LEWISBURG LEWISBURG NEIGHBORHOOD NEIGHBORHOOD

PROJECTPROJECT

Findings and Recommendations Findings and Recommendations of the Lewisburg-Bucknell of the Lewisburg-Bucknell

Task ForceTask Force

BackgroundBackground Principles for Residential Life (1998)Principles for Residential Life (1998) Re-Study Authorized (2003)Re-Study Authorized (2003)

• Analyze Behavioral ChangesAnalyze Behavioral Changes• Identify New Regulatory Strategies (Landlords, Parents, etc.) Identify New Regulatory Strategies (Landlords, Parents, etc.) • Review Pros and Cons (Educational, Safety, etc.)Review Pros and Cons (Educational, Safety, etc.)• Plan New On-Campus HousingPlan New On-Campus Housing• Identify Alternative Neighborhood FuturesIdentify Alternative Neighborhood Futures

Borough and residents concerns for off-Borough and residents concerns for off-campus living arrangements and campus living arrangements and behaviors (ongoing)behaviors (ongoing)

Lewisburg-Bucknell Task ForceLewisburg-Bucknell Task Force• Bucknell OfficialsBucknell Officials• Lewisburg Borough OfficialsLewisburg Borough Officials• Business and Property OwnersBusiness and Property Owners• Neighborhood ResidentsNeighborhood Residents

SEDA-Council of Governments, SEDA-Council of Governments, Community Resource CenterCommunity Resource Center

Delta Development Group, Inc.Delta Development Group, Inc.

Project TeamProject Team

Explore Alternative Futures Explore Alternative Futures Analyze Market OpportunitiesAnalyze Market Opportunities Establish a Future VisionEstablish a Future Vision Develop Action StrategiesDevelop Action Strategies Identify Potential Funding Identify Potential Funding

Project PurposeProject Purpose

Community InvolvementCommunity Involvement and Research and Research 6 Focus Group Interviews 6 Focus Group Interviews (85 Participants)(85 Participants)

• Bucknell and Borough Officials• Bucknell Students • Neighborhood Residents• Neighborhood Business and Property Owners

12 Key Person Interviews12 Key Person Interviews Neighborhood Design Charrette Neighborhood Design Charrette (55

Participants) Field Trips Field Trips (Bucknell-Borough Officials and (Bucknell-Borough Officials and

Neighborhood Residents)Neighborhood Residents)

Neighborhood BoundariesNeighborhood Boundaries

Mark

et

Street

Strawberry

Alley

St. Geo

rge

Haw

n Alley

Land Use - MixedLand Use - MixedEnvironmentEnvironment

• 75% of Neighborhood is in Floodplain.75% of Neighborhood is in Floodplain.

HousingHousing• Majority are Renter-OccupiedMajority are Renter-Occupied..• Approximately 78.5% are Student Rentals (161 unitsApproximately 78.5% are Student Rentals (161 units

).).

Property Conditions and ValuesProperty Conditions and Values

Social CharacteristicsSocial Characteristics

Perceived ImagePerceived Image

Physical CharacteristicsPhysical Characteristics

Neighborhood FactsNeighborhood Facts

Floodplain BoundariesFloodplain Boundaries

500-Year Floodplain

100-Year Floodplain

Floodway

Owner/Renter OccupancyOwner/Renter Occupancy

Student/Non-Student RenterStudent/Non-Student Renter

Market OverviewMarket OverviewContinued Demand for HousingContinued Demand for Housing

• Strong housing demand due to local mobility and continued growth.Strong housing demand due to local mobility and continued growth.• Area growth projected to continue over the next decade.Area growth projected to continue over the next decade.• 58% of residents have moved into Lewisburg in the past 5 years. 50%58% of residents have moved into Lewisburg in the past 5 years. 50% came from out of state. came from out of state.

Lifestyle Attraction Shapes the Lewisburg HousingLifestyle Attraction Shapes the Lewisburg Housing MarketMarket

• New residents and visitors drawn by lifestyle characteristics andNew residents and visitors drawn by lifestyle characteristics and Lewisburg’s authentic small town experience.Lewisburg’s authentic small town experience.• Lifestyle characteristics attract college students, young professionalsLifestyle characteristics attract college students, young professionals and couples, empty nesters, and active seniors and create newand couples, empty nesters, and active seniors and create new housing and business opportunities.housing and business opportunities.• Potential target market is attracted by proximity to arts andPotential target market is attracted by proximity to arts and entertainment, e.g., theatre, concerts, movies, books and CDs; eatingentertainment, e.g., theatre, concerts, movies, books and CDs; eating and drinking establishments; and access to parks and facilities forand drinking establishments; and access to parks and facilities for exercise and fitness training.exercise and fitness training.

