india street draft

India Street

Sustainable Neighborhood Plan

Portland, Maine

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August 2014

Part 1: The Plan

Portland Starts Here . . .

VisionforIndiaStreet(atMiddleStreet)ImageCredit:Richardson&Associates,Saco,ME

Portland,MaineIndia Street Sustainable Neighborhood Plan

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[Insert City Council Order as Passed adopting plan]


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Acknowledgments The India Street Sustainable Neighborhood Planhasbeenawidelycollaborativeeffortoverthecourseoftwoyears.Thisreportwasshapedandinformedbymanyparticipantswhodeserverecognitionfortheirefforts,including the IndiaStreetNeighborhoodAssociation,SustainSouthernMaine, the IndiaStreetNeighborhoodAdvisory Committee and associated Working Groups, and of course, the community businesses, residents,workers,organizations,institutions,anddevelopers.Especiallycriticaltotheformulationofthisneighborhoodplan isHughNazor,presidentof the IndiaStreetNeighborhoodAssociation. Withouthisceaselessefforts tobringattentiontotheneighborhood,thisPlanwouldnotexist.In2013,Portlandbecameaparticipatingcity intheUrbanSustainabilityAccelerator(USA)technicalassistancegrant through Portland State University, Oregon, which is funded through the Summit Foundation, ToulanSchoolofUrbanStudiesandPlanning, Institute forSustainableSolutionatPortlandStateUniversity,and theparticipatingcities.SpecialthankstoRobertLibertyforhisenthusiasticsupportandvaluableresourcesprovidedthrough the course of this program. Especially valuablewas the consultingwork ofMichele Reeves, CivilisConsulting,Portland,Oregon.TheIndiaStreetNeighborhoodAdvisoryCommitteeconvenedinthefallof2013toguidetheneighborhoodplandevelopment.CityCouncilorKevinDonoghueandneighborhoodresidentandemeritusprofessorattheMuskieSchoolofPublicServiceRichardBarringergraciouslyoffered their timeascochairs to thisCouncilappointedcommittee.Nineteenmemberswereappointedtothisgroupwithwiderangingexpertiseandareasofinsight;without their time andefforts thisplanwouldnothave reached its successful conclusion. Many active andenthusiasticmembersofthecommunityvolunteeredtoparticipate inWorkingGroups inordertobrainstorm,strategize,andcraft recommendations for the finalplan. Many thanksagain toallof thesemembersof theIndiaStreetandgreaterPortlandcommunitywhogaveoftheirtimeandexpertisetocraftthisplan.Additionalresourcesandsupportwereprovidedbykeyneighborhoodorganizations.Onecentraltothisprocesswas the Portland Society for Architecture which hosted meetings, provided professional advice andcollaboration,andfinancialresourcesthatwereespeciallycrucialintheCitysparticipationintheUSAtechnicalassistance grant and the subsequent consulting services of Michele Reeves. The Maine Jewish Museumgenerouslyprovided for theuseof their facilities throughout the courseof theplanningprocess. ProfessorYuseung Kim of USMs Muskie School of Public Service and the students in his Planning Workshops madesignificant contributions to our work with the creation of a 3d model of the neighborhood and the study,Portland Starts Here: India Street Neighborhood Recommendations, available athttp://www.portlandmaine.gov/1114/IndiaStreetItmustbenotedthatmanydedicatedCitystaffmembersorchestratedandusheredalongthiscomplexprocess.RecognitionisduetoPlanningDivisionDirectorAlexJaegerman,SeniorPlannerBillNeedelman(whohassincebecome the Waterfront Coordinator), Urban Designer Caitlin Cameron, and Historic Preservation ProgramManager Deb Andrews who led the effort. Additional support was provided by Mary Davis, Housing andCommunityDevelopmentDivisionDirector,NelleHanig,BusinessProgramsManager,BruceHyman,BicycleandPedestrianProgramCoordinator,andDougRoncarati,StormwaterProgramCoordinator.


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India Street Neighborhood Advisory Committee

RichardBarringer,CoChairCouncilorKevinDonoghue,CoChairHilaryBassettBethBoeppleCarolDeTineTomFederleBethanyFieldArthurFinkAniHelmickBobbiKeppelAlanKuniholmEthanBoxerMacomberJoeMaloneBrandonMazerHughNazorLindaMurnikArlinSmithTimothyWilsonKaraWooldrik

City Council

MichaelBrennan,MayorKevinDonoghue,District1DavidMarshall,District2EdwardSuslovic,District3CherylLeeman,District4JohnCoyne,District5JonHinck,AtLargeNicholasMavodones,AtLargeJillDuson,AtLarge

Planning Board

StuartOBrien,ChairTimothyDean,ViceChairCarolMorrissetteElizabethBoeppleSeanDundonBillHallJackSoley


5Working Groups

LandDevelopment/FormbasedcodeStaff:CaitlinCameron,AlexJaegermanConsultants:StephanieCarver,GPCOG,andKenStudtmann,Richardson&AssociatesElizabethBoeppleCarolDeTineTomFederleArthurFinkAlanKuniholmBrandonMazerHughNazorJayWatermanHistoricPreservationStaff:DebAndrewsConsultant:JulieLarry,TurkTracey&LarryArchitectsHilaryBassettPamelaCummingsEdGardnerAniHelmickJoeMaloneLindaMurnikInfrastructure/LandscapePlanningStaff:CaitlinCameronJenniferClasterBobbiKeppelKaraWooldrikEquity/HousingStaff:MaryDavis,AlexJaegermanCouncilorKevinDonoghueJillDanaherBethanyFieldDavidLorangerEthanBoxerMacomber

EconomyStaff:NelleHanig,AlexJaegermanRichardBarringerRachelleCurranSusieKendeighBrandonMazerHughNazorArlinSmithTimWilsonCity of Portland, Maine

MichaelBrennan,MayorMarkRees,CityManagerDepartmentofPlanningandUrbanDevelopmentJeffLevine,DepartmentHeadAlexJaegerman,PlanningDivisionDirectorCaitlinCameron,UrbanDesignerDebAndrews,HistoricPreservationManagerMaryDavis,HousingandCommunityDevelopmentDivisionDirectorDepartmentofEconomicDevelopmentGregMitchell,DepartmentDirectorNelleHanig,BusinessProgramsManagerDepartmentofPublicWorksBruceHyman,BicycleandPedestrianProgramCoordinatorDougRoncarati,StormwaterProgramCoordinatorSustain Southern Maine

RebeccahSchaffner,ProgramManager,GPCOGCarolMorris,President,MorrisCommunicationsEvanRichert,TownPlanner,RichertPlanningToddRichardson,LandscapeArchitect,Richardson&Associates


6Table of Contents and Executive Summary

Part 1: The India Street Sustainable Neighborhood Plan

Page9. BackgroundThePlanningProcessPage10. BackgroundIndiaStreetNeighborhoodPage15. FiveGoals,SixVisionStatements

G1.VitalityG2.GoodQualityDesignG3.StrongNeighborhoodIdentitythatBuildsonitsHeritageG4.DiversityG5.EnhancedMixedUseNatureofNeighborhood

VS1:SustainableGrowthandDevelopmentVS2:ANeighborhoodofDiversePeoplesVS3:AnAuthenticNeighborhoodTruetoitsHeritageVS4:AFun,Industrious,Creative,Artisanal,andProsperousNeighborhoodVS5:AHealthy,Connected,andActiveNeighborhoodVS6:ANeighborhoodofStrongIdentity

Page19. ThirteenDevelopmentPrinciples

1. StrongNeighborhoodIdentity2. DiversityofResidents3. NeighborhoodHeritageandHistoricPreservation4. GuidedGrowth5. FormofDevelopment6. MixedUseNeighborhood7. RetailCorridors8. CompassionateandSupportiveCommunity9. ConnectedNeighborhood10. VibrantLocalEconomy11. QualityInfrastructure12. RecreationandOpenSpace13. ResponsivetoClimateChange

Page29. ImplementationPlanFourteenCriticalActions


7Part 2: Implementation Tools

Pagex. CriticalAction1Establishadistinctiveandauthenticneighborhoodidentity Pagex. CriticalAction2AdoptpoliciesthatpromotethecreationofaffordablehousingPagex. CriticalAction3TakeadvantageofexistinghousingprogramsandresourcesPagex. CriticalAction4BuildaffordablehousingontheCityownedpropertyatFranklinand

MiddlestreetsPagex. CriticalAction5CreateaLocalHistoricDistrictPagex. CriticalAction6Createandmaintainbusinessandresidentrelationships Pagex. CriticalAction7PrioritizeIndiaStreetastheMainStreet Pagex. CriticalAction8AdoptaFormbasedCodePagex. CriticalAction9SupportexistingTransportationInfrastructureinitiativesPagex. CriticalAction10ImproveNeighboringRecreationAmenitiesandconnectionstothemPagex. CriticalAction11CreateaRecreationHubatthefootofIndiaStreetPagex. CriticalAction12MakeIndiaStreetamodelforstormwatermanagementPagex. CriticalAction13IndiaStreetRepresentationonthecityResilienceWorkingGroupPagex. CriticalAction14EnergyBenchmarkingaspartofthePortland2030District


8Background The Planning Process TheIndiaStreetneighborhoodissituatedamidsttheburgeoningPortlandpeninsula,abeautifulwatersidelocationnestledbetweentheOldPortandMunjoyHill.Asexplainedbelow,thisareawasthenucleusofthebirthofPortlandasacolonialcity,andtheCityhasgrownuparoundIndiaStreet.Intheyearsfollowing2010,thisareabegantoexperiencedevelopmentastherecessiongraduallygavewaytoresurgentgrowth.Manylargeprojectswereproposedprerecessionthatdidnotcometofruition,andseveralsizableprojects;twohotels,aparkinggarage,andhousing,tonameafew,wereconstructedthatbegantochangethefaceofthisneighborhood.Heavilyinfluencedbydowntownandthewaterfront,IndiaStreetemergedasamagnetfornewdevelopment,andthecommunityrespondedwitharequestforfocusedplanningtoguidethefutureofthisarea,lestthemarketforcesbringaboutchangethatmanyobserversandresidentsfearedwouldbeofascaleandcharacterthatdoesnotreflectthecommunitysaspirations.CommunityleadersapproachedtheCitywiththisconcern,thatplanninghasfocusedallaroundthisneighborhood,alongthewaterfront,andinthedowntown,buthadnotfocusedonthisneighborhoodasadistinctplace,toexploreitscharacterandestablishavisionforitsgrowthanddevelopment.AnefforttoaddressthespecificissueofbuildingheightsalongIndiaStreetwasconsideredbythePlanningBoardinJuneof2012,andledtotherecognitionthatacomprehensiveplanninginitiativewasthemoreappropriateapproachtotake.ThePlanningOfficewaschargedwithleadingthiseffort,inpartnershipwiththeIndiaStreetNeighborhoodAssociation.Thisplanningprocesshasproceededintwophases.ThefirstphasebeganinearnestinJanuary,2013,withtheselectionoftheIndiaStreetneighborhoodasaCenterofOpportunitywithintheSustainSouthernMaine(SSM)regionalplanningprogram,aconsortiumofCumberlandandYorkCountycommunitiesthatcametogetherwithfundingfromtheFederalDepartmentofHousing&UrbanDevelopmenttocreateasustainablegrowthplanfortheregion.IndiaStreetwasselectedasapilotcommunitythatrepresentsopportunitiesforregionalgrowthtooccurinestablishedurbancentersasastrategytocombatsprawlandrevitalizeourcitycenters.WithasmallplanninggrantfromSSMthroughtheGreaterPortlandCouncilofGovernments,weengagedwiththeIndiaStreetcommunitytocreateavisionfortheIndiaStreetneighborhood.HighlightsofthiseffortincludedaPublicOpenHouseattheJewishHeritageMuseuminMarch,2013,followedbyadaylongworkshopofthreestakeholdersmallgroupsinApril,2013,toconverttheideasfromtheOpenHouseintoneighborhoodplanningconcepts.Thisinputwasthensynthesizedbytheplanningandconsultingteamintoaseriesofreportsandninegraphicproductspresentinganemergentneighborhoodvision,form,transportation,streetsystems,landscape,andopenspace.ThesewerepresentedintwopublicforumsinJune,andlaterinSeptember,2013.[insertSSMgraphicS]Thefallof2013markedthetransitionfromthevisioningworkaidedbySSM,totheplanningproductionphasemarkedbythecollaborationwithanothertechnicalassistanceresourcecalledtheUrbanSustainabilityAccelerator(USA),anewprogramcreatedtohelpmidsizedandsmallerurbanareasimplementsustainabilityprojects,tomovetheirproposalsfromaconcepttoreality.ThisprogramwasmadepossiblethroughsupportofPortlandStateUniversitysToulanSchoolofUrbanStudiesandPlanning,theInstituteforSustainableSolutionsandagrantfromtheSummitFoundation.ThetimingofthistechnicalresourcecoincidedwithourongoingeffortstocreateaplanforIndiaStreet,whichwasthefocusofoureffortsthroughUSA,fromJuly2013throughJuneof2014.InNovember,2013we


