback 17’ 22‘ 76’ Back of curb to back of curb Planting Strip 8’ Ped Zone 8’ Bike Lane* Bike Lane* 8’ Vehicle Lanes Planting Strip Planting Strip Vehicle Lanes Turn Lane/ Median. 1.5’ c/g Ped Zone Central Av Planting Strip 20 7.5’ 8’ 8’ 8’ *Includes 2.5’ curb and gutter. 24’ Setback Right of Way-124’ Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan TRANSPORTATION AND STREETSCAPE 21 Avenue - Four-Lane Divided • Additional widening for turn lanes may be Description: The Avenue is the most common (nonlocal) street type in Charlotte, providing access from neighborhoods to commercial areas, between areas of the city, and, in some cases, through neighborhoods. It is designed to provide a balance of service for all modes of transportation, including accessibility for transit, pedestrians, and bicyclists in addition to carrying significant automobile traffic. required in some circumstances in accordance with CDOT standards. Behind the Curb: Minimum building setback is 24 feet from back of (unrecessed) recommended curb. Tree planting is required with spacing, irrigation, subdrainage, and adequate soil space for roots per the Charlotte Tree Ordinance. Land Use: The land use will vary; within the plan area the desired uses will be typically medium to high density mixed use, residential, office, and retail. • Planting strip or recessed on-street parallel parking serves as buffer from traffic to pedestrians on sidewalk. Planting strip with trees is the standard expectation. Recessed on-street Situation: The major thoroughfares in the plan area parking is an option per zoning and CDOT are classified primarily as Avenues. The four lane standards, with intermittent planter islands to divided type is recommended for Sharon Road West. break up parking into bays no more than 100 The proposed cross-section will allow this street to feet in length. continue to perform an important mobility function for motorists, as well as to support safe and comfort• Amenity zone provides supplemental tree able pedestrian and bicycle travel. planting location. Trees in the amenity zone should be planted in curbed planters. The Existing Condition: This street typically has two amenity zone also provides additional paved lanes in each direction, widened for left turn lanes area for street furniture, paved access to onnear some intersections. Right-of-way varies signifistreet parking, and merchandising purposes. cantly from 60 feet upward. • Ped zone is the usual location for the clear sidewalk. Where there is no on-street parking and Proposed Curb to Curb: Recommended width is 70 planting strips are in place, the clear sidewalk feet from back-of-curb to back-of-curb; right-of-way can be pushed into the amenity zone location is 118 feet. and the ped zone can be used for landscaping, sidewalk dining, or paved merchandising • Two travel lanes and bike lane in each direction. purposes. Encroachments into the ped zone • Continuous center lane for left turns and for features such as steps and open porches are pedestrian refuge; to include mid-block landallowed in accordance with the zoning ordiscaped pedestrian refuge islandsAvenue-4 in some loca-Lane Divided nance, but encroachments at grade may not tions. reduce the clear sidewalk to less than 8 feet. 22‘ 24’ Setback Sharon & I-485Transit Station Area Plan 11’ 22‘ 70’ Back of curb to back of curb Right of Way-118’ TRANSPORTATION AND STREETSCAPE Ped Zone 7.5’ Amenity Zone 8’ 8’ Bike Lane* Bike Lane* 8’ Vehicle Lanes *Parking/Trees *Parking/Trees Vehicle Lanes Turn Lane/ Median. 1.5’ c/g Ped Zone *South Blvd: On-street parking is optional south of Scaleybark Road. Amenity Zone Central Av 7.5’ 8’ 8’ 8’ 24’ Setback *Includes 2.5’ curb and gutter. Avenue - Two-Lane Undivided Description: The Avenue is the most common (nonlocal) street providing access from neighborhoods to commercial areas, between areas of the city, and, in some cases, through neighborhoods. It is designed to provide a balance of service for all modes of transportation, including accessibility for transit, pedestrians, and bicyclists in addition to carrying significant automobile traffic. • Widening for left turn lanes may be required in some circumstances in accordance with CDOT standards. Proposed Behind the Curb: Minimum building setback is 24 feet from back of (unrecessed) recommended curb. Tree planting is required with spacing, irrigation, subdrainage, and adequate soil space for roots per the Charlotte Tree Ordinance. Land Use: The land use will vary; within the plan area the desired uses will include medium to high density mixed use and residential, and some office, industrial, warehouse, and distribution uses. • Planting strip or recessed on-street parallel parking serve as buffer from traffic to pedestrians on sidewalk. The recessed parking is required in all locations feasible under CDOT standards, with intermittent planter islands Situation: This Avenue cross section is narrower than to break up parking into bays no more than the four-lane divided version used for Sharon Road 100 feet in length. Planting strip with trees is West. It is recommended for England Street, Sweden required in all other situations. Road, Sharon Lakes Road, and Crump Road within • Amenity zone provides supplemental tree the Transit Station and General Corridor Areas. The planting location. Trees in the amenity zone proposed cross-section will allow this street type to should be planted in curbed planters. The continue to perform an important mobility function amenity zone also provides additional paved for motorists, as well as to support safe and comfortarea for street furniture, paved access to onable pedestrian and bicycle travel. street parking, and merchandising purposes. Existing Condition: These streets have one lane in • Ped Zone is the usual location for the clear each direction, generally without turn lanes or landsidewalk. Where there is no on-street parking scaped median but with some variation at major and planting strips are in place, the clear sideintersections. Right-of-way is generally 60 to 80 feet, walk can be pushed into the amenity zone but varying more and less. location, and the ped zone can be used for landscaping, sidewalk dining, or paved merProposed Curb to Curb: Recommended width is 37 chandising purposes. Encroachments into feet from back of curb to back of curb; right-of-way the ped zone for features such as steps and is 85 feet. open porches are allowed in accordance with the zoning ordinance, but encroachments at • One travel lane and bike lane in each direc- Lane Undivided Avenue-Two grade may not reduce the clear sidewalk to tion. less than 8 feet. 7.5’ 22’ Ped Zone 8’ Amenity Zone Bike Lane* 8’ Vehicle Lane Bike Lane* Parking/Trees 8’ Vehicle Lane Parking/Trees Amenity Zone Central Av Ped Zone 22 7.5’ 8’ 8’ 8’ 37’ 24’ Setback Back of curb to back of curb Right of Way-85’ *Includes 2.5’ curb and gutter. 24’ Setback Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan TRANSPORTATION AND STREETSCAPE 23 Avenue - Two-Lane Divided Description: The Avenue is the most common (nonlocal) street providing access from neighborhoods to commercial areas, between areas of the city, and, in some cases, through neighborhoods. It is designed to provide a balance of service for all modes of transportation, including accessibility for transit, pedestrians, and bicyclists in addition to carrying significant automobile traffic. Proposed Behind the Curb: Minimum building setback is 24 feet from back of (unrecessed) recommended curb. Tree planting is required with spacing, irrigation, subdrainage, and adequate soil space for roots per the Charlotte Tree Ordinance. • Planting strip or recessed on-street parallel Land Use: The land use will vary; within the plan area the desired uses will be typically medium to high density mixed use and office, industrial, warehouse, and distribution uses. Situation: This Avenue cross section is narrower than the four-lane divided version used on Sharon Road West. It is recommended for Hebron Street East. The proposed cross-section will allow this street type to continue to perform an important mobility function for motorists, as well as to support safe and comfortable pedestrian and bicycle travel. • • Existing Condition: This street has one lane in each direction, with median and left turn lanes near intersections. Right-of-way is about 80 feet. Proposed Curb to Curb: Recommended width is 48 feet from back-of-curb to back-of-curb; right-of-way is 96 feet. • One travel lane and bike lane in each direc• parking serve as buffer from traffic to pedestrians on sidewalk. The recessed parking is required in all locations feasible under CDOT standards, with intermittent planter islands to break up parking into bays no more than 100 feet in length. Planting strip with trees is required in all other situations. Amenity zone provides supplemental tree planting location. Trees in the amenity zone should be planted in curbed planters. The amenity zone also provides additional paved area for street furniture, paved access to onstreet parking, and merchandising purposes. Ped Zone is the usual location for the clear sidewalk. Where there is no on-street parking and planting strips are in place, the clear sidewalk can be pushed into the amenity zone location, and the ped zone can be used for landscaping, sidewalk dining, or paved merchandising purposes. Encroachments into the ped zone for features such as steps and open porches are allowed in accordance with the zoning ordinance, but encroachments at grade may not reduce the clear sidewalk to less than 8 feet. tion. Continuous center lane for left turns and pedestrian refuge; to include mid-block land-Lane Divided Avenue-Two scaped pedestrian refuge islands in some locations. 