The November 7th Master Plan meeting was focused on a presentation by Urban Fast Forward (UFF) on creating a future land use plan for North Avondale. This was a self-directed activity where UFF created packages to be completed by our community members.
The Master Plan team reviewed the draft package created by UFF and worked to revise the package for download at the City site. There are several important areas of focus and need community input including:
- The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) changes and the selection of North Avondale for a set of BRT stations for northbound and southbound bus stops. These stations will be raised platform stations similar to the streetcar stops downtown.
- Two lanes of Reading Road will be dedicated to rapid transit buses and will only be available for car traffic as turn lanes. This will provide fundamental changes to the appearance and traffic patterns along Reading Road.
- We are interested in your feedback on items such as raised crosswalks and ideas for development around the stops such as a food truck stop, produce stand, day-care center, solar car and bicycle charging stations or other goods and services that could be developed around Reading and Dana as a result of these stations.
- The area between Dana and Paddock on Reading is currently designated as a “Historical Corridor” in our Urban Design Plan. These are mixed-use buildings zoned as Office Limited allowing for office, light commercial and residential use. We are looking for suggestions for redevelopment of this area. Dr. Dorothy Shaffer’s beautifully restored and landscaped office building is an example of what can be done and we now have Rosemary’s Babies on the next block. Many of these properties have supported or currently support mixed-use with commercial downstairs and residential upstairs and we are looking for ideas for revitalizing this area with offices for therapists, yoga and related wellness studios or other professional services that could benefit from the proximity of our nearby universities and hospitals.
Packages were handed out at the Master Plan meeting on December 5th, held at the North Avondale Recreation Center, and can also be downloaded from the City’s webpage. Please email completed comments to Nate Weyand-Geise at nate@urbanfastforward.com.
We are looking at the Paddock and Reading area for a redesigned traffic intersection that would benefit a redevelopment plan. The BRT lanes will fundamentally change this area as well. Ideas such as raised crosswalks and other improvements that might slow traffic and create the appearance of a neighborhood center while slowing traffic could help redefine this area and make it more appealing for a coffee shop or small market. Your suggestions for redevelopment of Paddock and Reading are needed.
A primary focus of the Master Plan for the future will be on a greener and more connected community. This important elements for a healthier and greener future in North Avondale.
Safe and green connections for walking and biking will include:
- Wasson Way trail
- Clifton’s hospitals
- Cincinnati Zoo
- University of Cincinnati
- South on Reading Rd. to connect parks and the Avondale Town Center
The Master Plan team is hoping to get additional community input into this design for our future land use. Please participate. Visit the North Avondale Neighborhood Plan and select the “Download the future land use activity” to voice your comments and feedback. Email the completed package to Nate Weyand-Geise at nate@urbanfastforward.com.
Anyone in North Avondale is invited to attend the monthly Master Plan meeting held the first Thursday of every month.
Want to learn more about the Master Plan team’s work in the last year? Find a list of meeting notes and stories here.