9establishedastakeholderadvisorycommittee,theIndiaStreetNeighborhoodAdvisoryCommittee(ISNAC)appointedbytheCityCouncil,alongwithotherinterestedcitizenstoassistthePlanningOfficetocompletetheplan.ISNACestablishedthefollowingfiveworkgroupstofleshouttheplan:Housing&Equity;FormBasedCode;EconomicDevelopment;HistoricPreservation;andInfrastructure&Landscape.TheseWorkGroupsmetcontinuouslyfromJanuarythroughJulyof2014toinvestigateissuesanddeveloppolicyandimplementationrecommendationswithintheirassignedareas.Themajorityofthesubstanceofthisplaniscreditedtothehardworkofthesecitizenteamswiththeirstaffsupport.EachWorkGroupreportedouttotheISNAConamonthlybasisontheirfindingsandrecommendations.ThetechnicalassistancethroughtheUSAprogramwasongoingduringthisperiodandhelpedinformtheWorkGroupsintheirareasofinterest.HighlightsincludethethreedayconsultingvisitfromMicheleReeves,ofCivilisConsulting,onFebruary1113,2014.Ms.ReevesgeneratedastrongrecognitionofthestageofIndiaStreetsdevelopment,andtheattributesthatlenduniquevaluetotheeconomyoftheneighborhood,aswellasitsintrinsiccharacter.(Truetoform,thenightofherfinalpresentation,weexperiencedblizzardlikeconditions,somanywhocouldnotbethereinpersonviewedthevideoonline.)OtherhighlightsincludedaweeklongvisitationfromaU.C.DavisteamheadedbyProfessorStephenWheelerandthreeLandscapeArchitecturegraduatestudentswhostudiedtheneighborhoodandissuedareportinDecember,2013,RecommendationsforaSustainableNeighborhoodPlanwhichfocusedonenvironmentalsustainabilitymeasuresforIndiaStreet.Alsoduringthisintensiveworkingperiod,wehadthebenefitofourownUniversityofSouthernMainethroughProfessorsYuseungKimandRichardBarringer,whosePlanningWorkshopclassproducedaMay,2014report,PortlandStartsHere,whichaddressesplacebranding,economicdevelopment,andstreetscaperecommendations.Insummary,thisprocesshasreliedonourowninhouseplanningexpertise,andthehardworkofabunchofverydedicatedneighborhoodstakeholderswhovolunteeredcountlesshourstothetask.Wehadsomeoutsideconsultingandtechnicalresourceswhereavailableandasneededtoroundoutandinformtheeffort.Weareverypleasedtoconveythisplan,whichisatangibleproductwithrealisticobjectivesgroundedinanengagedcommunityprocess.SeveralconcurrentplanningeffortswillhavedirectbutstillundeterminedimpactsontheIndiaStreetneighborhood.

TheFranklinStreetRedesignPhaseIIisunderway;theobjectiveoftheredesignistonarrowtheroadway,redesignintersections,andemployCompleteStreetspoliciesmakingthestreetsafeanduseableforallmodes.Thestreetwillideallytakeonamoreactiveandurbancharacterbutthefinalresultsofthisprocessremaintobedetermined.TheimplicationsontheIndiaStreetneighborhoodincludethepotentialforrestoredstreetconnectionsatFederalandNewburystreets,andthegainingofdevelopmentparcelsontheneighborhoodsideoftheFranklinStreetrightofway.

LincolnParkisundergoingamasterplanprocesswithfuturerestorationandimprovementsproposed.TheparkisapotentialopenspaceassettotheIndiaStreetneighborhood.


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ThePortlandCompanycomplexisalsoundergoingamasterplanprocessandsignificantredevelopmentandadaptivereuseofthehistoricpropertyisproposed.However,detailsabouttheusesandformsproposedareundeterminedattheadoptionofthisplan.Asalargeneighboringproperty,whathappensonthatsitewillimpacttheIndiaStreetneighborhood.

Why a Sustainable Neighborhood Plan?

Wehaveproposedthisplanasasustainableneighborhoodplan.TounderstandthisapproachitisnecessarytoreviewthesustainabilityprinciplesofCommunity,Economy,andEnvironment.SincetheCityCounciladoptedtheSustainablePortlandPlanin2009,aspartofourcomprehensiveplan,wehaveendeavoredtousethesustainabilitymodelinplanningandpolicymaking.SustainablePortlandofferedthefinalchallengetofuturepolicymakers:Sustainabilityprinciplesareimbeddedthroughoutthisplanningprocess.WehaveincorporatedtheworkbySustainSouthernMainewhichlookstourbanneighborhoodgrowthasvitaltoasustainableregion.WehavehadthetechnicalassistancefromtheUrbanSustainabilityAccelerator,which,asthenamesuggests,seekstopromotesustainablepracticesinsmallcitiesacrossAmerica.Wehavelookeddeepintotheneighborhooditself,toexaminewhatisneededtosustainavibrant,healthy,prosperousfuture.Wecouldcallthisaneighborhooddevelopmentplan,oraneighborhoodmasterplan,orcomprehensiveplan.Thetitlecouldchange,buttheimperativetoplanaffirmativelyforahealthycommunity,economy,andenvironmentisparamountaswefacethechallengesandforcestocome.ThisplantouchesuponthesethreefactorsandpresentsabalancedsetofrecommendationsthataddresseachofthemappropriatelyforthisstageofdevelopmentinthisIndiaStreetneighborhood.

To become a sustainable community, the City of Portland must commit to a continuous process of self-assessment and adaptation. When faced with decisions, our City government, residents, institutions, and businesses should ask a series of questions:

Is this decision good for the environment, the economy, and the community?

Is this good for the long-term? If the answers are yes, then the decision will move us toward becoming a more sustainable city. Sustainable Portland Incorporating Sustainability into Everyday Decision Making City of Portland, 2009, Portland Comprehensive Plan


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Background The India Street Neighborhood

IndiaStreetNeighborhood(1871)

IndiaStreethasthedistinctionofbeingthefirststreet inPortlandandthecenterofthecitysearliestsettlement. Although little remains from this early chapter in the areas history, the story ofwhatfollowed is compelling and unlike any other neighborhood in the city. The India Street and thewaterfrontareawasthemaincommercialdistrictofPortlandpriortotheGreatFireof1866,whenthecoreofthedowntownmovedtotheOldPort.Asearlyasthe1820s,theIndiaStreetNeighborhoodwashometoalargecommunityofAfricanAmericans.Later,itbecamethepointofentryandfirsthometomany of the citys newlyarriving immigrant groups, including Irish, Italian, Jewish, and Scandinavianpopulations. Theneighborhoodwasthehubof intermodaltransportationwhereshippingandferries,trains, and land transportation converged around the waterfront generating a center of activity.

Newcomersfoundstabilityworkingaslaborersforthecitys waterfront, Grand Trunk Railroad, and nearbyPortlandCompany.Astheybecameestablished,eachgroupmadeitsmarkonthearea,buildingimpressivechurchesandsynagoguesandlaunchingawiderangeof small businesses and institutions. Public healthfacilities, including a milk dispensary and medical

NorthSchool(1867)


12school,were built on India Street to address the needs of the residents. North School, the largestelementary school in the state when it was built, responded to the transitional nature of theneighborhoodbyofferingoccupationaltrainingandother innovativeprogramsdesignedspecificallytohelptheimmigrantandfirstgenerationchildrenitserved.

Thehistoricbuildings that remain today tell thestoryofwho livedhereandhowthisneighborhoodevolvedandfunctioned.Landmarkstructures such as North School, the India Street Firehouse, andnumerouschurchesandsynagoguesareveryimportanttothestory.So,too,arethemodestwoodframehousesownedbythefoundersoftheAbyssinianChurch,thetripledeckersthathoused immigrantfamilies, and the small commercial structures that were built toserve thevariousneedsofa selfcontainedneighborhood. Justasthe neighborhoods remaining historic structures provide tangibleevidenceof itshistory,theyalsoestablishthestrongandappealingvisualcharacterofthearea.Sincethemid20thcentury,theneighborhoodhaslostanumberofkeylandmarks,includingtheGrandTrunkStationandthehousewhereHenryWadsworthLongfellowwasborn,atthecornerofForeandHancock. Oncedominant population groups have moved on to other parts of the city leaving theneighborhoodwithjustafewhundredhouseholds.Insensitivealterationstohistoricstructuresandtheclearanceofolderbuildingsforsurfaceparkinglotsordiscordantnewconstructionhavediminishedthecharacter of the neighborhood. Themost dramatic change, of course,was the construction of theFranklinArterial,whichentailedtheremovalofmanyhomesandcommercialstructuresatthewesternendoftheneighborhood,andseveredwhathadbeenaseamlesstransitiontothedowntowncore.Theremoval of homes and construction of Munjoy South public housing on Mountfort Street createdanotherabruptboundarytotheneighborhoodwheretherepreviouslyhadbeennone.

AbyssinianMeetingHouse(1828)

FranklinStreet


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Notwithstanding these losses, the neighborhood retainsnumerous elementsof itspast thatwarrant recognition andpreservation. This historic building fabric could also informthe scale and character of new development, which wouldresult in a lively mix of new and old within a distinctive,humanscale,mixeduseneighborhood.An older, downtown adjacent neighborhood such as IndiaStreethasassetsthatsignificantlyoutweighitschallenges.Inaddition to the cultural significance of the historicneighborhood, todays market values historic architecturalfabric which provides a humanscale foundation for futuredevelopment to build upon. Significant parcels, includingthose formerly in industrialuse,arevacantorunderusedareinviting for redevelopment. As an existing urbanneighborhood, it enjoys a relatively complete infrastructurethatisripetosupportrevitalization.Thehistoricstreetgridis

verywalkableandcontributesbothtoqualityoflifeandtomarketvalueforthelandusesservedbyit.Multimodaltransportationservices,bothexistingandpotential,createchoicesforthosewhowanttoliveorworkinortovisittheneighborhood.Thismixeduseneighborhoodwithproximitytodowntownalreadyhasacoremixof residentialandcommercialuses, including longstandinguses thatarewellrecognizedand loved,andcanserveasspringboardstoadditionaldevelopment. Themost importantcharacteristicofall,however, is theprevalenceand importanceofpeople theneighborhood is theproductofthepeoplewhohavebeenhere,pastandpresent,andthisobservationplaysakeyrole inshapingthefutureoftheIndiaStreetneighborhood.

