Churchville residents gathered on the evening of Tuesday, March 13 at the Congregational United Church of Christ for an exciting first glimpse of what their village might look like in 10, 20 or even 30 years. The vision plan presented to the public was the final report on the Churchville Community Charrette and highlights included new residential and commercial development, a new street in the central business district, a community/senior center, and amphitheater and an extensive trail system around the village. The Charrette was facilitated by the Rochester Regional Community Design Center (RRCDC) and officials from the Design Center and the Village of Churchville spoke to residents about ideas and plans that came out of the Charrette held in May 2006. The presentation included a slide show of drawings, maps and elevations of proposed changes. RRCDC Executive Director Joni Monroe said the Charrette process involves residents making their own decisions about the future of their community. "It's planning for communities from within a community," she said. Monroe said that the plan focused on how to reinvigorate the central business district while retaining the village's integrity. It was also important to have a respect for the past while moving into the future, she said. Churchville residents who took part worked in groups to develop ideas for six key areas: the Central Business District, Northeast Village Growth, South Main Street, Southwest Land Use and Development, Black Creek and Recreational Land Use and Village Outlay Strategies. Outgoing Churchville Mayor Don Ehrmentraut opened the meeting and said he would like the Charrette to be a process that, "Hopefully will never end." Deputy Mayor Nancy Steedman (who is running unopposed for mayor in the March 20 village election) said some of the ideas that came out of the Charrette are already being implemented. Last fall, 50 trees were planted and the village plans to plant more. Steedman said there is money allotted for the construction of gateways that will serve as formal entrances to the village. She thanked residents who were involved in the Charrette and encouraged them to volunteer to help the village make the ideas of the Charrette become a reality. "The implementation phase begins after tonight," she said. Steedman also thanked the RRCDC for facilitating the Charrette. "They gave us great guidance and kept us on track," she said. Tim Raymond of RRCDC spoke about plans for the village and its immediate surroundings and issues involving annexation, what areas to develop and what areas to preserve from development. Charrette plans call for the village to be a very walkable place and include an extensive trail system which encircles part of the village. It would run along Black Creek, through the southern portion of Churchville Park, and along old railroad rights of way. The objective, Raymond said, was to create residential development within a five-minute walk of the central business district. The trail system would create a network that would make it very easy to walk from place to place in the village. A new community/senior center and amphitheater would be constructed along the south bank of Black Creek near the ice skating rink in Churchville Park. Raymond also discussed a residential growth area in the southwest portion of the village that includes plans for an entire new neighborhood with single family homes, townhouses, and senior housing (some of which has already been built). Raymond said buildings would edge streets with parking lanes leading to garages behind homes. The area would include a park surrounding a pond and creek which flows through the area on its way to Black Creek. RRCDC President Roger Brown focused on plans for the central business district. He said the Charrette process was a combination of urban design principles and participant input. Brown, like Raymond, said the Charrette plan focuses on making the village very pedestrian friendly. "Over time, that will play out in your favor," he said. It's all about "the plan" Brown showed elevations of what Main Street might look like if the plan is fully implemented. The vision includes a continuous street edge with "no missing teeth." Fences would be used to continue the line between buildings, and street trees and green space are given great emphasis. Brown said this will help to create and "outdoor room ambiance." Parking would be placed behind buildings or along the street. The historic buildings on the east side of Main Street would receive a facade enhancement, Brown said. Awnings and new signs would be added to storefronts and windows would be expanded where possible to create a more transparent facade. Plans include additions to the Newman Riga Library which would extend its "wings" closer to the street. Gas stations on two sides of the four corners would remain, but would be re-worked and renovated to include mixed use with possible residential and/or office space above, Brown said of the vision for the future. The main intersection of Buffalo St. (Rt. 33) and Main St. (Rt. 36), would also be in for a facelift with a more architectural feel facilitated by improvements like bump-outs at the corners and an "abundance of trees." The plan includes the possibility of the construction of many new commercial buildings in the central business district as well as the creation of a downtown "waterfront" along Black Creek. To facilitate this, a new road would be constructed behind the block of buildings along the east side of Main Street, running along the bank of Black Creek. Brown said a building edge would be created facing the creek along the west side of the new road. This road would help create connections between Main Street and the creek and would provide accessibility to the green strip along the creek. There would be parking along one side of the road, Brown said. He said this would, "create a much more usable and inviting scenario," than what is currently there. Improvements to the Buffalo Street bridge over Black Creek would be made to enhance it architecturally. Brown said gateway entries for pedestrians could be constructed and an overlook could be built on the northeast side of the bridge. The dam in Black Creek could be lit to enhance the view for pedestrians, Brown said. Townhouses are proposed near this area facing the creek where the now-closed Luster Coate facility stands. Brown is also excited about the possibilities along South Main Street. He said the mill on the west side of the street is a "great asset to the community." The Charrette plan proposes an interpretative or visitor center to be built next to the mill. A section of old warehouses and industrial buildings on the east side of South Main would be revamped and combined with new construction and green space to create an "arts and crafts" community, Brown said. The area would be linked to the trail system surrounding the village. "I think it would be one heck of a draw," Brown said. The response from residents attending the presentation was very positive. Several, however, voiced concerns about the cost of such an extensive plan. Mayor Don Ehrmentraut reassured them that taxpayers would not have to foot the entire bill. He said there are many funding options available including low-interest loans and various state and federal grants. Ehrmentraut stressed that work on implementing the plan would proceed slowly, a little at a time. After the presentation, residents enjoyed refreshments and were able to view maps, plans and elevations of the Charrette proposals. They were also able to speak with members of the village's Steering Committee and officials from RRCDC. March 18, 2007 |