11‘ 24’ Setback 11‘ 7.5’ 11’ 48’ Back of curb to back of curb Right of Way-96’ Sharon & I-485Transit Station Area Plan TRANSPORTATION AND STREETSCAPE Ped Zone 7.5’ Parking/Trees Bike Lane* 8’ 8’ Amenity Zone Parking/Trees 8’ Vehicle Lane Bike Lane* Amenity Zone Vehicle Lane Turn Lane/ Ped. Refuge 1.5’ c/g Ped Zone Central Av 8’ 8’ 8’ 24’ Setback *Includes 2.5’ curb and gutter. Office / Commercial Street - Wide Description: Local streets provide access to residential, industrial, commercial, or mixed use development. The majority of Charlotte’s streets are classified as local streets and are typically built through the land development process. • On-street parking on both sides. Curb exten- sions may be used to narrow street width at intersections and other locations where onstreet parking is not appropriate. • Widening for left-turn lanes may be required in some circumstances in accordance with Land Use: In the study area, the land use along these CDOT standards. streets is typically office, warehouse/industrial, and retail development with an auto orientation. It may Proposed Behind the Curb: Minimum building include medium density mixed-use development. setback is 14 feet from back of (recessed) recommended curb, or 21 feet from back of any extended Situation: The office/commercial streets are recom- curb. Tree planting is required with spacing, irrigamended in the portions of the Transit Station Area tion, subdrainage, and adequate soil space for roots and General Corridor Area where residential uses are per the Charlotte Tree Ordinance. not anticipated. Office/commercial streets are appropriate because they provide basic pedestrian ameni• Planting strip provides buffer from traffic to ties while allowing for reasonable vehicular access and pedestrians on the sidewalk, and a landscaping speeds. opportunity. In locations with retail frontage or other high density applications, tree plantExisting Condition: These streets generally have one ing in curbed planters, with paved amenity lane in each direction; some have on-street parking. zone for street furniture, paved access to onRight-of-way is typically 50 to 60 feet. street parking, and merchandising purposes should be substituted for the planting strip. Proposed Curb to Curb: Recommended width is 41 • Ped Zone is the usual location for the clear feet from back-of-curb to back-of-curb; right-of-way sidewalk. Encroachments into the ped zone is 69 feet. for features such as steps and open porches are allowed in accordance with the zoning ordi• One travel lane in each direction shared with nance, but encroachments at grade may not bicyclists. reduce the clear sidewalk to less than 6 feet. 7’ Min. 14’ Setback 7’ 41’ Back of curb to back of curb Ped Zone 8’ Planting strip or curbed planter Parking* 6’ Mixed Vehicle Zone Parking* Planting strip or curbed planter Office/Commercial-Wide Ped Zone 24 8’ 6’ *Includes 2.5’ curb and gutter. Min. 14’ Setback Right of Way-69’ Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan TRANSPORTATION AND STREETSCAPE 25 Local Residential Street - Wide Proposed Behind the Curb: Minimum building setback is 20 to 22 feet from back of (recessed) recommended curb, or 27 to 29 feet from back of any extended curb, depending on the sidewalk width requirement. Tree planting is required with spacing, irrigation, subdrainage, and adequate soil space for Land Use: The land use is typically medium to high roots per the Charlotte Tree Ordinance. density residential, with some mixed use development. • Planting strip provides buffer from traffic to pedestrians on the sidewalk, and a landscaping Situation: Wide local residential streets are recomopportunity. In locations with retail frontage mended in portions of the plan area where residential or other high density applications, tree plantuses higher in density than single-family are in place ing in curbed planters, with paved amenity or expected. They also are recommended in portions zone for street furniture, paved access to onof the transit station area off of the main thoroughfares street parking, and merchandising purposes where a predominance of residential development should be substituted for the planting strip. is expected. The local residential street cross-section is designed for low traffic speeds and a comfortable • Ped zone is the usual location for the clear walking, cycling and living environment. sidewalk. For streets located within 1/4 mile walk of the transit station, the minimum Existing Condition: These streets have one lane in sidewalk width is 8 feet. Elsewhere in the plan each direction. Some have on-street parking. Rightarea the minimum width is 6 feet. of-way varies widely, but is typically 50 to 60 feet. • The yard area is intended to provide additional landscaping and a buffer between sideProposed Curb to Curb: Recommended width is 35 walk and residential uses. Encroachments for feet from back-of-curb to back-of-curb; right-of-way features such as steps and open porches are is 63 to 67 feet, depending on the sidewalk requireallowed in accordance with the zoning ordiment. nance, but encroachments at grade may not reduce the clear sidewalk to less than the • One travel lane in each direction shared with required width. bicyclists. • Parcels located on streets that have existing • On-street parking on both sides. Curb extensingle-family zoning designations (R-3, R-4, sions may be used to narrow street width at R-5, R-6, and R-8) either across the street, or intersections and other locations where onabutting on the same side of the street, shall street parking is not appropriate. have a minimum setback of 30 feet. • Widening for left-turn lanes may be required in some circumstances in accordance with CDOT standards. Parking* Planting Strip Ped Zone Yard 6’ to 8‘ Parking* Ped Zone 6’ Planting Strip Yard Description: Local streets provide access to residential, industrial, commercial or mixed-use development. The majority of Charlotte’s streets are classified as local streets and are typically built through the land development process. 8’ 7’ 7’ 8’ 6’ to 8‘ 6’ Mixed Vehicle Zone 35’ **20’ to 22’ **20’ to 22’ Back of curb to back of curb Setback Setback Sharon & I-485Transit Station Area Plan Right of Way-63’ to 67’ TRANSPORTATION AND STREETSCAPE *Includes 2.5’ curb and gutter. **30’ setback across from or next to single family zoning. 26 Infrastructure and Public Facilities The core of the Sharon & I-485 plan area includes 38. Encourage the burying of utilities. Overhead properties that currently are industrial and auto-oriutility lines detract from the appearance of the ented commercial; however these properties are recstation area, which in turn may impact the ecoommended for eventual higher density redevelopment. nomic competitiveness of a project. Overhead Their infrastructure, while sufficient and appropriate lines also may impact development density due for its current uses, may require capacity increases for to required clearances from the lines. As redevelmore intense new uses. The following recommendaopment occurs, opportunities to relocate or bury tions are intended to address needs for additional or utility lines should be pursued. expanded infrastructure and public facilities. Public Facility/Infrastructure Recommendations Park and Greenway Recommendations 39. Provide opportunities for expansion and 37. Conduct an infrastructure study to evaluate improved access for the Little Sugar Creek the adequacy of infrastructure (water, sewer, Greenway and the Kings Branch Park in storm drainage) in the station area. The ability of accordance with Mecklenburg County Park and the station area’s infrastructure to support high Recreation master plans. density redevelopment and capacity of the other utility systems is not fully detailed. To ensure that 40. Encourage urban open spaces in the Transit the station area will be able to support the new, Station Area. New developments in the area higher-density development recommended by should provide usable urban open spaces, either this plan, a detailed infrastructure analysis is recon-site or off-site within the station area. Desirable ommended. types of urban open spaces include pocket parks, plazas, and community gardens. The areas in immediate proximity to the two transit stations are high priorities for open space. Sterling Elementary School adjoins the I-485 station. The plan area is flanked by Little Sugar Creek and Kings Branch Creek, with greenway and park improvements planned. Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC FACILITIES 27 Environment The Sharon & I-485 plan area includes a substantial 43. Protect or enhance the watersheds when posarea of present and former commercial and industrial sible. The Sharon & I-485 plan area sits on a development, some of which is expected to be redevelridge line between Little Sugar Creek to the east oped in the coming years. The environmental recomand Kings Branch Creek to the west. Degradation mendations focus on means to improve air, water and to either creek would be a negative impact to the land quality through the redevelopment process. community. Any development or redevelopment in the area will have a goal to improve the quality It should be noted that the establishment of dense of runoff, reduce flooding impacts, and reduce transit oriented development within station areas is runoff if possible. This will primarily be achieved intended to improve the environment of the region with the provisions of the Post Construction by concentrating growth where it can be supported Controls Ordinance. by transit and other infrastructure, by relieving the pressure for growth on outlying greenfield locations, 44. Assist property owners with remediation of and by reducing vehicular trips and trip lengths that sites known or perceived to have contaminated otherwise would extend to the outer edge of the metsoil. Soil contamination poses an obvious hazard ropolitan area. to the environment; however, it can also serve as an obstacle to development. Since contamination is a potential issue in the transit station area, propEnvironmental Recommendations erty owners should be encouraged to participate in the funding programs offered by the City of 41. Make trees a key feature of the entire plan area. Charlotte to financially assist with the assessment Residential neighborhoods are characterized by of contaminated sites. their mature tree canopy. Trees could become a key feature for the entire study area if they are added to streets in the Transit Station and Corridor Areas. In addition to their aesthetic value, trees help to reduce stormwater run-off, slow soil erosion, absorb air pollutants and provide shade. Where street trees currently exist in the station area, they should be maintained and replaced as necessary. In parts of the station area where street trees do not currently exist, they should be planted as part of any new development or redevelopment in accordance with the streetscape cross-sections. 