AmixofdifferentbuildingtypesonCongressSt


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Assets to Build Upon

CulturalHeritagePortlandstartshere! HistoricLandmarkbuildingsandahistoricbuilding

fabric AdjacentWaterfront,Residentialneighborhoods,

Downtown,FerryandCruiseterminals ShopLocalDestinationandlandmarkstores;

Small,independentbusinessandentrepreneurialculture;Trulymixeduse

FoodDestinationManyrestaurantsthatdrawpeoplefromalloverthecityandregion

AccessibleWalkable,busconnections,ampleparking,goodbikingstreets,ferryterminal

GeographicAdvantageTheneighborhoodslopestothewaterfrontprovidingviews

DevelopmentPossibilitiesManydevelopmentopportunitiesofvaryingscaleexist

Challenges to Face ALackofClearIdentityTheneighborhoodhas

neverbeforebeenthesubjectofaneighborhoodplan

TheConstraintsofPastLandUsesIndustrialuses,manynowdefunct,werecommoninsuchneighborhoods,withbrownfieldandcleanupcostsassociatedwiththem

ScaleofDevelopmentLargedevelopmentsiteshaveresultedinprematureredevelopmentthatdoesnotcomportwiththedesiresofneighborhoodresidentsandbusinesses,historicbuildings,orneighborhoodcharacterinheightorscale

DisconnectedTheneighborhoodedgeshavebeenseriouslyalteredand/orsealedoff


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[insertgraphicshowingassetssurroundingneighborhood]


18Goals and Vision Statements

The India Street Sustainable Neighborhood Plan is framed by five Goals and six Vision Statements . . .


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Vision: Cultivating the Future of the India Street NeighborhoodVision Statement 1: Sustainable Growth and Development The India Streetneighborhood is on the cusp of substantialgrowthanddevelopment thatwillestablish itsplace in the city and region for decades tocome. It ispoised forgrowth,andhaschosento shape that growth to its singular characterandheritage.Itisfittingthatthisneighborhoodwelcomes a share of the growth that ishappening in greater Portland, given itsadjacencytodowntownandthewaterfront, itsaccess to transit, its walkable infrastructure,and its strongmixofand immediateproximity

tohousing,jobs,commerce,andservices.Overthe course of more than two years, thisneighborhood has pulled together propertyowners, residents,andassociated stakeholdersand community members who care deeplyabout how this neighborhood evolves anddevelops.Thisplanistheresultoftheireffortsand hard work. It presents the vision,principles,and strategies towelcome the rightform and shape of growth and developmentthatwill bring this transitioning neighborhoodtomaturity.


20Vision Statement 2: A Neighborhood of Diverse Peoples IndiaStreet isandalwayshasbeendiverse,andwewish it toremainso.Histories of immigrant communities landinghere and gaining a foothold, andmaking theirway in America have left a durable imprintthatwecelebrate.Maintainingdiversitymeansconscious efforts towelcome all kinds of newarrivals: whether they be moveup urbanistswhocan liveanywhereandchooseIndiaStreetfor its location nestled between downtown,MunjoyHill,andthewaterfront;ornewarrivalscontinuing the traditional role of thisneighborhood,welcomingnewimmigrantswhoabove all need affordable housing andconvenient access to jobs and services; youngsingles and small households who areembarking on adult life and value the sociallandscapeandaccesstoallthatPortlandhastooffer; working families striving to liveresponsibly by choosing a compact urbanneighborhoodwhereonecanaffordtoliveandmaintain a low carbon footprint; an agingpopulationwishingforanactivelife,convenientlocation to Portlands amenities, activities,restaurants,andservices. Anyandallof thesearewelcome tomake India Street home, andbecomepartofourcommunity;andwe intendto make our neighborhood welcoming,accessible,andpossible.

Vision Statement 3: An Authentic Neighborhood True to its Heritage PortlandsfirststreetwasIndiaStreet,anditisapoint of pride and identity that thisneighborhood set the stage for Portlandsgrowth and development. Vestiges of ourhistoryaboundinthedistrict,fromthereligiousinstitutionstothecivicand industrialbuildings,to the vernacular working class houses onFederal and Newbury and Hampshire streetsthat characterize the landscape of theneighborhood. These features distinguish thisneighborhoodfromothers,addingtothemixofpeninsula neighborhoods with a uniquecommunity fabric we feel ownership of. Thisheritage creates a sense of responsibility toprotectthetracesofthepastaswellaspositinga form and pattern for future growth that isrecognizable as India Street. We invitedevelopment into our neighborhood, as it isessential to its vitality to fill the voidsparticularly in the southern section belowMiddleStreetwherethere ismuchvacant landandsurfaceparking.Andwewillinsistthatnewdevelopmentaddtotheindigenousstructureofthis neighborhood by demonstrating anincremental and varied street, lot, and blockpattern. The scale of development can growbut the form must reflect the attributes thattypify and reinforce the fabric of thisneighborhood.


21Vision Statement 4: A Fun, Industrious, Creative, Artisanal, and Prosperous NeighborhoodThesidewalksarefulloflifeand commerce. Within a five minute walkmultiple food products are prepared, sold,consumed, and savored. Local businesses aremostly home grown and provide a sense ofauthenticitytotheneighborhoodtheregionalbrew house, the bakers, the textile andfurniture designers, the grocers, the coffeehouses, and restaurants. Amatos, one ofMainesfewchainestablishments,wasfoundedhereonIndiaStreetaround1902.Wewillbuildon this cluster of commercial activity on thecore retail streets tocreateacontinuoustrailof crumbs for visitors and residents to followfrom the Old Port and the waterfront, fromCommercial Street to Congress Street. Weexpect that inthisareaallofthebuildingsandbusinesses will engage with the communitybothvisuallyandfunctionally,thattherewillbea conversation with the street, and peoplewill enjoy being here and engaging in thisdialogue.Vision Statement 5: A Healthy, Connected, and Active Neighborhood The India Street Neighborhood providesopportunitiesforhealthandwellbeingrangingfrom healthrelated services to recreationamenities. Within a short walk are manyrecreation and open space assets: historicLincolnPark; theEasternPromenadeTrail thatcaters to children, runners, bikers, strollers,bladers, boarders, and those just out for ascenic stroll;andaplayground tucked into thecorner of Munjoy Hill off Mountfort Street.Residentsandvisitorsknow thisneighborhoodsupports a social and healthy lifestyle. Thesegemsarenowsomewhathiddenfromviewandaccess,butwithsome thoughtful interventions including generous and welldesigned

sidewalks and passageways, good lighting andstreetscape furnishings, artistic elements, andintuitive wayfinding strategies we willembrace these assets and enlist them morefully into the lifeof theneighborhood. Streetconnectivity remains a fundamental challengeespecially in connecting to and across FranklinStreet forallmodesbutwithapedestrianandbicycle priority. Pedestrian connectionsthroughout the neighborhood needimprovement so as to enable visitors andresidents alike feel comfortable navigating theareaandaccessingsurroundingamenities.

Vision Statement 6: A Neighborhood of Strong IdentityWehavelearnedalotaboutourselves and our place within the largercommunity during thisplanning explorationofthe India StreetNeighborhood. Our heritage,our diversity, our industriousness, our uniquephysical character, and our location onPortlands marvelous peninsula all constitutethe unique and authentic identity, charm, andspirit of this community. These qualities andcharacteristics, both consciously andsubconsciously, contributed to our pride ofplace,senseofbelonging,andconceptionofanexceptional community. Portland StartsHere.We celebrate this and all it implies. We willshare thisheritageand identitywith the largercommunity, for us to enjoy, and for others toappreciate when we share our neighborhoodwithvisitors.


22Thirteen Development Principles 1. StrongNeighborhoodIdentity

PortlandstartshereintheIndiaStreetNeighborhood;andthespiritofthisplacewillbereflectedinitsidentityandcharacterizationdistinctfromOldPortandtheDowntown.ThestoryofIndiaStreetislongandcompelling;nowisthetimetotellandcelebrateit.Thecoreofthe IndiaStreetNeighborhoodgeneratesassociationswithahumanscale,downtownadjacentneighborhoodwith food, light industry,authenticity,andcommunity. Whatvisitorsandothersare lessawareof is itsdistinctivehistoryPortlands first streetand firstneighborhood,earlymaritimeconnections,laterindustrialadvancement,periodarchitecture,religiousandculturaldiversity. Theneighborhoods connection to currentmaritime uses (ferry and cruise ships) andrecreational activities also is not immediately evident. The neighborhoodwill continue to be ahospitable landingplaceforthoseseekingopportunity inPortlandwhether itbeanew immigrantresident or a fledgling economic enterprise. The key principle here is to bring these uniquecharacteristics and assets into a cohesive neighborhood identity that will permeate the builtenvironmentaswellasassociatedbusinessandretailallserving tostrengthenandenhance itsidentity.CriticalActions:

1.Establishadistinctiveandauthenticneighborhoodidentity7.PrioritizeIndiaStreetastheMainStreet8.AdoptaFormbasedCode11.CreateaRecreationHubatthefootofIndiaStreet


232. DiversityofResidents

People are at the heart of all that India Street Neighborhood is about. It is characterized bydiversity, past and present, in all meanings of the word race, ethnicity, age, religion, ability,household size, and socio/economic status. For the future, the India StreetNeighborhoodwillcontinuetobeaplacethatisknownforauthenticdiversity;anddiversityofresidentsandactivitieswillbeencouragedandmaintained.Twomajor factors contribute to neighborhood diversity: housing choice and affordability. Thecurrentdevelopmenttrend intheneighborhoodhasbeentoward largecondominiumunitsoftencateringtoemptynestercouplesandpartyearresidents.Marketforcesalonewillprovidemoreofthishousingtype,whileabalanceofhousingtypes isdesired. TheCity isespecially interested indevelopment that will provide homes for families with children, and young, single workforcehouseholds.Thisshouldincluderentalunitsandamixofefficiencies,one,two,andthreebedroomunits. Astheneighborhoodresidentialbasegrows,sotoowillthetypeofhousingremainvaried.Affordabilitywilllikewisebeconsideredindevelopmentandpolicydecisions.CriticalActions:

2.Adoptpoliciesthatpromotethecreationofaffordablehousing3.Takeadvantageofexistinghousingprogramsandresources4.BuildaffordablehousingontheCityownedpropertyatFranklinandIndia10.Improveneighboringrecreationamenitiesandconnectionstothem

3. NeighborhoodHeritageandHistoricPreservation

Unlike many other neighborhoods on the peninsula, the India Street area grew to become astrikinglydiverseandselfcontainedneighborhood,withitsownmainstreet,housesofworship,institutionalbuildings,andworkshopindustriesthatprovidedemploymentforminoritygroupsthatpopulatedthearea.Whiletheneighborhoodhaslostsignificantelementsofitspast,muchremainstotellitscompellingstory.Thehistoricbuildingsthatremainnotonlytellthestoryabouthowthisneighborhoodevolvedand functioned,butalsocontributesignificantlyto itsuniquearchitecturalcharacter.


