Jenkintown Revitalization Plan Update COMMUNITY Meet Introduction - Sandra Goldman and Deborra Pancoe Findings - Kolodner 2 + Stainbrook Econsult Recommendations Public Comment J
purpose Top Ten Revitalization Goals From 2002 Master Revitalization Plan 1. Create pedestrian environment along York Road. 2. Increase Uptown parking supply. 3. Expand office / retail tax base. 4. Integrate school district and borough actions. 5. Protect and enhance architectural resources. TOP 10 Building on past successes
purpose 6. Stronger “sense of place” for uptown and York Road. 7. Create perpendicular walking district for uptown. 8. Minimize speeding throughout the borough. 9. Develop balanced mix of businesses. 10. Expand recreational amenities. TOP 10 Building on past successes
overview Process Listen Gather Assess Report
Overview
Overview of Community Coffees: 13 and 15th of October 2009 • +/- 70 Participants • 64% Completed an extensive questionnaire • Large crowds stayed well after end time Comment Elements • Need to be more user friendly • Poor overall physical conditions • Signage • Lack of amenities • Pedestrian challenges • Parking (much improved responses) • Use Focus of “Getting” off Old York Road for practical and branding purposes: 1. Lure off and Link Up 2. Jenkintown, Come on “Back” 3. Johnson Street Promenade
Common Threads Reported & Heard
existing conditions Findings
Demographic Overview • Population down 4% since 2000 (on par w/ County and neighboring areas) • Median HH Income = $58,000 ($10K higher than PA average!) • Slightly older population (20% over 65) • Highly educated population – 95% w/ H.S. Diploma or higher (US only 87%) and 50% w/ a Bachelor’s Degree or higher (US only 26%) • Excellent School District (90% reading proficiency and 87% math proficiency) with high per student spending (2X state average) • High occupancy rates in housing (98%) with strong ownership (65% own vs. 35% rent), despite little new growth in housing stock or residency levels • Housing values down 17% from 2007 to 2008 but Jenkintown zip code has shown highest overall median home sale values over time as compared to surrounding zip codes
Competitive Context
Key Issues Factored into Revitalization Plan Proposals: Business Environment • Improve efficiency and competitiveness to surrounding areas • Local taxes and fees • Streamlined approval processes Existing Business and Property Owner Participation • Upkeep of business facades and sidewalks (occupied and vacant properties) • Coordination on special events and activities • Peer reinforcement of established standards (ie, town watch model) Integration of Existing Community Assets • Expansion/integration of town square and West Avenue • Use streetscape program to unify downtown district and improving signage for parking and other district assets/attractions • Expanding role forJCA (business development and attraction, enforcing building upkeep and maintenance standards, marketing and promotion of borough, coordination of special events and activities, etc.) • Incorporating SMP findings into recommendations for business development and attraction • Exploring utilization of train stations for transit oriented development and integration of downtown shuttle loop
Key Issues Factored into Revitalization Plan Proposals: Business Attraction • Branding / Marketing and promotion of Jenkintown’s downtown • Outreach and relationship building with local real estate community and site selectors • Improving reputation of Borough w/ regard to business friendliness • Utilizing incentives to support building acquisition, fit-out, and other improvements, as well as to potentially offset rental rates • Collaboration with landlords to help market properties; potential negotiation on rents through use of incentives and/or regulatory interventions • Coordination with regional economic development entities dealing in site selection (MCIDC, Select Greater Philadelphia, etc.) Implementation Structure • Appropriate model (public-private partnership, quasi-governmental, public, etc.) • Staffing/authority • Existing vs. new entity
Key Issues Factored into Revitalization Plan Proposals: Development Program • Infrastructure Needs • Usage Mix (retail/office/residential/etc.) • Financing and funding • Incorporating existing and planned development Funding and Incentives • Local/County/State/Federal incentives/grants • Private financing • Foundations • Fundraising/member support Consideration of External Programs and Plans • Consistency with original revitalization objectives • Regional development mix and competitive landscape • Coordination w/ surrounding communities
Changes K 2 +S and Econsult have found that since the hiring of a new Borough manager with parallel efforts to provide checks & balances, and increase government operations’ transparency, that former public perceptions of cumbersome processes and/or “uneven playing fields” have been dramatically improved. It is imperative that former Jenkintown business owners who are no longer part of the community be made aware of these changes and invited back. The revitalization of the Borough’s commercial core is dependent on investors feeling that “Jenkintown is open for business.”
