Gallup Growth Management Master Plan Promotes Urban Design
The recently adopted and approved update to the "Gallup Growth Management Master Plan" supports the direction and some of the proposed improvements of the Gallup BID. Several sections of this plan discuss the importance of developing a quality of place in downtown.
The following section was taken from the Urban Design Element to read the entire report go to: http://www.ci.gallup.nm.us/Planning/GMMPUpdate.htm.
The purpose of the urban design element is to stimulate “placemaking” improvements to the streetscape and built environment that provides added multimodal safety and compatibility and supports keeping the business community competitive. In addition to features of design, this element also addresses some of the organizational aspects of redevelopment. The urban design element is closely related to the Land Use Element, Transportation Element, Economic Development Element and Implementation Plan because it develops a sort of “confluence” of these subjects applied to certain areas of the community.
The following issues and concerns were raised by participants during the May 15 and 16, 2008 transportation and urban design charrette:
Extension of Downtown Blocks
There are opportunities for developing mixed use and similar streetscape characteristics of the core downtown area to the west, into largely commercialized area, and east along Aztec Street.
Streetscape Improvement and Road Diet for U.S. 66 Through the Downtown
Early coordination with SHPO should be initiated on desired modifications to U.S. 66 to verify what elements or sections of U.S. 66 are subject to their jurisdiction and what constraints exist to modifications. The following figures illustrate the existing and proposed cross section for U.S. 66 between Woodrow Drive and 8th Street. The new cross section incorporate the following elements of complete streets:
The following section was taken from the Urban Design Element to read the entire report go to: http://www.ci.gallup.nm.us/Planning/GMMPUpdate.htm.
The purpose of the urban design element is to stimulate “placemaking” improvements to the streetscape and built environment that provides added multimodal safety and compatibility and supports keeping the business community competitive. In addition to features of design, this element also addresses some of the organizational aspects of redevelopment. The urban design element is closely related to the Land Use Element, Transportation Element, Economic Development Element and Implementation Plan because it develops a sort of “confluence” of these subjects applied to certain areas of the community.
The following issues and concerns were raised by participants during the May 15 and 16, 2008 transportation and urban design charrette:
- Traffic travels at high speeds along U.S. 66 through Downtown.
- More lighting and security are needed in order for people to feel comfortable downtown, and to counter a negative image of transients dominating the downtown streets.
- Alleys are poorly drained, garbage laden, broken and uneven surfaces, and a place where transients gather.
- Positive changes are occurring in the downtown, as indicated by the willingness of young public school teachers to live downtown if residential space were available and affordable.
- Downtown Gallup has outstanding public art accomplished through the mural program
- Increasingly, downtown businesses are focusing on serving a more affluent clientele than in the past.
- Desires for upper story renovations for downtown living are sometimes unable to surmount building and fire code issues.
- Closure of either 2nd or 3rd Street from Downtown to Maloney could result in a “tunnel” under the railroad corridor and cost an estimated $15 million.
- There are opportunities for redevelopment in the area around the railroad.
- Employee parking on-street in front of business contributes to the “parking problem.” Recent efforts by the City to issue tickets for continuous parking should be helping.
- The Chihuahuita neighborhood has redevelopment opportunities.
- Hotels in the downtown would compliment and contribute to the existing arts and entertainment, general retail and employment uses.
Extension of Downtown Blocks
There are opportunities for developing mixed use and similar streetscape characteristics of the core downtown area to the west, into largely commercialized area, and east along Aztec Street.
- Encourage future development within the existing town street and block pattern. Gallup has an established street grid in the downtown. Building upon this grid will ensure connectivity, traffic dispersion, multiple routing options to travelers, lower auto speeds, and a safer pedestrian environment.
- Around the periphery of the Downtown core, encourage continuation of the historic street network and block structure to maintain walkability and connectivity between the Downtown and adjacent neighborhoods.
- Expand Downtown core by encouraging commercial, mixed-use and livework development in close proximity to the Downtown. Promote residential development within walking distance from Downtown core to Chihuahuita and other close-in neighborhoods that build on the existing interconnected street network of the traditional town.
Streetscape Improvement and Road Diet for U.S. 66 Through the Downtown
Early coordination with SHPO should be initiated on desired modifications to U.S. 66 to verify what elements or sections of U.S. 66 are subject to their jurisdiction and what constraints exist to modifications. The following figures illustrate the existing and proposed cross section for U.S. 66 between Woodrow Drive and 8th Street. The new cross section incorporate the following elements of complete streets:
- Narrow travel lanes
- Spot medians and turn lanes where appropriate
- Generous sidewalks: Sidewalks in the downtown should generally conform to the three zones- furniture zone, walk/talk zone, shy zone. The furniture zone buffers pedestrians from the street and is built to accommodate trees, benches, streetlights and other enhancements. Trees are spaced 20 to 30 feet apart and 2 to 4 feet from the back of the curb. Street lighting is pedestrian-scaled, using decorative poles and lamps with fixtures limited in height ranging 10 to 15 feet.
- On-street parking