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ProtectingandenhancingIndiaStreetshistoricbuildingstockisessentialiftheareaistoretainitsauthenticityandbuildastrongsenseofplace. Alterationstoexistingbuildings,bothhistoricandnonhistoric,willbe carefully considered so theneighborhoods characterwillnotdiminishovertime. Infill construction will be a clear product of its own time, and respect establisheddevelopmentpatternsthatcharacterizetheneighborhood.Opportunitiestotelltheneighborhoodsstory,throughinterpretivesignageorothermeans,willbefullyexploredandimplemented.Understandingthehistoryoftheneighborhoodwillfosterprideamonglocalresidentsandbusinesses,andwillenhancethevisitorsexperience.CriticalActions:

1.Establishadistinctiveandauthenticneighborhoodidentity5.CreateaLocalHistoricDistrict8.AdoptaFormbasedCode

4. MixedUseNeighborhoodThe India Street Neighborhood is truly a mixeduse neighborhood with residences, businesses,offices,hotels,retail,andrestaurants. Theneighborhoodplanshouldallowthemixedusenatureof thisneighborhood to continue and expand,with the goalofproviding an equitable andhighqualityoflifeforallmannerofpeople.Fostering a desirable and diverse neighborhood requires a certain level of services andneighborhood amenities. Important and interesting destinations, from places that supplynecessities to those that supplyentertainment,arewithinwalkingandbicyclingdistances. Realestatedevelopments,policies,andeconomicdevelopmentplansthatmaintainorgrowthelevelofserviceandamenitiesfortheneighborhoodwillbeencouraged.CriticalActions:

6.Createandmaintainbusinessandresidentrelationships7.PrioritizeIndiaStreetastheMainStreet8.AdoptaCharacterFormbasedCode11.CreateaRecreationHubatthefootofIndiaStreet

5. VibrantLocalEconomy

Businessesareimportanttothesuccessofamixeduseneighborhood,andthevitalityoftheIndiaStreet Neighborhood economy impacts the city as a whole. The economic goals for theneighborhood are to grow employment opportunities and enhance economic vitality andsustainability.The India Street neighborhooddraws peoplewho recognize and enjoy itsunique character andheritage.Thosewhovisitorliveintheneighborhoodappreciateitsauthenticity,localartisanretailand eating establishments, and diverse cultural history. Building on these strengths through


25

branding,communicationofidentity,concentrationofcommercialuses,andstrongerrelationshipswithintheneighborhoodwillattractgreaternumbersofvisitors,residents,andbusinessestotheareaandmovetheneighborhoodtowardsitseconomicgoals.CriticalActions:

1.Establishadistinctiveandauthenticneighborhoodidentity6.Createandmaintainbusinessandresidentrelationships7.PrioritizeIndiaStreetastheMainStreet8.CreateaRecreationHubatthefootofIndiaStreet

6. RetailCorridors

TheIndiaStreetNeighborhoodishometodestinationfoodandretailbusinesses,amongPortlandsmostpopular. ThebeginningsofaretailcorridorexistsonIndiaStreet,theneighborhoodsmainstreet,aswellasonCongressandCommercialstreetsbutcommercialusesaredispersedacrosstheneighborhood.Theneighborhoodsvitalitywillbeheightenedwithmoreconcentratedcommercialactivity (particularly restaurants and retail) along India aswell asonCongress,Commercial, andMiddlestreets. CommercialStreet isapopularpedestrianrouteandentry intoPortland forcruiseshipand ferrypassengers. Enticingpeople to the IndiaStreetNeighborhoodwilldepend, inpart,oncreatingacontinuouschainofcrumbsleadingfromCommercialupIndiaStreet.Thiswillrequireaphasedapproach, focusing first on the recruiting to India Street new retail shops and restaurants fromCommercialuptoMiddlestreets,andthencontinuingthiseffortalongIndiaallthewaytoCongressStreet. People attract more people; by concentrating retail to strategic corridors the streetsbecome more active and boost economic vitality. This strategy for the neighborhood retailenvironment will strengthen existing businesses and also attract more visitors, residents, andbusinesses.CriticalActions:

6.Createandmaintainbusinessandresidentrelationships7.PrioritizeIndiaStreetastheMainStreet8.AdoptaFormbasedCode11.CreateaRecreationHubatthefootofIndiaStreet


267. GuidedGrowth

TheIndiaStreetneighborhoodisanidealplacetotargetsustainablegrowthduetotheavailabilityofdevelopmentsitesandexistingurbaninfrastructure.Thedistrictwillaccommodateareasonableshareofregionalgrowthoverthenext25years,basedonitssizeandproximitytodowntown,andtogaincriticalmassthatwillsupportadiverse,vibrant,andmixeduseurbanneighborhood. Thetypeofgrowthwillbeprimarilyresidentialwithasubstantial increase inhousingunits. Economicdevelopment goals require a certain amount of job and commercial real estate growth aswell,especiallytakingadvantageoftheadjacenciestoresidentialneighborhoods,theislandferries,andexistingdowntown assets. However, the rateof residential growthwillprevailover the rateofcommercial growth in the neighborhood; additional hotel and office spaces are discouraged.Growthwillalsocomefromincreaseddensityofdevelopmentratherthanincreasedheight.Allofthisgrowthwillonlyaddto itsactivityandvitality,promoting itasavibrantneighborhoodcenterwithinPortland.Growthwilloccurprimarilyonlargeredevelopmentsitestowardsthewaterfront.WheretheedgesofthedowntownadjacentneighborhoodwerepreviouslycompromisedbytheFranklinArterial,itisbepossibletoreconstitutethemasadditionalprimeredevelopmentopportunities.Asanurbanavenue,theFranklinStreethasvaluablefrontagealongwhichnewdevelopmentwillredefinetheneighborhoods edge and contribute to its identity as a desirable residential/mixeduse district.Smaller infill developments will be highly encouraged as a way to expand the capacity forneighborhood growth and testprospectivehousingunit types. [insert graphic showingdesiredareasofgrowth?]CriticalActions:

2.Adoptpoliciesthatpromotethecreationofaffordablehousing8.AdoptaFormbasedCode

8. FormofDevelopmentNeighborhoodcapacityforgrowthwilltakeintoaccountconsiderationsofformandscale,withanemphasisonhumanscaledevelopmentandgoodqualitydesign.Graduationofformwillvarybylocationso that futurenewdevelopment isappropriate to itssurroundingcontext.Within intacthistoricstreets,formismodulatedtoapproximatesurroundingbuildingforms.Inthelargerblockspresentlydominatedbysurfaceparking,newbuildingswillbescaledproportionatelytoallowlargerbuildingswithmassandscaleattenuatedtoachieveahumanscalestreetpresence,protectionofstreetview corridors, and varied and permeableblock faces. The intended outcome will be aharmoniouscompositionofnewandoldbuildingsthatfitwelltogethertocreatea livelyfabricofmodernandtraditionalbuildingforms.


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TheImportanceofFormThe identityofadowntownadjacentneighborhood isdictated in largepartbyitsscaleandpedestrianfriendlydesign.Criticalelementswillinclude1:

Relatively high residential densitywithin a relatively small district, puttingmany peoplewithinwalkingdistanceofmanyactivitiesand,fortripsoutsideofthedistrict,regularandreliablebusservicewithbusstops;

A finegrainedmixofusesbothhorizontalandvertical that invitea flowofpeopleatdifferenttimesoftheday,sevendaysaweek;

Astreetpatternwithpedestrianscaledblocks. Longerblocksand largerbuildingswillbeinterruptedandmadepermeablebymidblockpedestrianwaysoralleysorstreets;

Continuous sidewalks designed with universal access and with widths scaled to thepedestrian activity of the street to allow two couples walking in opposite directions tocomfortablypasseachother;

Strongstreetwallswithdevelopmentplacedclosetothepropertylineatstreetfrontage Streetoriented buildings, with commercial and mixed use buildings with permeable

facadesfrontentrancesandfenestrationthatrelatetothestreet; Humanscalebuildingsneither so tallas toblockapedestrians coneofvision (at four

stories, the intersection ofbuilding and sky still registers in thepedestriansperipheralvision [Ewing, p. 77]); nor so horizontally large or dominated by a single use as todiscouragethecasualinteractionbetweenpedestriansandamixofusesalongthestreet.

CriticalActions:

5.CreateaLocalHistoricDistrict8.AdoptaFormbasedCode

9. CompassionateandSupportiveCommunity

TheIndiaStreetNeighborhoodcontinuesahistoryofwelcoming.AwalkaroundtheneighborhoodrevealsaplethoraofservicesandresourcesrangingfromimmigrantandelderlyservicesatCatholicCharities, resources for the homeless population at the Cathedral complex andMilestone, lowincome housing for the elderly at North School, education opportunities at the Portland AdultEducationbuilding,andabundantmedicalandmentalhealthpractices. The compassionateandsupportive nature of this neighborhood should be encouraged to prosper. Efforts to make itaccessiblewithconnectivity,transit,andstreetscapeimprovementswillgoalongwaytofosterthiskindofcommunity.CriticalActions:

1.Establishadistinctiveandauthenticneighborhoodidentity9.SupportexistingTransportationInfrastructureinitiatives

1ThesearedrawnfromtheIndiaStreetNeighborhoodworkshopdiscussion,theCitysdesignmanual,andreferencematerialssuchasEwingandBartholomew,PedestrianandTransitOrientedDesign(2013).


2810. ConnectedNeighborhood

Theadjacentnatureofthisneighborhood isbothuniqueand fullofpotential. IndiaStreetabutsontomanywondrousassetsandresourcesresidentialneighborhoods,thedowntowndistrict,andthewaterfront. Connectionstothesenearbyassetsandamenitiesarefundamentalto itsgreaterqualityof lifeandeconomicvitality. Servicesandopportunities from jobs toentertainment togovernmental services will be improved by strengthening the connectedness of theneighborhood.Adowntownadjacentneighborhoodthatisdisconnectedfromitsdowntownisanundervaluedandunderutilizedasset.FromthepointofviewoftheIndiaStreetneighborhood,theredesignofFranklinStreetisdriveninlargepartbythedesiretoreconnectthisneighborhoodandtheDowntown.ReconnectingdeadendstreetsandformalizingwelllovedbutinformalconnectionpointswillhelptoknittheIndiaStreetneighborhoodintoitsurbancontext.Improvementstothe localstreetsystem,trailsystem,andtransportationsystemwillgivepriorityto connectivity on multiple scales connectivity to surrounding neighborhoods, connectivity toneighboring assets such as Lincoln Park and the waterfront, and connectivity within theneighborhood,itself.Emphasiswillbeonpedestrian,bicycle,andtransitmodes.Thewalkabilityoftheneighborhood,proximityto jobsonthePortlandpeninsula,andtheavailabilityofbusservicewillreduceautodependency.Increaseddensitywillsupportpublictransportationwithshorttimeintervals,which, in turnencouragesuse and viabilityof the transit system. The combinationofneighborhood adjacency and increased density reinforce the use of alternative transportationmodes,reducingdependencyonautomobilesandallowsfortherelaxingofparkingrequirements.Visual connections, especially to the waterfront, are another important type of connection.Whereverpossible,access to thewaterfront visualandphysicalwillbeprovidedasapublicamenity.Newdevelopmentwillbe conscientiousof its relationship to thewater; view corridorsthrough public rights of way to the water will not be obstructed. Visibility to and from theneighborhood,acrossFranklinStreetandfromthewaterandCommercialStreet,willcontributetothe identity and presence of the neighborhood serving to attract visitors aswell as elevate therelationshipoftheneighborhoodwiththerestofthecity.CriticalActions:

8.AdoptaFormbasedCode9.SupportexistingTransportationInfrastructureinitiatives11.CreateaRecreationHubatthefootofIndiaStreet


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11. QualityInfrastructureThestreetscapeandlandscapeplayanimportantroleinsupportingtheneighborhoodidentityandaffordingacomfortable,inviting,andhumanscaledenvironment.Forinfrastructure,emphasiswillbeplacedontheexperienceonehastravellingtoandthroughouttheneighborhoodwithCompleteStreets as the adopted City strategy. The street grid and transportation infrastructure will beimprovedwithprioritygiventopedestrian,bicycle,andtransitmodes. Strategiesto improvethestreetscape will include increased street trees and plantings, lighting, public restrooms, greeninfrastructure implementation,wider sidewalks and improved universal access in public right ofways,streetfurnituredeployment,andaneighborhoodwideanalysistoevaluatethepotentialtounderground utilities. Neighborhood identity will be reinforced through streetscape designelementswithparticularpriorityon IndiaStreetwhichwill includestreettrees,publicart,uniqueandcohesivestreetfurniture,pavementoptionsthathaveastorytellingoridentitycomponent,andgatewayelementssignalingentrancestotheneighborhood.Vehicleparking,especiallysurfaceparkinglots,willbedeemphasized.Onstreetparking,reducedoffstreetparkingrequirements,modestoffstreetlots,structuredparking,andcarsharingserviceswill all be needed to satisfy demand. In the India Street neighborhood, the recent structuredparkingwithexcess space (asof2013)was created to relieve someof the constraint thatmightotherwiseexistand to facilitatedevelopmentofsurroundingparcels. Useofsharedparkingandutilityinfrastructurestrategieswillbeencouraged.CriticalActions:

7.PrioritizeIndiaStreetastheMainStreet9.SupportexistingTransportationInfrastructureinitiatives10.Improveneighboringrecreationamenitiesandconnectionstothem12.MakeIndiaStreetamodelforstormwatermanagement13.IndiaStreetrepresentationonthecityResilienceWorkingGroup


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12. AmpleRecreationandOpenSpaceOpen space isamostpreciouscommodity in the small,urban IndiaStreetneighborhood. Openspace amenities greatly enhance quality of life for residents and workers, make for a moreattractive built environment, and createopportunities for community gathering and interaction.Everyopportunitytoimproveorenhancepublicopenspaceswillbepursued.Theneighborhoodhasthreeavenuestomaximizethepotentialforopenspacesofdifferenttypesand uses: 1) Improve and maintain existing spaces including private green spaces within theneighborhood,2)ConnecttosurroundingopenspaceamenitiessuchasLincolnPark,playgroundsinPeppermintParkandAdamsStreet,andtheEasternPromenadeTrail,and,3)Createnewopenspacesatthepumphouseproperty,alongFranklinStreet,andatthefootofIndiaStreet.CriticalActions:

9.SupportexistingTransportationInfrastructureinitiatives10.Improveneighboringrecreationamenitiesandconnectionstothem11.CreateaRecreationHubatthefootofIndiaStreet

13. ResponsivetoClimateChangeAs a waterfrontadjacent district, climate change is especially compelling to the India Streetneighborhood. Adaptingtosealevelrise,reducingstormwaterrunoff,andmitigatingheat islandeffectareespeciallyimportanttoaddressastheneighborhoodcontinuestodevelopandimprove.Futureplansforthisdistrictwillconsidersuchfeaturesas lowimpactdesign inpublicandprivatedevelopment, native species planting, reduction in impervious surfaces and subsequentopportunityto increasegreeneryandstreettrees,flexiblegroundfloordesigns,andtreatmentofroof surfaces to reduceheat islandeffect and solar reflectance. Incremental changes, includingmodifyingstructuresandfacilitiesonthewatersedgetobemoreresilienttosealevelrise,shouldbepursuedbybothpublicandprivate interests. There isadesiretoprotectthehistoricbuildingfabricoftheneighborhood;anassessmentofriskandspecialconsiderationwillneedtobegiventohistoric buildings and landmarks resilience strategies do not always comport with historicregulations.ThefutureIndiaStreetNeighborhoodwillbeamodeltodemonstratethatplanningfor


31

climate change is a benefit to residents and workers quality of life and quality of the builtenvironment.CriticalActions:

7.PrioritizeIndiaStreetastheMainStreet9.SupportexistingTransportationInfrastructureinitiatives12.MakeIndiaStreetamodelforstormwatermanagement13.IndiaStreetrepresentationonthecityResilienceWorkingGroup14.EnergybenchmarkingaspartofthePortland2030District


32Implementation Plan CriticalActionsarehighpriorityinitiatives,primarilythetoponeortwostrategiesfromeachworkinggroup.Thetwelvestrategiesbelowshallmeetthe"SMART"testarticulatedbytheCityCouncilaspartofits2014goalsettingprocess,astheyareatonce:

SpecificMeasurableAttainableRealisticTangible

Critical Action 1 Establish a distinctive and authentic neighborhood identity Movingforward, improvementsanddevelopment intheneighborhoodwillcontributetothetellingofIndiaStreetsstory.Establishingabrandfortheneighborhoodwillenhanceprideofplaceamonglocalresidentsandbusinesses,aswellasattractnewpopulationsofeach,providingawelcomeorientationtothisuniqueand specialplacewithin theCityofPortland. Theneighborhood shallpursuean identitystrategy to provide definitive direction in the future development and characterization of theneighborhood.Critical Action 2 Adopt policies that promote the creation of affordable housing ItisinthepublicinteresttopromoteanadequatesupplyofhousingforitsresidentstokeeptheIndiaStreetneighborhoodlivableforadiversemixofresidents.TopromotethecreationofaffordablehousingtheCityshouldreview,amend,andadoptregulatorypoliciesthatencouragedeveloperstoincludeunitsofaffordablehousingwithindevelopmentprojects,therebymitigatingthelimitedsupplyofaffordablehousing;and,bydoingso,promotingthehealth,safety,andwelfareofcitizens.Theregulatoryreviewshouldincludeparkingrequirements,heightbonuses,residentialdensityrestrictionsandtheadoptionofacitywideInclusionaryZoningOrdinance.TherecommendationofthisplanistoadoptanInclusionaryZoningOrdinancetoaddresstheconcernofaffordablehousingsupply;anordinanceisrecommendedfortheIndiaStreetneighborhoodwiththeunderstandingthatsuchapolicymightbeadoptedcitywide. Critical Action 3 Take advantage of existing housing programs and resources


33TheIndiaStreetneighborhoodiseligibletotakeadvantageofvariousprogramsandresources,localandFederal,thatwillexpandanddiversifyhousingchoices.Thecriticalactionwillbetoidentifytheneighborhoodasafocusareaforprogramssuchas:

CommunityDevelopmentBlockGrants(CDBG) HOMEPrograminvestment HUD5year(20152020)ConsolidatingPlanProcesstoconductmarketstudy CityofPortlandHousingReplacementOrdinance HireaHousingPlannerfortheHousing&CommunityDevelopmentOffice

Critical Action 4 Build affordable housing on the City-owned property (at Middle and Franklin) TheCityhasanopportunitytocontributetoresidentdiversitybydesignatingcityownedpropertyforthedevelopmentofaffordablehousing.Affordablehousing,especiallyforfamilieswithchildrenislackingwithintheneighborhood.TheparceloflandatMiddleandFranklinStreetshasbeenidentifiedasapotentialsitetobuildaffordablehousingthatwillserveasacatalystforotherprivatedevelopmentintheneighborhood. Critical Action 5 Create a local Historic District Portlandshistoricbuildingfabricisadefiningcharacteristicofthecity.DesignatingtheIndiaStreetNeighborhoodasalocalhistoricdistrictwillputintoplaceaprocesstoguidechangeovertime.Historicpreservationregulationsencouragethoughtfulrehabilitationofanareashistoricbuildingsaswellascompatibleinfilldevelopment.AshasbeenproveninPortlandsothercommercialandresidentialhistoricdistricts,historicpreservationisasuccessfuleconomicandcommunitydevelopmentstrategy.Thislanduseregulatoryprogramhasbeenshowntoinstillprideofplace,provideameasureofassurancethatinvestmentinthedistrictwillbeprotected,andensurethatthearearetainsanauthenticitythatattractslocalsandvisitorsalike.TheCitywilldesignateIndiaStreetandthesurroundingneighborhoodasalocalhistoricdistrict,subjecttotheprovisionsofPortlandshistoricpreservationordinance(ArticleIXoftheLandUseCode)withboundariesdevelopedthrougharigoroussurveyandcoordinatedwiththeMaineHistoricPreservationCommission.DeveloperswillreceiveadditionalbenefitfromhistoricdesignationiftheCityalsosecuresNationalParkServicecertificationfortheIndiaStreetHistoricDistrict,andprovideaccesstostateandfederalhistoricrehabilitationtaxcredits.


34Critical Action 6 Create and maintain business and resident relationships to strengthen the community Developingprogramsthatstrengthentherelationshipsbetweentheresidentsandbusinessesintheneighborhoodwillenhanceitsvitalityandgrowthwithinandbeyonditsboundaries.Examplesofsuchprogramareasfollows:

Annualandmonthlypromotionseventstobringtogetherbusinessesandresidents Softopeningsfortheneighborhood Smallneighborhooddiscounts(perhapswithacard) Crossbusinesspromotions ParkingvalidationagreementswithCityandlocalproviderstomakeresidential,workerand

customerparkingmorereadilyavailable. TheIndiaStreetNeighborhoodAssociation(ISNA)willbeanenergeticandcreativepartnerwith

theCityinpromotingandbuildingtheserelationships,events,andpracticesacrossthepublic,private,andphilanthropicsectors.

Critical Action 7 Prioritize India Street as the Main Street Becauseofitsmixedusecharacter,adowntownadjacentneighborhoodneedsamainstreetofitsown.Inthiscase,IndiaStreetistheneighborhoodsdefactomainstreetwiththeintersectionatMiddleStreetasakeyjunction,andstrategieswillreinforceandstrengthenitsroleassuch.RetailactivityisencouragedonIndiaStreet,andahighleveloftransparencyandactivityisexpectedfromfuturedevelopmentalongthecorridor.Toassistinthiskindofactivity,theCitysFaadeImprovementProgramwillbetargetedonIndiaStreet.ThestreetscapeofIndiaStreetplaysanimportantroleinportrayingtheuniqueidentitytheneighborhood;streetscapeimprovementsshouldbefocusedonIndiaStreetandneighborhoodidentitywillbereinforcedthroughstreetscapedesignwhichwillincludepublicart,lighting,uniqueandcohesivestreetfurniture,pavementoptionswithstorytellingaspects,andgatewayelements.Thestreetshouldbeinvitingwithcontinuousstreettreesandplantingsandinfilldevelopmentisencouragedtobuildanactivestreetwall.Vacantlotscouldbecomesitesoftemporaryinstallationsorpopupretailtoinviteactivity.Streetscapeimprovementsshouldbeofhighqualitymaterials,anddesignedandcoordinatedtoincreasetheirvisualimpact. Critical Action 8 Adopt a Form-based Code Reflectingthedesireintheneighborhoodtomaintainahumanscaleofdevelopment,azoningcodebasedonformandbuildingcharacterratherthanuseisproposed.Aformbasedcode(FBC)isalanddevelopmentregulationthatfosterspredictablebuiltresultsandahighqualitypublicrealmbyusingphysicalform(ratherthanseparationofuses)astheorganizingprincipleforthecode.Aformbasedcodeisaregulation,notaguideline,adoptedintocitycodeofordinancesandwouldreplacetheexisting


35zoningcodeinplaceovertheextentoftheneighborhoodboundary.2UndertheproposedformbasedCodenewdevelopmentandsignificantrenovationswillcarefullyconsiderthebuildingsrelationshipwiththestreetscapeandhavecompatibleformswiththeexistingbuiltfabric.TheFBCalsowillencouragesmallinfilldevelopmentanddensehousingdevelopmentthroughheightandparkingbonusesandbyrelievingresidentialdensityrestrictions.AnadditionalgoaloftheFBCwillbetoprovideaclearandconsistentreviewprocesstoguidedevelopmentandmanagechange. Critical Action 9 Support existing Transportation Infrastructure initiatives to increase connection and mobility within the neighborhood Toreachitsgoalsofconnectivityandmultimodalpriority,theneighborhoodsupportscitywideinitiativestoimprovesafetyandaccesstotransit,biking,andwalking.Theneighborhoodwillbeproactiveintakingadvantageofthefollowinginitiativesandprogramsalreadybeingplanned:

TransitSystem(METRO)SupportenhancedservicesuchastheproposedlinkfromtheTransportationCentertotheCascoBayLinesTerminal;proposedbusroutingchanges;andincreasedfrequencyandsynchronizationofservice

TransportationChoicesSupporteffortstoexpandcarsharelocations,andstartabikeshareprogramwithstationsintheIndiaStreetneighborhood

FranklinStreetRedesignTheneighborhoodwouldbenefitfromrestoringconnectionstoandinsomecasesacrossFranklinStreet.Attheveryleast,improvedbicycle/pedestrianconnectionsacrossFranklinStreetarenecessaryanddesired;reconnectingvehicularaccesstoFranklinStreetoneorbothstreets(NewburyandFederal)wouldalsobeanacceptableoutcome.