42. Design site plans for new buildings and renovations in the station area to improve water quality for stormwater run-off. Over the last decade, innovative design solutions have been developed to address the water quality of stormwater runoff. These best practices in on-site stormwater management include the use of bioswales or rain gardens, rooftop rain capture, and pervious parking areas. Because of the large amount of impervious surface area and the proximity of nearby creeks, new developments and redevelopments in the station area are encouraged to incorporate design features that improve the quality of stormwater leaving their site, consistent with the Council-adopted Post Construction Controls Ordinance. The tree canopy in existing neighborhoods of the plan area is an amenity to be preserved and emulated in new development. Sharon & I-485Transit Station Area Plan ENVIRONMENT Uptown South End New Bern Scaleybark Volume 2: Implementation Plan Woodlawn Tyvola Archdale Arrowood Sharon Road West I-485/South Boulevard Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan 29 30 Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan Map 6: Corrective Rezonings TESSAVA CT Y DR LN HIL RD G ST OC ST KH MAPLE PL CT AN RD GL BR ON ST DR DR RIDGEBROOK SHERBOURNE DR S K HE DR EA ST LA KES ITT W RD K OC ST QU AIL US HW Y 5 21 CO VE Y HIL L CH RD AS E DR DR TIO NA M D ST OL RIDGE MAPLE MAPLE SUGAR PL N RO FO NS WE RD RD EN RD OLD NATIONS FORD RD RD ST R D D MEA EN HA O WO DR D TH AR ED CE HEBRON COMMER G ON DS WIN K BAR SW AR LONG RON E DR LEDG ROCK RD VALL EY HEB DE NM DR L WISTER PL LA STARVALLE SU DR NIN RC REST PE THORNCLIFF RD TE WA OLD HEB RON MU STA LN MA GG IE LN NG T RD N TO PE HO SH AR ON RD WE ST OB RD GR UE NE WA L D LN LN ER BE CK LN RK NT PA SHARON BROO K DR REGE DR EN S KIR KN CT EN AR ON CH HT IG BR OO GE RID B AY WN L T A C RG SH CR UM BA UM ID BR K D R P R D GREYLEAF PL R R S OU TH G B TL RAE MA SIN RD OLD PINE VILLE KIL FOXF ALL DR LOGA N CT CT PAL LIS MO ERS TR RY TR KEN LAU RE CAD ILLA C S T NS EE CT QUAK O ST N TR R ST TRACE K OA HADLEIG DIL LAC PENSHURST M HA AT H PL CA NE Y S T BY KEL NIC TL DR CH RO D DR NO VE K C RO S ICK CIR WARW DR M HA PAR BIRNEN DR N DR IAL HA H RIDAN GEOVE CTR DR CIR ANTO USTR LY T BE RL CH UR LN E DL GROVE YA N CH PINEVILL E RD (CLO SED) LN L C DR VE RA T N SO LIS G R HOLLOW UN RD MO EAD EMST CT HANOVE BA L E ER EM D AN BR CT TRES IND DR LANDSBURG CHINA G UR NB LN DE OL HANOVERPL WOODS 85 TUR ER ER DD HE CT I-4 Proposed Rezonings Rezone to R-5 Rezone to R-8 Rezone to TOD-M DR AVE RY NBER M GLEN DR MYRTLE B CT RE LE AVONDA AVE PACKARD ST DR HANOVER DENDY LN AF LE NG LO VD H BL SOUT T B C IG PL ON E RG LN LE D D R LN ERVIN N LO BLOLLY L LEBU CE SPRU PL PINE OR S F LN TIM RD DR A ZIG AF GLE LON PO ION LN GE G RD LIN CIR HEID ER EN ILE INE BE JEN BRANSO N CT LN RS TE AF CR DR D LO PL ST NAT ERVI N CRESSIDA LEIP OLD E W SE OU GH IN EST D BLV G E PEWSBURY RD N W GIS .m Charlotte ore than ma ... ps Produced by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department. E S .. .. .. 0 750 feet 1,500 Date: December 09, 2008 Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 31 Implementation Plan The recommendations of the Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan will be implemented in a number of ways. First and foremost, all of the recommendations in the plan, once adopted, are City policy. As such, the recommendations will guide future decision-making in the study area, such as requests for rezoning. This Implementation Plan outlines the strategies to help implement the land use, community design, transportation, and other development-oriented recommendations contained in the adopted Concept Plan. Implementation strategies are listed on the following pages. The number of each action corresponds to the number for the recommendation in the Concept Plan. The responsible agency and possible time frame also are included. These implementation strategies will not be approved by elected officials as part of the Concept Plan adoption. The strategies that require City Council approval will be brought forward on a case by case basis after the Concept Plan has been adopted and the public has had an opportunity to give input. Because this Implementation Plan is not adopted by elected officials, the public sector sponsored items listed on the following pages are ideas for implementation, not a commitment. The projects may be revised over time; as such this Implementation Plan should be updated periodically to reflect changes and progress. Public Sector Responsibilities With input from the community, the public sector will provide the policy framework for land development and will be responsible for making a number of infrastructure improvements. In addition, the CharlotteMecklenburg Planning Department, in consultation with other City and County departments, is responsible for initiating and guiding the corrective rezoning process and monitoring and reviewing rezonings proposed for the plan area to ensure that future development meets the required standards and reflects the intent of the adopted policy. Sharon & I-485Transit Station Area Plan IMPLEMENTATION PLAN Private Sector Responsibilities The private sector will be responsible for developing and redeveloping properties within the plan area consistent with the vision, policies, and recommendations included in the Concept Plan. Ensuring that the infrastructure required in conjunction with development is provided will be part of these development responsibilities. Corrective Rezonings The Planning Department will initiate corrective rezonings to implement the land use vision and recommendations adopted as part of the Concept Plan. The proposed rezonings are shown on Map 6. The rezoning process will occur after the adoption of the Concept Plan. The proposed rezonings to TOD-M may be initiated in one or more groups, or may be proposed on a caseby-case basis in order to insure that new streets and other recommendations of this plan are provided by new development. A number of properties in the Transit Station Area are occupied by major ongoing businesses and industrial operations. While not transit-oriented in nature, it is recognized that these uses serve other important employment and economic functions within the City. These properties should retain their commercial or industrial zoning to allow them to continue as-of-right operations until such time as the property owners are ready for redevelopment. 32 Implementation Strategies The number of each action corresponds to the number for the recommendation in the Concept Plan. Action Item Type Lead Agency Priority Land Use and Community Design 1 Support continuing use of major industrial operations located adjoining or in close proximity to the Sharon Station. Zoning Planning as devel occurs 2a Rezone area recommended for transit oriented development to TOD-M per Map 6. Zoning Planning Short (0-5 yr) 2b Use land use recommendations to guide and evaluate development proposals. Zoning Planning as devel occurs 3 Encourage capacity expansion of the I-485 park-and-ride facility. Transit CATS Medium (0-5 yr) 4 Use land use recommendations to guide and evaluate development proposals. Zoning Planning as devel occurs 5 Use land use recommendations to guide and evaluate development proposals. Zoning Planning as devel occurs 6 Use land use recommendations to guide and evaluate development proposals. Zoning Planning as devel occurs 7 Create open space or pedestrian amenities at both transit stations. Zoning Planning as devel occurs 8 Use land use recommendations to guide and evaluate development proposals. Zoning Planning as devel occurs 9 Not Applicable NA NA NA 10 Not Applicable NA NA NA 11 New street connections - Provide new street connections needed to create typical block lengths of 400 feet desired, or 600 feet maximum, as shown on Map 4. Specifically, extend streets as noted in the plan. Transp. CDOT as devel occurs 12 Use land use recommendations to guide and evaluate development proposals. Zoning Planning as devel occurs 13 Use land use recommendations to guide and evaluate development proposals. Zoning Planning as devel occurs 14 Maintain the existing Pine Valley single-family neighborhood through corrective rezoning to R-5. Zoning Planning Short (0-5 yr) Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 33 Action Item Type Lead Agency Priority 15 Use land use recommendations to guide and evaluate development proposals. Zoning Planning as devel occurs 16 Not Applicable NA NA NA 17 Not Applicable NA NA NA 18 Not Applicable NA NA NA 19 Use land use recommendations to guide and evaluate development proposals. Zoning Planning as devel occurs 20 Use land use recommendations to guide and evaluate development proposals, and maintain single-family neighborhood along Dendy Street and Packard Street west of China Grove Church Road through corrective rezoning to R-8. Zoning Planning as devel occurs 21 Use land use recommendations to guide and evaluate development proposals. Zoning Planning as devel occurs 22 Use land use recommendations to guide and evaluate development proposals. Zoning Planning as devel occurs 23 Recognize Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation's existing and proposed projects. Zoning Planning as devel occurs 24 Recognize Plans by the Mecklenburg County Library System to develop a regional/branch library on Sharon Rd. West along Little Sugar Creek Greenway. Zoning Planning as devel occurs 25 Adjust the official boundary between the South Growth Corridor. Planning Planning Short (0-5 yr) 26 Maintain and enhance the existing street network in the General Corridor Area. Transp. CDOT