COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Results from a Coldwater Main Street survey seeking community input on the downtown U.S. 12 corridor were presented on Wednesday morning to the Downtown Development Authority.
It was hoped the survey results that were included in the report will help influence future projects.
There were 438 total responses to the survey that was conducted between June 3 and 23. A six person Design Committee went over the survey results and prepared Wednesday’s report to the D.D.A..
Coldwater Main Street Design Committee Chair Dean Walrack said the survey focused on several key points.
Walrack said the survey showed people appreciate colorful and highly visible street elements.
Recommendations included developing a public art program that increases the number of murals, sculptures, and other artworks in the Main Street area, investing in seating amenities throughout the district and invest in comprehensive sidewalk improvements.
It was also recommended existing crosswalks be maintained. In addition, the city should advocate to state partners to add new crosswalks at key intersections and that the bike lane network be expanded to include, and connect to, the downtown area.
Other recommendations:
* Develop kids play areas and activities within or adjacent to the downtown area and include signage that connects the play space to other nearby amenities and attractions.
* Explore and encourage motorized improvements including a center turn lane through the East Chicago Street historic district, and the addition of green turn arrows for those seeking a left turn onto Division or Marshall Street from the 4 Corners Intersection.
* Develop wayfinding signage using the Downtown Coldwater destination brand.
* Use trees, landscaping, and shade structures to provide shade and sound absorption within parks and along pedestrian routes. Consider using landscaping to calm traffic through downtown.
* Collaborate with local public safety organizations to explore a non-motorized public safety presence and options for improving perceptions of safety.
Main Street Director Audrey Tappenden said they will need to follow up on the survey results.
After a nearly 40 minute presentation by Walrack and Tappenden, the D.D.A. Board accepted the corridor survey results and its recommendations.
The complete results and reports can be found in the D.D.A.’s meeting packet at www.coldwater.org.
The survey was conducted after a project determined over 185,000 people make over 1.3 million trips to Downtown Coldwater each year and that over a third of the City’s residents reside within a 10-minute walk of the Downtown.
Comments