ParkingRequirementsCurrentrevisionstotheSustainableTransportationFundareunderreviewthatmayhavepositiveimpactsonparkingrequirementsfordevelopmentsandenablemoresmall,infillprojectstobefeasibleintheIndiaStreetNeighborhood

CompleteStreetsDesignManualSupporttheadoptionofCompleteStreetsandencouragetheCitytoimplementthesetypesofimprovementswithintheneighborhood,especiallyonIndiaStreet

ImplementandexpandupontheadoptedCityWayfindingplan,especiallytargetedtopedestrianandtouristwayfinding

Critical Action 10 Improve neighboring recreation amenities and connections to them OpenspaceisapreciouscommodityinIndiaStreetasasmall,urbanneighborhood.OnestrategyforprovidingopenspacetotheneighborhoodisthroughimprovedaccesstosurroundingopenspaceamenitiesincludingLincolnPark,theWaterfront,theAdamsStreetPlayground,andPeppermintPark.Anassessmentisneededtodeterminehowbesttoupdatetheequipment,paving,andlandscapingaswellasimprovewayfinding,visibility,andconnectionsbetweentheneighborhoodandtheseexistingassets.2DefinitiondrawnfromtheFormBasedCodesInstitute:http://formbasedcodes.org/definition


36

LincolnParkEffortsareunderwaytorestoreandimprovetheparkandincreaseneighborhoodaccessandtoencouragenewdevelopmentaroundtheparktoenlivenitsuse

AdamsStreetplaygroundThisadjacentpublicplaygroundisunderusedduetolackofvisibilityandaccess.Anassessmentisneededtodeterminehowtoincreasetheuseofthisspace.

PeppermintParkarecentlyimprovedpublicopenspacethatisnotvisibleorwellconnectedtotheIndiaStreetneighborhood.SuggestedimprovementsincludesafepedestrianconnectionsacrossCongressStreetandwayfinding.

EasternPromenadeTrailConnectionstothispopularCitytrailcouldbeimprovedacrossCommercialStreet.AdditionalimprovementsincludeaRecreationHubatthefootofIndiaStreet,openspaceimprovementsontheCityownedsectionsnexttothetrailtoenablemoreuseofthespace,publicartorwindturbineinstallationsforwayfindingandneighborhoodidentity.

NeighborhoodBywayTrailAninformaltrailconnectingMunjoyHilltoIndiaStreetisinneedofpavingandmaintenanceimprovementstoincreaseuseandvisibilityandsafety.

PumpHouseparcelThisparcelprovidesanopportunityforprimeopenspaceimprovements. Critical Action 11 Create a Recreation Hub at the foot of India Street TheneighborhoodcanleverageexistingassetstheEasternPromenadeTrailhead,waterfrontproximity,retailandorganizationsrelatedtorecreation,astrongrestaurantreputationtoestablishaRecreationHub.ThefootofIndiaStreetwillbecomeknownasthemeetingpointforatriptotheIslands,aclassatSailMaine,orabikerideorstrollonthetrail.Itwillbeanaccesspointforrecreationalamenitiessuchasbicycleorequipmentrentals,apointtobuyfoodanddrinksforthedaysexcursions,andareststopwithpublicrestrooms.Astheneighborhooddevelops,thiswillbetheplaceforbikesharestations,informationkiosks,andameetingpointfortours.Notonlydoesthiscriticalactionboosteconomicdevelopment,itaddstotheidentityoftheneighborhoodandgivesresidentsandvisitorsareasontoventureintotheIndiaStreetNeighborhood. Critical Action 12 Make India Street Neighborhood a model for stormwater management TheIndiaStreetNeighborhoodisanidealdistricttoexercisegoodstormwaterstrategiesfortheCityofPortland.Thefirststepfortheneighborhoodwillbeadistrictanalysisresultinginengineeringandlandscapearchitecturestrategiesandrecommendations.Anadditionalresourceistheanalysisandrecommendationsofthe2014UrbanLandInstituteAdvisoryPanelforPortlandandSouthPortland.TheCitywillleadbyexamplewhenmakingimprovementstothepublicrightofwayinthisneighborhood,usingIndiaStreetasaprimedemonstrationsiteforgoodstormwaterpractices.Strategiesinclude:

CompleteStreets:DevelopmentwillcontinuetoprovideopportunitiestocreateCompleteStreetsandimprovehydrologicfunctionforresilience.


37

ReduceStormwaterRunoff:Impervioussurfacesofsurfaceparkinglotsareanothermajorcontributortostormwaterrunoffquantityandwaterquality;developmentwillbedesignedtoreduceimpactofsurfaceflowacrossCommercialStreetandtomitigateimpactsonlandsidestructures. TheCityismovingtowardsadoptingaStormwaterServiceChargethatwillprovideeconomicincentivesfordevelopersandpropertyownerstoreduceandtreatrunoff.

GreenInfrastructure:Lowimpactdesignandgreeninfrastructurestrategieswillbeimplementedwhereverpossible.

Critical Action 13 India Street representation on the city Resilience Working Group Arecommendationofthe2014UrbanLandInstituteAdvisoryPanelonClimateChangeistheformationofaResilienceWorkingGroup.Thisgroupwouldconsiderthewaterfrontasawholeacrossjurisdictionalboundaries.ThisgroupwouldinvolvethemajorstakeholdersfromthewaterfronttousetheinformationfromtheRiskDataGroupandtodeterminespecificrisksfacedbypropertiesalongthewaterfront,whicharelikelytobethemostvulnerabletosealevelriseandstormsurge.Itisimportanttohaveanintegratedapproachtoresiliencewithasharedresourcelikethewaterfront.Asawaterfrontcommunity,itisessentialthattheinterestsoftheIndiaStreetneighborhoodberepresentedonthisWorkingGroupasclimatechangestrategiescontinuetobedevelopedfortheregion. Critical Action 14 Participate in energy benchmarking as part of the Portland 2030 District IntheUS,buildingsaccountfor36%oftotalenergyuseand30%ofgreenhousegasemissions.Benchmarkinginvolvestrackingandreportingenergyuse,whichshowshowbuildingsuseandwasteenergyandhelpsidentifyopportunitiestolowerenergycostsandimprovebuildingoperations.GreaterPortlandCouncilofGovernmentsispartneringwithMobilizeMainetodevelopaPortland2030DistrictinordertotrackenergydataofbuildingsonthePortlandpeninsula.Thegoalofthe2030Districtistoreduceenergyusageinbuildingsincludingwaterandtransportationemissions50%by2030.Thebenefitsofa2030districtinclude:promotescollaboration;createsfriendlycompetition;savesonenergyandmaintenancecosts;createsjobs;improvesinfrastructure;encouragesbusinessestorelocatetoareaswithexistinginfrastructureandadaptivereuse;reducesgreenhousegasemissions;promotesawarenessofenergysavingtechnologiesandpractices.WiththecreationofaPortland2030District,propertyownersenrolltheirbuildingsinaprogramthattracksenergyuse.Allbuildingsintheneighborhoodshouldbeenrolledmembersinthissimpleandaffordableportfoliomanagementprogram(EPAEnergyStarPortfolioManager).

India Street

Sustainable Neighborhood Plan

Portland, Maine

___

August 2014

Part 2: Implementation Tools


2Critical Action 1 Establish a distinctive and authentic neighborhood identity BackgroundEstablishingabrandfortheNeighborhoodwillenhanceprideofplaceamonglocalresidentsandbusinesses,aswellasattractnewpopulationsofboth,providingawelcomeorientationtothisuniqueandspecialplacewithintheCityofPortland.Theneighborhoodshallpursueanidentitystrategytoprovidedefinitivedirectioninthefuturedevelopmentandcharacterizationoftheneighborhood.Proposal1:Branding/MarketingInitiativeDevelopandreleaseRequestforProposals(RFP)forabranding/marketingfirmtodevelopanIndiaStreetneighborhoodbrandthatpromotestheneighborhoodsidentity.Thetargetaudienceispeoplewholive,workandvisittheneighborhood.TheRFPshouldalsoincludeaninitialrolloutstrategyandongoingmarketingplan(print,ISNwebsite,socialmedia,etc.).ThevalueswordcloudprovidesasenseofwhatisatthecoreoftheneighborhoodandwillbeusefulforinclusionintheRFP.ExhibitAisasampleofaBrandingProcessProposal.PotentialIssues

Findingsufficientfundstomeettheestimatedbudgetforimplementationofthisaction; Thetimeframeforimplementation,giventhatpublicprocessiscrucialtoensuringthatthe

neighborhoodbusinessesandresidentstakeownershipofthebrandandarecommittedtosupportingit.

FinancialResourcesBudget:$75,000,Sources:Mightincludegrants,CDBGprogramfunds,CityBudget,LocalbusinesscontributionsTimeframeTimeline:OneyeartorolloutJune2015or2016dependinguponfundingcycle.ResponsibilitiesResponsibleParties:IndiaStreetNeighborhoodAssociationlead,assistancefromCityStaff(CommunicationsDirector,EconomicDevelopmentandPlanning)Stakeholders

BusinessOwners Residents IndiaStreetNeighborhoodAssociation


3Critical Action 2 Adopt policies that promote the creation of affordable housing BackgroundTheCitybelievesthatitisinthepublicinteresttopromoteanadequatesupplyofhousingforitsresidentstokeepPortlandlivableforadiversemixofresidents.TopromotethecreationofaffordablehousingtheCityshouldreview,amendandadoptregulatorypoliciesthatencouragedeveloperstoincludeunitsofaffordablehousingwithindevelopmentprojects,therebymitigatingthelimitedsupplyofaffordablehousing;and,bydoingso,promotingthehealth,safety,andwelfareofPortlandcitizens.Theregulatoryreviewshouldincludeparkingrequirements,heightbonuses,residentialdensityrestrictionsandtheadoptionofacitywideInclusionaryZoningOrdinance.ProposalThiscriticalactionstepproposestousepublicpolicytoencouragesmallinfillandrentalhousingdevelopment.TheproposalincludestheadoptionofacitywideInclusionaryZoningOrdinance(IZ)thatwouldrequiredeveloperstoincludeunitsofaffordablehousingwithinresidentialdevelopmentprojects.TheproposedIZincludesaninlieufeeprovisionwhichwouldprovideflexibilityfordevelopersandbedepositedintheCitysHousingTrustFundandusedtocreateadditionalaffordablehousing.PotentialIssuesFinancialResourcesBudget:Whilenoadditionalrevenueisrequiredtoreview,amendandadoptregulatorypolicies,revenuemaybegeneratedbyfeesassociatedwiththesepoliciesthatcouldbeusedtocreateaffordablehousing.TimeframeTimeline:68monthswithgoalofIZordinanceadoptioninDecember2014.ResponsibilitiesResponsibleParties:PlanningandUrbanDevelopmentDepartmentStaff,includingstafffromthePlanningDivisionandtheHousingandCommunityDevelopmentDivisionunderthedirectionoftheCityCouncilandtheHousingandCommunityDevelopmentCommitteeStakeholders/Partners

ResidentsandPropertyOwners ForProfitandNonProfitRealEstateDevelopers

Addendum 1: Draft Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance


4Critical Action 3 Take advantage of existing housing programs and resources BackgroundTheIndiaStreetneighborhoodisaneligibleCommunityBlockGrantNeighborhood(CDBG)andispositionedtotakeadvantageofvariousprogramsandresources,localandFederal,whichwillexpandanddiversifyhousingchoices.ProgramsincludetheCommunityDevelopmentBlockGrantProgram(CDBG),theHOMEInvestmentProgram(HOME),andtheHUD5year(20152020)ConsolidatingPlanprocess.ProposalThecriticalactionwillbetoidentifytheneighborhoodasafocusareaforprogramssuchastheCDBGandtheHOMEInvestmentProgram(HOME)andtoutilizetheHUD5year(20152020)ConsolidatingPlanprocesstoconductahousingmarketstudyoftheCity,includingtheIndiaStreetneighborhood.TheresultsofthehousingmarketstudyandtheadditionofaHousingPlanningintheHousingandCommunityDevelopmentOfficewillhelptocraftaplanonthemostefficientuseoflocallyadministeredresourcessuchastheHousingTrustFundandAffordableHousingTaxIncrementFinancing.InordertoleverageCDBGfunds,

1. Identifytheneighborhoodasafocusareaandbonuspointsandscoringincentiveswouldbeprovidedtoeligibleneighborhoodbasedapplications.