as devel occurs Transportation / Street Design 27 see # 11 Transp. CDOT as devel occurs 28 see # 26 Transp. CDOT as devel occurs 29 Increase connectivity within the Sterling neighborhood. Transp. CDOT as devel occurs 30 Increase connectivity within the Pine Valley neighborhood. Transp. CDOT as devel occurs Sharon & I-485Transit Station Area Plan IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 34 Action Item Type Lead Agency Priority 31 Plan for the extension of Myrtle Avenue to South Blvd. as a condition for TOD within the Sterling neighborhood areas south of the I-485 Station. Transp. CDOT Long (>10 yrs) 32 Widen sidewalks along thoroughfares. Transp. CDOT as devel occurs 33 Improve the sidewalk network in the Transit Station Area. Transp. CDOT as devel occurs 34 Enhance pedestrian and bicycle crossings on major thoroughfares and major collectors. Transp. CDOT Medium (5-10 yr) 35 Site new developments to allow future addition of bicycle lanes on thoroughfares. Transp. CDOT as devel occurs 36 Install pedestrian scale lighting in key locations. Transp. CDOT Medium (5-10 yr) Infrastructure and Public Facilities 37 Conduct and infrastructure study to evaluate the adequacy of infrastructure. Utilities E&PM / CMU" Medium (5-10 yr) 38 Encourage the burying of utilities. Utilities Planning as devel occurs 39 Provide opportunities for expansion and improved access for the Little Sugar Creek and Kings Branch Park. Park Park & Rec / CDOT as devel occurs 40 Encourage urban open spaces in the Transit Station Area. Park Planning / Park & Rec Medium (5-10 yr) Environment 41 Make trees a key feature of the entire plan area. Zoning/ Tree Ord. Planning / Park & Rec Medium (5-10 yr) 42 Design site plans for new buildings and renovations in the station area to improve water quality for stormwater run-off. Stormwater E&PM as devel occurs 43 Protect or enhance the watersheds when possible. Stormwater E&PM as devel occurs 44 Assist property owners with remediation of sites known or perceived to have contaminated soil. Brownfield Econ. Dev. as devel occurs Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan IMPLEMENTATION PLAN Uptown South End New Bern Scaleybark Appendix: Woodlawn Tyvola Archdale Arrowood Sharon Road West I-485/South Boulevard Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan 35 37 Existing Conditions This chapter examines existing demographic, environmental, land use, design, transportation, and infrastructure conditions in the Sharon & I-485 plan area. It provides a framework for understanding the opportunities and constraints identified in the Concept Plan. Demographics According to the 2000 U.S. Census, the Sharon & I-485 plan area is home to approximately 6,886 residents. The majority of these residents are white (52%) and about thirty-four percent (34%) are black. Hispanic residents comprise twelve percent (12%) of the area’s population. 52% 58% 34% 33% 1% 0% Black American Asian/ Indian Pacific Islander Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area White Other 12% 7% Hispanic City of Charlotte Source: 2000 U.S. Census Block Data Note: People of Hispanic origin are also included in the racial breakdowns. Population Charactertistics for Sharon & I-485 Station Area Plan and Charlotte Less than 9th grade Doctorate A majority of residents in the plan area (77%) are working age adults, between ages 18 and 64 years. Nineteen percent of the study area residents are below age 18, while only 4% are over the age of 65. Professional 1% 1% Grade 9-12 1% 9% Master 7% Approximately 47% of residents in the plan area have a household income of less than $35,000 compared to 36% for households in Charlotte overall. The level of educational attainment for residents in the plan area varies, as seen on the accompanying diagram. The differences in educational levels may contribute to the range of occupations for residents in the plan area, as noted in the accompanying diagram. 8% 5% 5% 4% Bachelor HS Graduate 28% 23% Some College 24% Associate 4% Source: 2000 U.S. Census Block Group Data Although the occupations are diverse within the area, the mode of transportation to work among residents Educational Level for Sharon & I-485 Station Area Plan is very similar. Of the working population, 96% travel Production/Transportation/Material Moving to work by car, truck or van; 2% use public transporta13% tion and the remaining 2% are split between individuals who walk to work and work at home. The average Construction/ travel time to work is approximately 21 minutes. Maintenance 7% Issues/Opportunities: As the area continues to grow, the diverse population provides an opportunity for this area to become a unique place for people to live and work. In addition, the LYNX Blue Line can provide an alternative mode of transportation for some residents within the area. Management/ Professional 40% Sales/Office 29% Service 11% Source: 2000 U.S. Census Block Group Data Employment Industry for Sharon & I-485 Station Area Plan Sharon & I-485Transit Station Area Plan EXISTING CONDITIONS 38 Sw ede nR He b ron St Sw ede He b ron St d d S La har ke s o n Rd S h a ro nR n Lakes Rd Sh aro T Blvd use gho stin e W use gho tin Wesd Blv 85 N W N E W S 0 750 E S 1,500 feet SWIM Buffers FEMA 100 Year Floodplain Community Floodplain Existing Ponds Blvd I-4 South 85 Blvd I-4 T South T T Sharo West n Rd T n R West d 15 - 25% Slope Greater Than 25% Slope Wetlands Existing Streams 0 750 1,500 feet Tree Canopy (2002 Data) T Transit Station and Line Transit Station and Line Environment Natural Features The Sharon Road West and I-485/South Boulevard Station Areas are along the South Corridor. This plan area sits upon a natural north-south ridge and does not have any sensitive features. Kings Branch Creek borders the west side of the plan area and Little Sugar Creek borders the east side of the plan area. There are SWIM buffers and floodplain areas, which should be considered and protected when developing. Topography is relatively gentle with some steeper slopes in the plan area. Tree Cover The South Boulevard corridor and the industrial areas, both east and west of the rail line, have minimal tree cover. These areas have scarce landscaping and vast parking areas, which increases the amount of stormwater run-off. The established residential areas have tree lined streets and a mature tree canopy. Issues/Opportunities: Currently, the core plan area along South Boulevard is populated with industrial and business type parcels. This area lacks a tree canopy and/or landscaping, which results in a higher amount of stormwater run-off. As this area redevelops, there will be an opportunity to improve the quality of the environment by planting additional trees, landscaping, and creating open spaces. Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan EXISTING CONDITIONS 39 Land Use and Design Industrial Industrial uses in the plan area are primarily west of the rail corridor. The large Lance, Inc. snack facility is immediately adjacent to the Sharon Road West station. Other industrial sites include warehouse and distribution facilities on Sweden, Denmark, and Crump Roads, Stockholm Court, England and Hebron Streets, and on Lance Drive. There is also a large self-storage business located on Crump Road south of the Sharon Road West station. Most industrial buildings in the station area have been built within the last twenty years, with a few exceptions dating to the 1960’s. They are generally well built and utilitarian in design, either of masonry or metal construction. Most appear to be well-maintained. Commercial Automobile dealerships are the predominant commercial use, with several lining the east side of South Boulevard along its length within the plan area. Another major commercial use is the 83-acre Carolina Pavillion Shopping Center, immediately across South Boulevard from the entrance to the I-485 light rail station. Fast food restaurants are also found in abundance on South Boulevard near the I-485 station. Commercial signage on South Boulevard is generally large and automobile-oriented. The Lance snack facility is the largest industrial use in the plan area. This auto dealership on South Boulevard is typical of the plan area’s commercial uses. Residential There are several established single and multi-family residential neighborhoods throughout the station area. The multi-family developments are both north and south of Sharon Road West, comprised of two and three story townhouse-style wood frame buildings, at densities of up to 17 dwellings per acre. These multi-family developments are generally well-maintained and landscaped. Most of them are outside the half-mile walking distance of the Sharon Road West station. The Aspen Peaks development on Sharon Road West is a typical area multi-family development. Sharon & I-485Transit Station Area Plan EXISTING CONDITIONS 40 The station area’s single family neighborhoods are located on Sharonbrook Drive, Longleaf Drive, and Loblolly Lane east of South Boulevard, and off China Grove Church Road to the west of South Boulevard. Most single-family homes are of modest size and typically date to either the 1960’s or the 1990’s, at 4 to 8 dwellings per acre. These neighborhoods are characterized by mature trees. Civic There are two churches in the plan area. Two schools are located within the plan area. The Elon Homes property includes the Kennedy Charter Public School, located on Sharon Road West about one-half mile east of the light rail station. The Sterling Paideia Elementary School (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools) is located on China Grove Church Road and is also adjacent to the I-485 light rail station. There are no post offices, public libraries, fire stations, or police substations within the plan area boundary. There are two large day care facilities within walking distance of the I-485 station. There are no active public recreation uses in the station area. Issues/Opportunities: Pedestrian access between these transit stations and nearby commercial and residential areas is better than in some station areas to the north. This is partially attributable to the pedestrian bridge that was constructed across the Norfolk Southern railroad tracks connecting the Sharon Road West station with South Boulevard. Another pedestrian connection was established between the I-485 station and the Sterling neighborhood off China Grove Church Road. Longleaf Drive and Loblolly Lane. The Sterling Paideia Elementary School is adjacent to the I-485 light rail station. Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan EXISTING CONDITIONS 41 Sharon and I-485 Existing Land Use T Transit Station and Line Heb ron Sw ede nR St d Sharon L ak es Rd T Sh aro nR oad West vd e Bl ous ngh i t s We h Sout T Blvd I-4 85 N W GIS .m Charlotte ore than ma ... .. .. .. ps 0 Date: September 22, 2008 Issues/Opportunities: Most uses in the plan have an automobile-oriented design, generally considered incompatible with transit oriented development. Multi-family housing is a desirable use in a transit station area. Existing multi-family residential properties close to both stations are mostly less dense than optimal. Industrial/warehouse uses are heavily present close to the Sharon Road West Station. These uses are typically not very transit supportive, unless they have a significant number of employees. However, they represent significant investments and economic benefits to the community. Sharon & I-485Transit Station Area Plan EXISTING CONDITIONS E S 750 1,500 feet Existing Land Use Single Family - Detached Multi-Family Retail Office Warehouse/Distribution Industrial Institutional Utility Open Space Vacant Total Acreage % of Total 99.1 8.0 320.4 26.0 182.0 14.8 17.6 1.4 97.6 7.9 160.6 13.0 85.7 7.0 0.5 0.0 31.0 2.5 238.0 19.3 1,232.5 100.0 42 Southwest District Plan (1991) and South District Plan (1993) Sharon & I-485 Adopted Land Use Adopted Land Use Single Family <= 3 DUA Heb ron Multi-Family Sw ede nR St d Multi-Family <= 8 DUA Multi-Family <= 17 DUA Sharon L ak es Rd Institutional Retail Warehouse/Distribution Industrial Industrial - Light Park/Open Space Southwest District Plan (1991) Sh aro T nR d We st Greenway Transit Oriented - Mixed T Transit Station and Line Bl use gho n i t s We vd h Sout Adopted Future Land Use Prior to adoption of this plan, the Charlotte City Council adopted T South District Plan (1993) that served as I-4 the governing land use 85 policy for most of this area. While the district South plan recognized the District possibility of a future Plan light rail, it did not GIS recommend the higher (1993) 0 750 1,500 Date: September 29, 2008 feet density uses typically associated with transitoriented development. The Southwest District Plan Upon adoption, the Sharon & I-485 Station Area Plan (1993) covered a very small portion of the plan area becomes the governing land use policy document for properties within the plan boundaries. This plan reinat Westinghouse Boulevard and I-485. forces some of the recommendations made in previThe district plans recommend maintaining the large ous planning efforts, but also encourages a balanced industrial area along South Boulevard in the Sharon mix of compact, pedestrian-friendly, transit oriented Road West vicinity. The South District Plan recom- developments. These changes are discussed in the Land mends preserving existing multi-family residential Use Recommendations section of this document. uses, primarily along Sharon Lakes Road and Sharon Road West. Single family neighborhoods are rec- Issues/Opportunities: ommended along Longleaf Drive and along China In general, the land use pattern in the plan area is subGrove Church Road. Retail uses are recommended urban in nature, resulting in primarily automobile-orialong portions of South Boulevard near the Sharon ented development. This plan provides the opportunity Road West Station and closer to I-485. Institutional to promote a higher intensity, compact and pedestrianuses, including the Kennedy Charter School, Sterling oriented development that is typically associated with Elementary and the China Grove AME Zion Church, transit oriented development. are also recognized. Blvd N W E S .m ore than ma ... .. .. .. Charlotte ps Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan EXISTING CONDITIONS 43 Sharon & I-485 Existing Zoning Zoning Category B-2 Heb ron Sw ede B-D(CD) nR St I-2 R-4 d I-2 I-2 es Rd TOD-M(O) R-17MF ak B-2 Sharon L R-4 TOD-M B- 2 R-17MF T I-1(CD) I-1 I-1 T 4.6 0.4 109.2 8.9 361.8 29.3 18.9 1.5 1,232.7 100.0 Transit Station and Line R-4 I-4 85 R17 MF R-17 R-17 MF R-17 MF MF TOD-M CC B-2 R-4 B-1 T Blvd TOD-M R-4 B-2 h Sout I-1(CD) R-4 B-2 R-4 R-4 Total 8.5 36.3 6.1 9.0 B-2(CD) R-17MF B-1 I-1(CD) R-8(CD) I-2 B-2 I-1 nR oad West R-17M I-1 B-2 (CD ) R-12MF R-17MF 104.3 447.4 75.1 111.4 F I-2 d Bl v use gho n i t s We I-2 I-2 Sh aro BI-2 D B-2(CD) Single Family Multi-Family Business Commercial Center BusinessDistribution Industrial Light Industrial Heavy TransitOriented Percent Acreage of Total R-17MF R-17MF(CD) R-8MF(CD) GIS .m Charlotte ore than ma ... .. .. .. ps N W R-4 Date: September 29, 2008 Existing Zoning In general, zoning for these station areas reflects existing development patterns, with industrial, business or commercial center zoning along both sides of South Boulevard. Industrially zoned land dominates the west side of South Boulevard near the Sharon Station, and multi-family dominates the east side of that station area. Multi-family zoning is also concentrated along both sides of Sharon Road West. It should be noted that both the existing land use and the adopted future use for the neighborhood along Longleaf Drive is single family detached, not multi-family for which it is zoned. Single family zoning at a density of R-4 is concentrated along China Grove Church Road, along with some multi-family at varying densities. Retail development, primarily Carolina Pavilion, is located across South Boulevard, east of the I-485 station. Sharon & I-485Transit Station Area Plan EXISTING CONDITIONS E S 0 750 1,500 feet Issues/Opportunities: Development patterns under existing industrial and business zoning typically will not meet the intensity, use and community design guidelines for transit oriented development. To protect single family residential areas, the opportunity exists to recognize the single family neighborhood along Longleaf Drive. This will align existing use with the future adopted land use. 44 Sw ede nR He b ron St d S h a ro n Lakes Rd Sh aro T n R West d Sharonbrook Neighborhood l e B vd ous ngh i t s We Sterling Neighborhood Issues/Opportunities The single family neighborhoods are woven within the larger plan area, rather than abutting the edge as in other plan areas. All three single family neighborhoods can benefit from transit oriented development planned along the rail corridor, but it will be important to protect the neighborhoods from intrusion. Pine Valley Neighborhood South T 85 Blvd I-4 Land Use Accessibility Index Land use accessibility is often described as the convenience or ease of reaching activities and destinations, particularly schools, shopping, parks and public transit. As seen from the data below, the residents of the plan area have much better access to shopping and transit than residents of Charlotte overall. However, they are less likely to be near a school, park, or greenway than residents of the City overall. For example, 100% of plan area residents are ¼ mile or less from local transit routes, whereas only 57% of City residents overall are so close. Also, 93% of plan area residents are within ¼ mile from a shopping area, whereas only 53% of City residents are that close. N W E S 0 750 Established Neighborhoods The Sharon & I-485 plan area includes significant portions of three established neighborhood areas: Sterling, Sharonbrook, and Pine Valley. The Charlotte Neighborhood Quality of Life Study (2008) categorizes all three neighborhoods within a single Sterling Neighborhood Statistical Area. The Sterling area is categorized as “Transitioning,” based on variables such as social well being, crime, physical characteristics and economic vitality. 1,500 feet Median Household Income $46,064 Issues/Opportunities: Potential development around the station area will be well served by shopping and transit. Expanded park and greenway facilities would serve to improve the accessibility characteristics of present and future land uses in the plan area. $47,670 Average House Value $75,731 100% 93% $207,627 57% 53% Percent Homeowners 39% 3% Within 1/4 mile of Shopping 55% 12% Within 1/4 mile of Schools Sharon & I-485 Population Sterling, Sharonbrook & Pine Valley 16% 0% Within 1/4 mile of Parks Within 1/4 mile of a local bus Transit Route Charlotte Population Charlotte Source: 2008 Charlotte Neighborhood Quality of Life Study Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan EXISTING CONDITIONS 45 Sw ede nR He b ron St Sw ede nR He b ron St d S h a ro n d S h a ro T T Blvd use gho stin e W Sh aro nR d W st e South Blvd use gho stin e W TOD-M #04-098 Blvd South T Bv T TOD-M #05-069 I-4 85 W E 750 85 E S S 0 I-4 N N W n Lakes Rd Lakes Rd TOD-M(O) #04-099 0 1,500 1/4 Mile Walk Distance 750 1,500 feet feet 1/2 Mile Walk Distance T Transit Station and Line ½ and ¼ Walk Distance Both station areas include land within the ½ mile walk (typically 10 minutes) on the west side of the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks. The tracks inhibit access from the stations eastward. The Sharon Station includes a pedestrian bridge leading from the station platform to South Boulevard. From there, the ¼ and ½ mile walk distance extends into industrial/ employment areas. For both the Sharon and I-485 stations, crossing several lanes of traffic along South Boulevard is a barrier to pedestrian activity. Issues/Opportunities: There is an opportunity to expand the area within the ¼ and ½ mile walk distance by adding additional street network and pedestrian connections. The biggest obstacle to extending the street network and pedestrian connections at the both the Sharon and I-485 stations is the existing freight track which runs parallel to the light rail track and blocks access to South Boulevard. The ¼ and ½ mile walk distance extends into some