Article by Nanette Wiser
UNION CENTRAL
A New Downtown District?
Brewing downtown is a master plan for 34th Street and Central Avenue, including a proposed name for the district.
Union Central….
The 275-acre district that runs along 34th Street from 22nd Avenue North to 3rd Ave. S outlines recommendations for improving public safety, transportation and green spaces in the district and for dealing with land development and existing structures as well as an art deco motif. The plan is up for review in mid-December. Among the suggestions:
Public safety….
Increase lighting, enforce maintenance of vacant buildings and land, implement “crime prevention through environmental design” guidance for new development.
Transportation…
-Including for transit, bicycles and pedestrians. Construct and coordinate with Central Avenue Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).
-Construct proposed pedestrian crossing and facilities as part of the St. Pete Complete Streets network. Add bike racks to businesses, transit and parks.
-Fill sidewalk gaps. Incentivize businesses to install canopy trees along sidewalks and paths.
Greenspace…
Seek out opportunities for private and public pocket parks and parklets. Consolidate and close driveways to create spaces for green infrastructure and landscaping.
Urban form…
-Preserve historic structures and offer incentives for renovation to preserve district identity.
-Encourage a diverse mix of housing including multi-family and different housing types and sizes for people of all ages and income levels.
District definition…
Find opportunities for murals on blank walls. Create a Business Improvement District. Add neighborhood street signs and wayfinding. Plan events such as Open Streets, markets and festivals, and food truck rallies on the surface parking lots.