2. UseFederalHOMEProgramfundstoencourageaffordablehousingdevelopmentinthearea.3. ConductahousingmarketstudyoftheCity,includingtheIndiaStreetneighborhood,usingthe

HUD5year(20152020)ConsolidatingPlanprocess.4. HireaHousingPlannerfortheHousing&CommunityDevelopmentOffice.

PotentialIssuesSince2010CDBGfundshavebeencutbynearly22%andHOMEhasbeencutby34%whichsignificantlyimpactsthelevelofresourcesavailableandincreasesthecompetitionfortheseresources.Otherfundingsourcesandpartnerswillberequired.FinancialResourcesBudget:N/ASources:TheCityhasaccesstofinancialresourcesthatcanbeutilizedintheimplementationmanyoftheCriticalActionstepsidentifiedinthisPlan.CDBGandHOMEProgramresourceswillbeusedtocompletethehousingmarketstudy.SalaryandotheradministrativecostsfortheHousingPlannerpositionarecoveredbyCDBGandHOMEProgramresourcesaswellascitygeneralfund.TimeframeTimeline:


5

ImplementfundingsourcefocusareaintoFY15/16fundingcycle(CDBG,HOME,HousingTrustFund)

MarketstudycompletedforHUD5yearConsolidatedPlanbyMay2015 HousingPlanneronstaffintheFallof2014

ResponsibilitiesResponsibleParties:HousingandCommunityDevelopmentDivisionunderthedirectionoftheCityCouncilandtheHousingandCommunityDevelopmentCommitteeStakeholders/Partners

MaineStateHousingAuthority U.S.Dept.ofHousingandUrbanDevelopment LocalBanks ResidentsandPropertyOwners NonProfitSocialServiceProviders CityofPortlandPublicWorksDepartment ForProfitandNonProfitRealEstateDevelopers


6Critical Action 4 Build affordable housing on the City-owned property at Franklin and Middle streets BackgroundTheCityhasanopportunitytocontributetoresidentdiversitybydesignatingcityownedpropertyforthedevelopmentofaffordablehousing.Affordablehousing,especiallyforfamilieswithchildrenislackingwithintheneighborhood.TheparceloflandatMiddleandFranklinStreetshasbeenidentifiedasapotentialsitetobuildaffordablehousingthatwillserveasacatalystforotherprivatedevelopmentintheneighborhood.ProposalThedevelopmentofnewhousingisexpensive.ThehighcostoflandinPortlandisoftenidentifiedasthemainimpedimentinthedevelopmentofaffordablehousing.TheCitycanincentivizethedevelopmentofaffordablehousingbyofferingCityownedpropertyasdevelopmentsites.83MiddleStreethasbeenidentifiedasapotentialdevelopmentsite.PotentialIssuesThe83MiddleStreetsiteiscurrentlyusedbythePoliceDepartmentforemployeeparking.Inordertoutilizethisparcelforhousingdevelopment,alternativeparkingforthePoliceDepartmentwouldneedtobeidentified.FinancialResourcesBudget:$277,800

The83MiddleStreetsitehasanassessedvalueof$277,800.AsaCityownedparcel,itdoesnotgeneraterealestatetaxrevenue.

Sources:HOMEand/ortheCitysHousingTrustFundmayprovideadditionalrevenueTimeframeTimeline:FY15/16fundingcycle(CDBG,HOME,HousingTrustFund) ResponsibilitiesResponsibleParties:HousingandCommunityDevelopmentDivisioninpartnershipwiththePoliceDepartmentandParkingOfficeunderthedirectionoftheCityCouncilandtheHousingandCommunityDevelopmentCommitteeStakeholders/Partners

MaineStateHousingAuthority U.S.Dept.ofHousingandUrbanDevelopment LocalBanks Residents ForProfitandNonProfitRealEstateDevelopers


7Critical Action 5 Create a Local Historic District BackgroundPortlandshistoricbuildingfabricisadefiningcharacteristicofthecity.DesignatingtheIndiaStreetNeighborhoodasalocalhistoricdistrictwillputintoplaceaprocesstoguidechangeovertime.Historicpreservationregulationsencouragethoughtfulrehabilitationofanareashistoricbuildingsaswellascompatibleinfilldevelopment.AshasbeenproveninPortlandsothercommercialandresidentialhistoricdistricts,historicpreservationisasuccessfuleconomicandcommunitydevelopmentstrategy.Thislanduseregulatoryprogramhasbeenshowntoinstillprideofplace,provideameasureofassurancethatinvestmentinthedistrictwillbeprotected,andensurethatthearearetainsanauthenticitythatattractslocalsandvisitorsalike.TheCitywilldesignateIndiaStreetandthesurroundingneighborhoodasalocalhistoricdistrict,subjecttotheprovisionsofPortlandshistoricpreservationordinance(ArticleIXoftheLandUseCode).DeveloperswillbenefitfromhistoricdesignationiftheCityalsosecuresNationalParkServicecertificationfortheIndiaStreetHistoricDistrict,andprovideaccesstostateandfederalhistoricrehabilitationtaxcredits.ProposalDesignatethehistoriccoreoftheIndiaStreetstudyareaasalocalhistoricdistrict,subjecttotheprovisionsofArticleIX(HistoricPreservation)oftheLandUse.Theproposeddistrictboundaryisbasedonthefindingsofanindepthhistoricresourcesurvey,consultationwiththeMaineHistoricPreservationCommissionandanalysisbyISNACsHistoricPreservationWorkingGroup.PotentialIssuesItislikelythatsomepropertyownerswithintheproposeddistrictboundarywillobjecttodesignationbasedonconcernsthathistoricpreservationregulationswilllimitfutureredevelopmentoptionsfortheirproperty.Otherpropertyownersmayhaveconcernsaboutcomplyingwithhistoricpreservationordinancerequirements.FinancialResourcesBudget:Noanticipatedexpensesassociatedwithdesignation.ThehistoricresourcesinventorycompletedaspartofthisinitiativewasfundedthroughanFY13CertifiedLocalGovernmentgrantawardedbytheMaineHistoricPreservationCommission.ThePlanningDepartmentsHistoricPreservationstaffwillcompletethefinaldocumentationnecessaryforHistoricPreservationBoard,PlanningBoardandCityCouncilconsiderationoftheproposedhistoricdistrictdesignation.TimeframeTimeline:Undertherequirementssetforthinthehistoricpreservationordinance,aproposedhistoricdistrictmustbereviewedbytheHistoricPreservationBoard,PlanningBoardandCityCouncil.


8FactoringinthetimeneededtoconductinformationalmeetingswithaffectedpropertyownersaswellastherequirementtoscheduleatleastoneworkshopandoneformalpublichearingwiththreeCityreviewentities,itislikelythatthisnomination/designationprocesswilltakeaminimumof45monthstocomplete.ResponsibilitiesResponsibleParties:Citystaff(HistoricPreservation)Stakeholders

Residents PropertyOwners RealEstateinterests Businessowners IndiaStreetNeighborhoodorganization GreaterPortlandLandmarks Culturalorganizationswithintheneighborhood,e.g.TheCommitteetoRestoretheAbyssinian

Addendum 2: Proposed Historic District Boundary


9Critical Action 6 Create and maintain business and resident relationships BackgroundDevelopingprogramsthatstrengthentherelationshipsbetweentheresidentsandbusinessesintheneighborhoodwillenhanceitsvitalityandgrowthwithinandbeyonditsboundaries.Proposal

Annualandmonthlypromotions/eventstobringtogetherbusinessesandresidents; Softopeningsfortheneighborhood; Tokenneighborhooddiscounts(possiblyusingacard); Crossbusinesspromotions; Parkingvalidationagreementswithcityandlocalproviderstomakeresidential,workerand

customerparkingmorereadilyavailable.PotentialIssuesTimecommitmentofIndiaStreetNeighborhoodAssociation(ISNA)membersandlocalbusinessesforongoingimplementationFinancialResourcesBudget:$2,000Source:ISNABudgetTimeframeTimeline:OngoingResponsibilitiesResponsibleParties:IndiaStreetNeighborhoodAssociation;AdditionalsupportforparkingvalidationagreementsfromCitystaffintheParkingDivisionandEconomicDevelopmentDepartment.Stakeholders

BusinessOwners Residents Employees


10Critical Action 7 Prioritize India Street as the Main Street BackgroundBecauseofitsmixedusecharacter,adowntownadjacentneighborhoodneedsamainstreetofitsown.Inthiscase,IndiaStreetistheneighborhoodsdefactomainstreetwiththeintersectionatMiddleStreetasakeyjunction,andstrategieswillreinforceandstrengthenitsroleassuch.RetailactivityisencouragedonIndiaStreet,andahighleveloftransparencyandactivityisexpectedfromfuturedevelopmentalongthecorridor.Toassistinthiskindofactivity,theCitysFaadeImprovementProgramwillbetargetedonIndiaStreet.ThestreetscapeofIndiaStreetplaysanimportantroleinportrayingtheuniqueidentitytheneighborhood;streetscapeimprovementsshouldbefocusedonIndiaStreetandneighborhoodidentitywillbereinforcedthroughstreetscapedesignwhichwillincludepublicart,lighting,uniqueandcohesivestreetfurniture,pavementoptionswithstorytellingaspects,andgatewayelements.Thestreetshouldbeinvitingwithcontinuousstreettreesandplantingsandinfilldevelopmentisencouragedtobuildanactivestreetwall.Vacantlotscouldbecomesitesoftemporaryinstallationsorpopupretailtoinviteactivity.Streetscapeimprovementsshouldbeofhighqualitymaterials,anddesignedandcoordinatedtoincreasetheirvisualimpact.Proposal1:FaadeImprovementProgramPrepareandsubmitapplicationtoCitysCDBGProgramtofundaFaadeImprovementProgramthatwouldassistbusinessesandpropertyownerstoenhancetheirstorefronts.ThetargetedareawouldbeIndiaStreetfromCongresstoCommercialStreet.Shouldfundingbeapproved,implementprogram.PotentialIssuesImplementationwoulddependuponfundingfromtheCDBGProgram.Also,implementationisdependentonbusinessandpropertyownersagreementtoparticipate.FinancialResourcesBudget:$100,000Sources:DowntownTIFDistrictTimeframeTimeline:ApplicationOctober2014;ImplementationJuly2015ResponsibilitiesResponsibleParties:Citystafflead(EconomicDevelopment),assistancefromIndiaStreetNeighborhoodAssociationStakeholders