residential neighborhoods which could encourage commuter use. Sharon & I-485Transit Station Area Plan EXISTING CONDITIONS Vacant or Underdeveloped Recent Rezoning (Since 2004) Building Permits, 2004-08 T Transit Station & Line Development Activity / Potential Opportunities Rezonings: Since 2004, there have been 3 rezoning petitions approved in the plan area. Two were TOD-M rezonings filed by CATS for the station park and ride facilities. One TOD-M rezoning was filed by a private developer for a 79-acre multi-family development on Westinghouse Boulevard west of the Sterling neighborhood. This rezoning has not been carried forward or approved to date. Building Permits: There have been 59 building permits issued in the plan area since 2004, both residential and non-residential. This includes construction permits for several major business and institutional properties, but consists mostly of permits for individual homes. Vacant and Underutilized Land: The plan area has 344 acres of land that is either vacant or underdeveloped. These are highlighted in the above map. Some of these parcels are developed with older retail and/ or industrial buildings, and the opportunity exists for redevelopment at a higher density. Issues/Opportunities: Vacant and underdeveloped land around the station provides an opportunity to improve the mixture of land uses in the plan area. However, the Norfolk Southern Railroad line hampers the transit oriented development potential east of the rail line, and hampers access from South Boulevard to property west of the rail line. 46 Sharon & I-485 Large Parcel Ownership Large Parcel Ownership Non-Profit Public Private Sw ede nR St d Sh Transit Station and Line ar L on e ak T Heb ron s Rd T Sh est aro n Road W Blvd use gho n i t s We Sou lv th B d T I-4 85 N W GIS .m Charlotte ore than ma ... .. .. .. ps Date: September 29, 2008 Large Parcel Ownership While some of the study area consists of small parcels in individual ownership, there are major concentrations in consolidated ownership. The above map shows such larger holdings as indicated by tax records, whether consisting of a single parcel or of a number of smaller adjacent parcels. The larger holdings include some public and non-profit owners with specific purposes, such as Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. However, as indicated on the map, there is a considerable amount of property in larger blocks along the corridor that is privately owned. E S 0 750 1,500 feet Issues/Opportunities: The large parcels within the study area have the potential of accommodating higher density transit oriented development uses with less assemblage than would be necessary with smaller holdings. Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan EXISTING CONDITIONS Market Research and Development Projections: In early 2003, Robert Charles Lessor & Company completed a market study of the future South Corridor light rail station areas entitled Station Area Allocations for New Office Retail and Multi-family Development along the South LRT Line 2000-2025. It included analysis of the Sharon Road West Station, but did not directly address the I-485/South Boulevard station. Sharon Road West: The study noted that the Sharon station area has the lowest density development of any of the station areas, due in part to poor east-west connections in the area. It described the following factors impacting transitsupportive development in the plan area: 1. Difficulty accessing the station either by car due to poor north – south connectors or by foot with a hostile pedestrian environment characterizing the area. 2. No sense of place or location as scattered low density uses such as automobile dealerships occupy a large portion of land. 3. Large industrial uses around the station have no relationship or connection to the station to facilitate usage. During the construction of the LYNX Blue Line, a pedestrian bridge was constructed to facilitate pedestrian access from east of South Boulevard as recommended by the market study. The report suggests a modest amount of locally serving retail and office could be supported in the area with the potential of mid or high rise office feasible only near the end of the study horizon in 2025. This conclusion is based upon the long term likelihood that the industrial uses will remain on the west side of the alignment and that the low density uses like car dealerships will remain as the housing market stabilizes. At the time of the study in January 2003, the economic downturn of 2008 and higher energy costs had not yet materialized. However, Robert Charles Lessor & Company produced the following projections up to 2025 for new office and residential development in the Sharon station area, assuming a proactive role by local government in promoting station area development and continuation of economic trends over the longer term: • 70,000 square feet of new office space • 2,100 new multifamily residential units • 25,000 square feet of retail. Sharon & I-485Transit Station Area Plan EXISTING CONDITIONS I-485/South Boulevard: The Robert Charles Lessor market study did not examine the market potential for the I-485 station. However, an examination of the site reveals differing conditions and opportunities for development within the station area. • The station area itself is truncated to the south by I-485 which acts as a pedestrian barrier and will limit extension of transit oriented development beyond. The area immediately to the south of the station would require a coordinated acquisition strategy for numerous small properties and significant reconfiguring of the access to and from the park and ride deck. • The area to the east of the station is occupied by a large automobile oriented retail center with a large parking lot. Given the relatively young age of the retail center, the high and stable occupancy rate, the very high volumes of traffic and its regional serving location, the likelihood of full redevelopment of this site in the next 20-30 years is quite low. A redevelopment of the center for higher density uses likely would be phased with structured parking and strategic relocation of retail anchors. • The area immediately to the west of the station is defined by an elementary school and single family detached homes, which have been identified for neighborhood preservation. Immediately to the west of the neighborhood is a series of large parcels that could be developed into residential, although these are separated from the station by low density residential. • The area to the north of the station is defined by institutional and industrial uses with limited growth potential on existing small parcels. Issues/Opportunities: Overall, the area is characterized by limited opportunities in the short to medium time horizon, due primarily to existing long term uses that will not make economic sense to remove and replace, and due to challenges around parcel assembly. The area likely will be influenced most by CATS activity related to park and ride expansion and efforts to make those expansions more TOD friendly. 47 48 Transportation The Existing Street Network The number of route choices available to pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists describes the adequacy of an area’s street network. A dense, well-connected network offers greater choices of routes and more direct routes to destinations than does a less connected network, and therefore provides greater overall system capacity. 2.18 Miles of streets: 17.1 Lane-mile of streets: 33.3 Connectivity Index: 1.08 S h a ro 12,400 12,400 n Lakes Rd Area size (square miles) d 35,400 Sh aro T n R West d 38,800 l e B vd ous ngh i t s We 16,700 1,200 100 Blvd Sharon Road West and South Blvd./I-485Stations Area nR South Route choices are measured by the number of lanemiles of streets, number of intersections (nodes), number of blocks (links), and the connectivity index. A lane-mile is one mile of a single roadway lane. The more lane-miles of streets there are, the greater the overall traffic carrying capacity. The connectivity index quantifies how well a roadway network connects destinations and is calculated by dividing the number of roadway links by the number of roadway nodes. A connectivity index of 1.45 or more is desirable for transit station areas. Sw ede He b ron St T I-4 85 7,600 8,100 N W E S 0 750 1,500 feet Traffic Counts: Average daily volume Year of Count 2002 2004 2006 Speed Limits 25 30 35 45 65 T Transit Station and Line Issues/Opportunities: There is a noticeable lack of street connectivity from the residential areas in the eastern part of the plan area to South Boulevard. As commercial properties redevelop along the east side of this thoroughfare, there will be opportunities to provide a more robust street network that better links people and places. There are several apartment communities along Sharon Road West and Sharon Lakes Road that have only one entrance. As these redevelop, there will be opportunities to provide more connections between developments and adjoining neighborhoods. There is also a noticeable lack of street connectivity on either side of China Grove Church Road. As these properties redevelop, a new grid should emerge, enhancing connectivity to the station, as well as facilitating greater route choices within the neighborhood. Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan EXISTING CONDITIONS En gla nd St He b ron St Sw ede Local Streets: The remaining roadways are local streets that carry low traffic volumes, have slow operating speeds and provide access to individual properties. nR d S h a ro n Lakes Rd T s hou lvd eB T Blvd 85 South I-4 China Grove C hR d g stin We Rd West Crum p Rd on Shar Interstate Highway Interstate 485 encircles Charlotte as an outerbelt. Within Charlotte, I-485 connects Interstates 85 and 77, as well as US 74 (Independence Boulevard), or all five radial expressway corridors connecting Charlotte’s central business district with its outer reaches. Within the Sharon & I-485 plan area, I-485 serves as the southern study boundary and has a partial cloverleaf interchange at South Boulevard. N W E S 0 750 1,500 feet Freeway Ramp Minor Thoroughfare Local Street Major Thoroughfare Minor Collector Freeway Major Collector T Transit Station and Line The Thoroughfare Plan The Mecklenburg-Union Thoroughfare Plan is the adopted major roadway plan for Mecklenburg and Union counties and is used to assure that the most appropriate street system is developed to meet existing and future travel needs. Streets are classified and designed according to their intended functions so that land use and traffic conflicts are minimized. The street classifications applicable to the Sharon & I-485 plan area are as follows: Thoroughfares: South Boulevard, Westinghouse Boulevard, and Sharon Road West are major thoroughfares. Hebron Street is a minor thoroughfare. As thoroughfares, these streets are designed to accommodate large volumes of traffic at moderate speeds and provide access to major commercial and residential land uses. Collectors: Sharon Lakes Road, Sweden Road, England Street, and Crump Road are major collectors. China Grove Road is a minor collector street. Collector streets carry traffic between the thoroughfares and local streets at moderate volumes and speeds South Boulevard, within the plan area, has wide travel lanes and providing access to adjacent land uses. and a median with left turn lanes. Sharon & I-485Transit Station Area Plan EXISTING CONDITIONS 49 50 Street Classifications Streetscape and Typical Sections South Boulevard looking north towards Longleaf Drive South Boulevard is generally four travel lanes wide with turn lanes added at its signalized intersections. Sidewalks are generally located only along the east side of the street north of Westinghouse Boulevard; south of Westinghouse Boulevard, there are sidewalks on both sides with some gaps. Sidewalks are sometimes separated from travel lanes by narrow planting strips, lacking street trees. Street lighting is provided on utility poles. Hebron Street looking east towards Denmark Road Hebron Street is two travel lanes wide. Sidewalks are generally located on one side of the street, separated by a planting strip. Street lighting is provided on utility poles. Crump Road West looking south from the Lance Plant entrance Crump Road is two travel lanes wide, with dedicated left-turn lanes in places. Sidewalks are located only on the west side of the street south of the Sharon Road West station. Sidewalks were not included on the vehicular bridge built over LYNX and the Norfolk Southern freight lines because a separate pedestrian bridge provides access to the station. Street lighting is provided on widely spaced poles. Sharon Road West looking towards South Boulevard Sharon Road West is four travel lanes wide. Sidewalks are generally located on both sides of the street, but back of curb, lacking any planting strip. Street lighting is provided on utility poles. Sharon Lakes Road looking east towards El Verano Circle Sharon Lakes Road is two travel lanes wide with bicycle lanes and dedicated left-turn lanes in places. Sidewalks are located on both sides of the street near South Boulevard, but generally on one side through most of its length, Sidewalks are often separated from travel lanes by planting strips, albeit fairly narrow in places. Street lighting is provided on utility poles. China Grove Road looking north from the Sterling Elementary entrance China Grove Road is a collector street with two travel lanes. Back-of-curb sidewalks are generally located on both sides of the street, lacking any separation from the street by a planting strip. Street lighting is provided on utility poles. Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan EXISTING CONDITIONS dS t Sw ede nR En g lan He b ron St d S h a ro n Lakes Rd T d l vd eB T Blvd 85 South I-4 China Grove C hR us gho stin We Cr u mp Rd on Shar N W E S 0 750 1,500 Rd West Avenues: Sharon Lakes Road, Sweden Road, England Street, Hebron Street, Crump Road and China Grove Church Road function closest to Avenues. Avenues are intended to serve a diverse set of functions in a wide variety of land uses and should be designed to provide a balance of service for all transportation modes. Avenues provide an important mobility function for motorists, but are expected to provide a high level of comfort, safety and convenience to pedestrians and bicyclists. Avenues are generally limited to four or fewer travel lanes (except at major intersections) with block lengths up to 600 feet. Common elements should include sidewalks, planting strips or amenity zones with street trees, and bicycle lanes. Locals: The majority of roadways are local residential and local commercial streets that provide direct access to residential and commercial properties. These streets are intended to safely accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists by providing sidewalks, planting strips with trees and low speed limits. Issues/Opportunities: South Boulevard has important regional mobility needs T Transit Station Avenue reinforcing its Boulevard character. While transit-spurred and Line Boulevard redevelopment may achieve an Avenue vision in station Not Classified area plans to the north, South Boulevard will continue to function closest to a Boulevard in the Sharon & I-485 Street Typology: Urban Street Design Guidelines plan area. Though active ground-floor uses will naturally The Urban Street Design Guidelines recommend how gravitate away from a Boulevard, redevelopment should Charlotte’s streets should be planned and designed to still advance a future cross-section for South Boulevard provide viable transportation choices. The guidelines that increases the safety and comfort of all users, espeare intended to ensure the street design process con- cially pedestrians. siders the needs of pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists, as well as the effects on adjacent land uses. Streets Sharon Road West is classified as a Boulevard, but should are classified according to land use and transporta- function more appropriately as an Avenue, better serving tion contexts and should be designed accordingly. the needs of pedestrians and bicyclists as well as motorRegardless of their classification, a number of streets ists. in the study area fail to consistently provide the street elements or element dimensions desired. Regardless of their classification, a number of streets in the plan area fail to consistently provide the street eleStreets in the area fall into the following categories: ments or element dimensions desired in an urban environment. While new streets will be built to provide the Boulevards: Within the context of the street design desired features, deficiencies on existing streets can be guidelines, South Boulevard, Sharon Road West, and addressed when adjacent properties redevelop. Westinghouse Boulevard are classified as Boulevards. Boulevards are intended to move large numbers of vehicles, often as “through traffic,” from one part of the city to another, and to other lower level streets in the network. Though principally focused on motor vehicles, Boulevards still should accommodate pedestrians and cyclists as safely and comfortably as possible. Common elements should include sidewalks, planting strips with street trees, and bicycle lanes. feet Sharon & I-485Transit Station Area Plan EXISTING CONDITIONS 51 52 Sharon & I-485 Pedestrian & Bike Facilities gla St En Heb ron Partial Sidewalk nd St Pedestrian & Bike Facilities Existing Bike Lane d lm Sharon L Brook Dr r on Cru mp Rd y Lane T h Sout China Grov eC hurc hR d f Dr Longlea l l ol Lo b Blvd n Er vin L Cressida Dr Sh a Dr ls Materia an Vulc vd nR oad West nt Rege Ln Park Bl use gho n i t s We Sh aro Sharo n Brook Dr T Ma ggi eL n es Rd Transit Station and Line ak T nR ckh o Ct Old Nations Ford Rd Complete Sidewalk Sw ede Sto I-4 85 N W GIS .m Charlotte ore than ma ... .. .. .. E S ps Date: November 5, 2008 Pedestrian & Bicycle Facilities Pedestrian System: Of the approximate 17 miles of streets in the Sharon & I-485 plan area, 17% have sidewalks on both sides of the street, 21% have sidewalk on one side and 39% have no sidewalk. These figures include sidewalks recently built by the South Corridor Infrastructure Program (SCIP) along several key local streets that are along or connect to South Boulevard, Sharon Road West, and Sharon Lakes Road. Additionally, the intersections of South Boulevard with Sharon Road West and Carolina Pavilion Drive North now have some pedestrian enhancements. Bicycle System: As part of SCIP, bicycle lanes were added to Sharon Lakes Road. 0 750 1,500 feet Issues/Opportunities: More streets that connect to South Boulevard and Sharon Road West are needed to provide better pedestrian and bicycle mobility in the plan area. The current large block sizes along these streets discourage these alternative forms of travel, especially pedestrian travel. Better north-south pedestrian and bicycle routes are needed parallel to South Boulevard, as well as better east-west routes parallel to Sharon Road West. The opportunity to build these routes will come as commercial properties redevelop along South Boulevard, and as apartment properties redevelop along Sharon Road West and Sharon Lakes Road. Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan EXISTING CONDITIONS 53 Level Of Service Level of Service (LOS) measures the quality of service provided by a transportation facility to its users. The City of Charlotte evaluates level of service for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists and uses the results to help balance their competing needs when planning and designing streets. Levels of service range from A through F, with desirable levels of service based on the street typologies of the Urban Street Design Guidelines. Transit station areas are intended to be highly accessible for pedestrians and bicyclists, and therefore should have good pedestrian and bicycle level of service (A to B). Lower levels of service for motorists are acceptable if necessary to achieve the desired pedestrian and bicycle levels of service. Crump Rd ron gho stin We Blvd use I-4 85 St d Sh a ron Roa West d 4 7 6 T T 5 8 a Carolin Dr N Pavilion 9 Existing signalized intersection T N n Cressida Dr Ca Pavrilolina ion Dr S W S h a ro Lakes Rd Several pedestrian crossings were recently improved at multiple intersections, thanks to work done by the light rail project and SCIP. Not surprisingly, failing intersections in terms of Pedestrian Level of Service are those that were not recently improved. Pedestrian crossing enhancements are still desirable at these inter- Heb Blvd Existing traffic conditions in the Sharon & I-485 plan area are generally satisfactory. South Boulevard, Westinghouse Boulevard, and Sharon Road West have adequate capacity. Motorists do not typically experience excessive delays or stops at most intersections. Traffic conditions are expected to worsen, however, as station area land uses intensify and traffic volumes in the South Boulevard corridor continue to grow. 1 2 3 nR South Pedestrian and bicycle level of service is rated according to the level of comfort and safety offered by the design features at signalized intersections, while motor vehicle level of service is based on motorist delays. Motor vehicle quality of service is also measured by the volume to capacity ratio (v/c), which describes an intersection’s ability to process traffic within peak time periods. Values greater than .95 suggest an intersection is near its capacity during this time period and that motorists may experience substantial congestion. Sw ede E S 0 750 1,500 feet Transit Station and Line sections, with the exception of Crump Road, given the separate dedicated pedestrian bridge serving the Sharon Road West station. Issues/Opportunities: While vehicle level of service and travel times are generally good in the Sharon & I-485 area, expected growth and intensified development in the future will likely result in increased congestion on existing streets. Without a more extensive street network, motorists will experience longer delays and travel times as more people are forced to travel on the few through-streets that serve the area, such as South Boulevard, Sharon Road West, Westinghouse Boulevard, Hebron Street, and Sharon Lakes Road. An improved street grid will aid motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists by providing more routes to travel destinations. L E V E L O F S E R V I C E (LOS) for Year 2007 Signalized Intersection 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Sharon Lakes Rd./Sweden Rd. & South Bv. Hebron St. & South Bv. Crump Rd. & South Bv. Sharon Rd. West & South Bv. Sharon Rd. West & Sharon Lakes Rd. Cresida Dr./Westinghouse Bv. & South Bv. Crump Rd. & Westinghouse Bv. South Bv. & I-485 Station/Pavilion (North) South Bv. & Pavilion Dwy (South) Sharon & I-485Transit Station Area Plan EXISTING CONDITIONS Pedestrian C CD B D E+ DC E- Bike E E E E E EE E E Volume to Capacity Ratio .64 .68 .59 .71 .69 .68 .35 .51 .71 AM Peak D B A D C D B B B Vehicular Volume to Capacity Ratio .81 .91 .67 .82 .67 .67 .35 .61 .75 PM Peak D D A C C D B C C LOS Rating Scale A B C D E F Excellent Very Good Good Fair Poor Failure 54 Public Transportation Charlotte Area Transit (CATS) offers public transportation service in and through the Sharon & I-485 area with a combination of light rail vehicles and buses. from Carolina Pavilion to Woodlawn Road. • Route 19 runs along Sharon Road West and Park Road between the Sharon Road West station and Uptown via South Park. • Route 42 runs between the I-485 station and Carowinds via Pineville. • Route 43 runs along Sharon Road West and Johnston Road between the Sharon Road West station and Ballantyne. • Route 55 runs along Westinghouse Boulevard between Sharon Road West station and Steele Creek. • Route 58 runs between the I-485 station and Carolina Place Mall via Pineville. Annual ridership numbers based on Fiscal Year 2007 were 795,595 for Route 12 and 410,773 for Route 19, although these figures are prior to the major bus re-routings implemented with the start of light-rail service. Routes 42, 43, 55, and 58 are completely new routes. Issues/Opportunities: Both Sharon Road West and I-485/South Boulevard stations need additional parking. While CATS owns additional land at the latter terminus, conditions at the Sharon Road West station are constrained physically. S h a ro n Lakes Rd • Route 12 mostly follows South Boulevard d 44 Sh aro T 43 n R West d 19 B use gho stin We lvd 55 12 T I-4 85 Blvd Bus Service: In coordination with the late 2007 opening of light-rail service in the South Corridor, CATS restructured area bus service to improve connections with light-rail stations. Currently, CATS provides bus service in the Sharon & I-485 area with six local bus routes: nR South Light Rail Service: The light rail line runs just west of and parallel to South Boulevard within the Sharon & I-485 plan area. Light rail patrons are able to access the line at either the Sharon Road West or I-485/ South Boulevard stations. A 190-space surface lot is sited west of the Sharon Road West station, with access off Crump Road. A 1,100-space parking deck sits immediately west of the I-485/South Boulevard station, with access from South Boulevard opposite Carolina Pavilion Drive North. Light rail service was projected to carry 9,100 passengers per day, but thus far has been averaging over 16,900 as of July 2008. Both park-and-ride facilities are filled to capacity daily by early morning. Sw ede He b ron St 58 N W E 42 S 0 750 1,500 feet Route 12 Route 43 Route 19 Route 44 Route 42 Route 55 Route 58 T Transit Station and Line Freight Railroad Norfolk Southern is a major Class I railroad. The Norfolk Southern network extends over 20,000 miles over 22 states, the District of Columbia and Ontario. Within the Sharon & I-485 area, Norfolk Southern owns and operates a mainline freight track along the east side of the LYNX Blue Line, running west of and parallel to South Boulevard. The freight railroad crosses at-grade alongside LYNX at Sweden Road and Hebron Street, but both the parallel-running freight and LYNX lines cross beneath a bridge carrying Westinghouse Boulevard. Issues/Opportunities: The location of the freight railroad immediately west of South Boulevard greatly inhibits the creation of additional street connections from South Boulevard, and limits visibility of any redevelopment on the west side of South Boulevard. Conversion of the private connection to the I-485 station to a public street would help parts of the Sterling neighborhood closest to the station to have public street access to South Boulevard. Sharon & I-485 Transit Station Area Plan EXISTING CONDITIONS 55 Infrastructure/Public Facilities Sw ede nR He b ron St Education There is one Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) facility in the plan area. Sterling Elementary School is at the I-485 station. The multi-story parking deck used by CATS riders has been built to allow the top to be used by the school as a play field. CMS has identified a need for future middle and high schools within the larger area. d S h a ro n Lakes Rd T The Kennedy Charter Public School, serving grades 6-12, is located on Sharon Road West about one-half mile east of the light rail station. nR d W st e South Blvd use gho stin e W Sh aro Blvd Central Piedmont Community College has no facilities within the plan area. However, the Harper campus is located at Hebron and Nations Ford Roads, approximately 1.5 miles from the Sharon Road West station. A classroom and lab expansion is scheduled for completion by January 2010. T I-4 85 Little Sugar Creek Greenway N W E S Issues/Opportunities CMS currently has an elementary school within I-485 station area and is targeting more schools nearby. A high school served by light rail could deliver students in an extremely efficient manner. Parks, Public Libraries, Police, and Fire Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is developing the Little Sugar Creek Greenway along the eastern border of the plan area. In addition, a parcel on Longleaf Drive is under development for a neighborhood park. An additional Kings Branch park/ greenway site on Westinghouse Boulevard at the western edge of the plan area has been acquired for future development. Public Libraries of Charlotte-Mecklenburg County currently has no facilities in the plan area. A new branch is under discussion for Sharon Road West adjacent to the Little Sugar Creek Greenway, just east of the plan area. 0 750 1,500 feet Utilities - Sanitary Sewer Rehab T Transit Station and Line Water and Sewer and Storm Water Management Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities Department (CMU) has identified water and sewer needs during the original South Corridor study. Based on flow monitoring of the Kings Branch trunk sewer, it was determined that the line had some issues during rain events. CMU also has identified the need to close the gap in the 12-inch water main along Westinghouse Boulevard between I-485 and Culp Street. If the Lance and/or other nearby sites redevelop at high densities in the future, a larger water main from either Arrowood or Nations Ford would ensure sufficient water service in the station areas. Police have no physical facilities in the station area, but oversee CATS Transit Police, and provide service through the Steele Creek Division. Issues/Opportunities: Increased density will allow CMU to serve a larger number of customers per square mile compared to a more suburban setting. There are no fire stations located in the plan area, but Fire Station 20 is just to the west at Nations Ford Road and Hebron Street. Redevelopment should address the quality of storm water run-off. Future development would have to meet more stringent requirements than existing development. Issues/Opportunities: Service facilities outside the station areas may be adequate to serve the areas. In many cases public services can be provided to densely developed areas with fewer resources. . Sharon & I-485Transit Station Area Plan EXISTING CONDITIONS CHARLOTTE-MECKLENBURG PLANNING www.charlotteplanning.org TRANSPORTATION 600 East Fourth Street, Charlotte, NC 28202-2853 PH: 704-336-2205 FAX: 704-336-5123

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