vision These steps led to specific ideas about revitalization
Criteria Used in Visioning 1. Keep focus on achieving projects with realistic implementation 2. Work backwards from funding sources to arrive at priority projects and recommendations Economic development 3. Set mid & longer term goals Public Safety for larger synergistic mixed- use project Community Facilities 4. 5 Revitalization elements Transportation Housing
Based On • Community Needs and Preferences • Stakeholder Feedback • Task Force Input • Best Practices - Financial - Physical Limitations - Design and Planning
premise
plan elements Jenkintown: • Extraordinarily safe and secure • Elite school district • Excellent access to public transit • Strong community spirit • Delightful neighborhoods • Desirable proximity to region
missing elements Jenkintown: • Thriving retail core • Competitive office market Incomplete Grade
diversifying borough’s demographic Will help overcome this challenge
Mixed-use Residential Development Imagery Below Suggestive of Building Types & Spirit of Place Empty Nesters DINKS “Creative Class”
Living In or Making Jenkintown a Destination Empty Nesters DINKS “Creative Class”
exceptional design + unique experience Will help overcome this challenge
Differentiate, Focus on Existing Advantages, and Create the Framework for a Unique Experience
Differentiate, Focus on Existing Advantages, and Create the Framework for a Unique Experience
initiatives High Medium Lower Priorities
Initiatives Conceptual Map Increased efficiency = more spaces and better appearances
hiway theatre Digital Projector Theater Café Expanded Programs High Priority Initiative
Economics Rationale • Increase commercial activity in town • Draw in additional customers who can patronize surrounding businesses • Serve as catalyst to attract additional new business (restaurants, etc.) Potential Funding Sources and/or Incentives: • Foundations/grants • Fundraising activities (membership drives, etc.) • Sponsorship opportunities
transform key retail parcels • Facilitate sale and transformation • Optimize retail growth High Priority Initiative
Adaptive Reuse Opportunities: Typical property shown before
Adaptive Reuse Opportunities: CONCEPTUAL SKETCH - Typical property shown after
Economics Rationale: • Increase tax revenue generation (property, gross receipts, etc.) from currently vacant parcels • Draw new customers into downtown • Serve as catalyst to attract additional new business • Provide employment opportunities for local residents Potential Funding Sources and/or Incentives: • County funding for acquisition and/or capital improvements • RACP grant funding for capital improvements • Tax Increment Financing District • Tax abatements
johnson – leedom promenade • Seek funding to design and construct the Johnson - Leedom Street Promenade – • Create a pedestrian friendly path that becomes Jenkintown’s “main street” and a unique destination experience High Priority Initiative
Small Streets At Home and Abroad Doing a Lot with a Little Brighton Lanes, England
Small Streets At Home and Abroad Doing a Lot with a Little South Beach Miami Promenade
Small Streets At Home and Abroad Doing a Lot with a Little Stockholm Sweden – Pedestrian Weekends and Shared Weekday
Potential Elements of a Johnson-Leedom Promenade Kiosks Gateways & Signs Benches & Bike Racks Bollards Linear Planting Beds Decorative Pavers and Lighting
Existing Conditions
Concept Plan: Typical Section (non site specific) PROMENADE JOHNSON- LEEDOM Road York Old Brick Pavers Bollards (no curbs)
Johnson-Leedom Promenade: Typical right-of- way “before”
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