BusinessOwners RealEstateDevelopers PortlandSocietyforArchitecture


11Proposal2:UndergroundElectric/CommunicationsInfrastructureRequisitionafeasibilitystudyfortheundergroundingofelectricandcommunicationsutilities.Commissionapreliminaryengineering,costestimating,phasing,andfundingplan.PotentialIssuesFinancialResourcesBudget:$75,000forpreliminaryengineering/phasing/fundingplanSources:DowntownTIFDistrictTimeframeTimeline:ResponsibilitiesResponsibleParties:Stakeholders

Residents PropertyOwners RealEstateDevelopers

Proposal3:ImplementCompleteStreetsDesignGuidelinesComprehensiveapplicationofCompleteStreetsdesignguidelinesshallbeusedwheneverchangestothepublicrightofwayintheIndiaStreetneighborhoodisproposed.Streetscapeandrightofwayimprovementssuchasstreettreeplanting,curbadjustments,andpavingshouldbeprioritizedonIndiaStreet.PotentialIssuesAlthoughaCompleteStreetspolicyhasbeenadoptedbyCityCouncil,theDesignGuidelinesarenot,yet,completeandhavenotbeenvettedthroughtheCityprocess.MostimprovementsinthepublicrightofwayoccurwhenrequiredbySitePlanapprovalforindividualprojects;inordertohaveamorecomprehensive,streetwideimprovement,theCitywillhavetoapprovetheprojectaspartofaCIPbudgetyear.FinancialResourcesBudget:unknownSources:DowntownTIFDistrict,CIPFY16,StreetTreefundTimeframeTimeline:ResponsibilitiesResponsibleParties:Citystafflead(DepartmentofPublicServices)


12Stakeholders

CityofPortland,DepartmentofPublicServices CityofPortland,ParkingOffice MaineDepartmentofTransportation Residents

Proposal4:PortlandBricksProjectonIndiaStreetPortlandBricksisabrickpaverprojectthatincorporatesstorytellingandwayfindingbeingproposedbyalocalceramicsartistandstoryteller.TheprojectwouldplacebrickpaversinthesidewalkofIndiaStreetthatintimatestoriesoftheneighborhoodspast.PotentialIssuesTheprojecthasbeenvettedbyDepartmentofPublicServicesandseekingallnecessaryfundingtoproceed.FinancialResourcesBudget:$20,000Sources:nonprofitorganizations,grants,PortlandPublicArtCommitteeCommunityArtfunding,KickstarterTimeframeTimeline:InstallationinSummer2015ResponsibilitiesResponsibleParties:Citystafflead(DepartmentofPublicServices)Stakeholders

CityofPortland,DepartmentofPublicServices CityofPortland,ParkingOffice MaineDepartmentofTransportation Residents


13Critical Action 8 Adopt a Form-based Code BackgroundReflectingthedesireintheneighborhoodtomaintainahumanscaleofdevelopment,azoningcodebasedonformandbuildingcharacterratherthanuseisproposed.Aformbasedcode(FBC)isalanddevelopmentregulationthatfosterspredictablebuiltresultsandahighqualitypublicrealmbyusingphysicalform(ratherthanseparationofuses)astheorganizingprincipleforthecode.Aformbasedcodeisaregulation,notaguideline,adoptedintocitycodeofordinancesandwouldreplacetheexistingzoningcodeinplaceovertheextentoftheneighborhoodboundary.1UndertheproposedformbasedCodenewdevelopmentandsignificantrenovationswillcarefullyconsiderthebuildingsrelationshipwiththestreetscapeandhavecompatibleformswiththeexistingbuiltfabric.TheFBCalsowillencouragesmallinfilldevelopmentanddensehousingdevelopmentthroughheightandparkingbonusesandbyrelievingresidentialdensityrestrictions.ProposalAnewzoningcodebasedonformandbuildingcharacterratherthanuseisproposedfortheIndiaStreetneighborhoodasdefinedbythedistrictboundaryintheFBCaddendumX.AgoaloftheFBCwillbetoprovideaclearandconsistentreviewprocesstoguidedevelopmentandmanagechange.PotentialIssuesTheCityhasneverbeforeimplementedaformbasedcode;ampletimeandconsiderationshouldbetakentoensurethatthisnewtypeofzoningiswellcraftedandfeasible.Somepropertyownersanddevelopersmayalsoshowconcernaboutzoningchangesthataffectheightanddevelopmentpotential.FinancialResourcesBudget:N/ATimeframeTimeline:ReviewandpublicprocessFall2014,AdoptionbyCityCouncilWinter2015ResponsibilitiesResponsibleParties:Citystaff,PlanningDivisionStakeholders

Residents PropertyOwners RealEstateDevelopers PortlandSocietyforArchitecture/Architecturecommunity

Addendum 3: Proposed Form-based code documents

1DefinitiondrawnfromtheFormBasedCodesInstitute:http://formbasedcodes.org/definition


14Critical Action 9 Support existing Transportation Infrastructure initiatives BackgroundToreachitsgoalsofconnectivityandmultimodalpriority,theneighborhoodsupportscitywideinitiativestoimprovesafetyandaccesstotransit,biking,andwalking.ProposalTheneighborhoodwillbeproactiveintakingadvantageofthefollowinginitiativesandprogramsalreadybeingplanned:

TransitSystem(METRO)SupportenhancedservicesuchastheproposedlinkfromtheTransportationCentertotheCascoBayLinesTerminal;proposedbusroutingchanges;andincreasedfrequencyandsynchronizationofservice

TransportationChoicesSupporteffortstoexpandcarsharelocations,andstartabikeshareprogramwithstationsintheIndiaStreetneighborhood

FranklinStreetRedesignTheneighborhoodwouldbenefitfromrestoringconnectionstoandinsomecasesacrossFranklinStreet.Attheveryleast,improvedbicycle/pedestrianconnectionsacrossFranklinStreetarenecessaryanddesired;reconnectingvehicularaccesstoFranklinStreetoneorbothstreets(NewburyandFederal)wouldalsobeanacceptableoutcome.

ParkingRequirementsCurrentrevisionstotheSustainableTransportationFundareunderreviewthatmayhavepositiveimpactsonparkingrequirementsfordevelopmentsandenablemoresmall,infillprojectstobefeasibleintheIndiaStreetNeighborhood

CompleteStreetsDesignManualSupporttheadoptionofCompleteStreetsandencouragetheCitytoimplementthesetypesofimprovementswithintheneighborhood,especiallyonIndiaStreet

ImplementandexpandupontheadoptedCityWayfindingplan,especiallytargetedtopedestrianandtouristwayfinding

PotentialIssuesProposedchangestoparkingrequirementshaveshowntobecontentiousinPortland.Thegreatestchallengeswithmanyoftheseinitiativeswillbefundingandcrossorganizationcoordination.FinancialResourcesBudget:variesTimeframeTimeline:variesResponsibilitiesResponsibleParties:variesCitystaff,METRO,Bicycle/PedestrianAdvisoryCommittee,FranklinStreetPublicAdvisoryCommittee


15Stakeholders

Residents Employees BusinessOwners RealEstateDevelopers Tourists Healthservicesusers Islandcommuters METRO


16Critical Action 10 Improve neighboring recreation amenities and connections to them BackgroundOpenspaceisapreciouscommodityinIndiaStreetasasmall,urbanneighborhood.OnestrategyforprovidingopenspacetotheneighborhoodisthroughimprovedaccesstosurroundingopenspaceamenitiesincludingLincolnPark,theWaterfront,theAdamsStreetPlayground,andPeppermintPark.ProposalAnassessmentisneededtodeterminehowbesttoupdatetheequipment,paving,andlandscapingaswellasimprovewayfinding,visibility,andconnectionsbetweentheneighborhoodandtheseexistingassets:

LincolnParkEffortsareunderwaytorestoreandimprovetheparkandincreaseneighborhoodaccessandtoencouragenewdevelopmentaroundtheparktoenlivenitsuse

AdamsStreetplaygroundThisadjacentpublicplaygroundisunderusedduetolackofvisibilityandaccess.Anassessmentisneededtodeterminehowtoincreasetheuseofthisspace.

PeppermintParkarecentlyimprovedpublicopenspacethatisnotvisibleorwellconnectedtotheIndiaStreetneighborhood.SuggestedimprovementsincludesafepedestrianconnectionsacrossCongressStreetandwayfinding.

EasternPromenadeTrailConnectionstothispopularCitytrailcouldbeimprovedacrossCommercialStreet.AdditionalimprovementsincludeaRecreationHubatthefootofIndiaStreet,openspaceimprovementsontheCityownedsectionsnexttothetrailtoenablemoreuseofthespace,publicartorwindturbineinstallationsforwayfindingandneighborhoodidentity.

NeighborhoodBywayTrailAninformaltrailconnectingMunjoyHilltoIndiaStreetisinneedofpavingandmaintenanceimprovementstoincreaseuseandvisibilityandsafety.

PumpHouseparcelThisparcelprovidesanopportunityforprimeopenspaceimprovements.PotentialIssuesSecuringthefundingforeachoftheseprojectswillbeachallenge.FinancialResourcesBudget:unknownSources:CDBG,CIP,grantsTimeframeTimeline:variesResponsibilitiesResponsibleParties:


17

LincolnPark:Citystaff(HistoricPreservationProgram,DepartmentofPublicServices),FriendsofLincolnPark

AdamsStreetPlayground:Citystaff(Planning&UrbanDevelopment,DepartmentofPublicServices)

PeppermintPark:Citystaff(Planning&UrbanDevelopment,DepartmentofPublicServices) EasternPromenadeTrail:Citystaff(Planning&UrbanDevelopment,DepartmentofPublic

Services),PortlandTrails NeighborhoodTrailByway:Citystaff(Planning&UrbanDevelopment,DepartmentofPublic

Services),PortlandTrails PumpHouseParcel:Citystaff(Planning&UrbanDevelopment,DepartmentofPublicServices),

PublicWaterCommissionStakeholders

Residents Employees

[insertgraphicshowingopenspaceplans]


18Critical Action 11 Create a Recreation Hub at the foot of India Street BackgroundTheneighborhoodcanleverageexistingassetstheEasternPromenadeTrailhead,waterfrontproximity,retailandorganizationsrelatedtorecreation,astrongrestaurantreputationtoestablishaRecreationHub.ThefootofIndiaStreetwillbecomeknownasthemeetingpointforatriptotheIslands,aclassatSailMaine,orabikerideorstrollonthetrail.Itwillbeanaccesspointforrecreationalamenitiessuchasbicycleorequipmentrentals,apointtobuyfoodanddrinksforthedaysexcursions,andareststopwithpublicrestrooms.Astheneighborhooddevelops,thiswillbetheplaceforbikesharestations,informationkiosks,andameetingpointfortours.Notonlydoesthiscriticalactionboosteconomicdevelopment,itaddstotheidentityoftheneighborhoodandgivesresidentsandvisitorsareasontoventureintotheIndiaStreetneighborhood.ProposalThecreationofaRecreationHubatthefootofIndiaStreetwillincludeinfrastructureimprovements,economicdevelopment,andeventsandpromotion.Possibleimplementationstrategiesshouldinclude: Publicopenspaceimprovementsadjacenttotrail Gatewayandwayfindingelements(publicart,windturbines) Bicyclesharestations Informationkiosk Publicrestrooms CarfreeStreetevents(egSundaysontheBoulevard) Recreationrelatedbusinesses(rentals,gear,food) ImprovedandsafeconnectionsacrossCommercial/ThamesStreet Programs,tours,andevents Improved/additionalstreetscapefeaturesincludinglighting,seating,andtrashreceptaclesPotentialIssuesThiseffortwillrequireagreatdealofcoordinationandpromotioneffortsbetweentheCity,PortlandTrails,theConventionandVisitorsBureau,andneighborhoodbusiness.Anincrementalapproachislikely.FinancialResourcesBudget:unknownSources:DowntownInfrastructureTIF,CIP,grants,public/privatepartnershipsTimeframeTimeline:ongoing

india street draft

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