2.0. HRSR 03-10-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Outside of downtown, streets are still important considerations. The plan advocates the strengthening of existing neighborhoods.that surround down- town, recognizing that the residents of these areas are downtown customers and neighbors. New development and a revitalized downtown area might increase traffic volumes on downtown streets, and some traffic might find its way onto the streets of the surrounding neighborhoods. To create a strong sig- nal that a driver is leaving the downtown area, the streets should be noticeably narrower in the neighborhoods. Streets that are 24 feet to 28 feet wide have been shown to provide adequate width for residential streets with on-street parking. Streets of this width will likely prove to be safer as vehicle speeds are reduced, and they will yield a street character that is more in keeping with the character of the neighborhood. Improvements made to the streets of downtown will be some of the most expensive elements of this plan. It will be important that the right improve- ments are made, not just the least expensive. Consideration of traffic flow is critical; every change to a downtown street must also be seen as an opportunity to reflect the character of the community. If managing traffic is a concern, and chief amongst those concerns is the managing the speed of that traffic, then the streetscape enhancements — the traffic calming devices — will do more than any other measure to ensure than downtown evolves with respect for vehicles, pedestrians and the sense of a downtown. • • A New Bridge Revitalizing Montkello s Downtown and Riverfront Page 3:26