Market OpportunitiesMarket OpportunitiesUrban Design and Programs Enhance Neighborhood ValueUrban Design and Programs Enhance Neighborhood Value

• Historic Preservation Historic Preservation • Home ImprovementsHome Improvements• Home Ownership OptionsHome Ownership Options• New Housing ChoicesNew Housing Choices• Safe and Attractive StreetscapesSafe and Attractive Streetscapes• Proximity to Amenities (Parks, Shops, and Services)Proximity to Amenities (Parks, Shops, and Services)

Mixed-Use Adds Vitality to the NeighborhoodMixed-Use Adds Vitality to the Neighborhood• Some shops and services are a desirable addition to theSome shops and services are a desirable addition to the housing mix.housing mix.• Primary market for shops and services should be neighborhoodPrimary market for shops and services should be neighborhood residents and students.residents and students.• New businesses should help expand markets for existingNew businesses should help expand markets for existing downtown businesses.downtown businesses.• Neighborhood commerce should be oriented to neighborhoodNeighborhood commerce should be oriented to neighborhood lifestyles and interests.lifestyles and interests.

Case Studies Case Studies University/ Community PartnershipsUniversity/ Community PartnershipsCarlisle- Dickinson College SeminarsCarlisle- Dickinson College Seminars

• Radnor and Bloomsburg Ordinances to enforce landlord Radnor and Bloomsburg Ordinances to enforce landlord responsibility and enhance quality of liferesponsibility and enhance quality of life• Student Ambassador Programs with communityStudent Ambassador Programs with community• Student-business owner relationshipsStudent-business owner relationships

Union-Schenectady InitiativeUnion-Schenectady Initiative• “ “A Partnership for a Better Community”A Partnership for a Better Community”• Community Outreach Center, Neighborhood Association, Education Community Outreach Center, Neighborhood Association, Education and Home Ownership, and Off-campus Residential Housing.and Home Ownership, and Off-campus Residential Housing.

Trends from elsewhereTrends from elsewhere• Other university and community development trends from around Other university and community development trends from around the countrythe country

Neighborhood in Transition Neighborhood in Transition Historic ChangesHistoric Changes

• FloodingFlooding• Deterioration of historic homesDeterioration of historic homes• In-Migration of student rentersIn-Migration of student renters• Out-Migration of long-time homeownersOut-Migration of long-time homeowners

Recent ChangesRecent Changes• Landlord’s Association establishedLandlord’s Association established• Renovation and Re-use of vacant building (Zelda’s)Renovation and Re-use of vacant building (Zelda’s)• Renovations in anticipation of non-student rentersRenovations in anticipation of non-student renters• Slowing rate of homeowner-occupied housing turning to student rentalsSlowing rate of homeowner-occupied housing turning to student rentals

TodayToday• Neighborhood is thirsty for innovative solutions to ordinary problemsNeighborhood is thirsty for innovative solutions to ordinary problems• A Strategic Plan is offered for:A Strategic Plan is offered for:

Flood Mitigation Flood Mitigation Stream Habitat RestorationStream Habitat RestorationHistoric PreservationHistoric Preservation Infrastructure ImprovementsInfrastructure ImprovementsNew Construction New Construction Environmental and Open Space EnhancementsEnvironmental and Open Space EnhancementsNeighborhood ProgramsNeighborhood Programs

Neighborhood in Transition Neighborhood in Transition

Neighborhood SegmentsNeighborhood Segments

Neighborhood Development PlanNeighborhood Development Plan

University Village University Village • Student-Faculty “Theme” Housing

• Streetscape Enhancements

• Common Open Space

• Community Outreach Center

• University Bookstore

• Consolidated Parking

Neighborhood Village Neighborhood Village • Detached Housing (Singles and

Duplexes)

• Attached Row Houses

• Alley Carriage House Apartments

• Common Open Space

• Historic Preservation

• New Infill Housing

• Streetscape Enhancements

• Flood-Resistant Housing

• Front Porches

Bull Run Neighborhood Center Bull Run Neighborhood Center • Arts & Entertainment Oriented

• Live/Work Loft Apartments

• Mixed Housing-Commercial Use

• Neighborhood Businesses

• Streamside Gardens

• Rooftop Café

• Daycare Center

• Consolidated Parking

55thth Street Park Overlook Street Park Overlook

• Historic Preservation

• Home Rehabilitation

• Homeownership Programs

• Streetscape Enhancements

77thth Street Gateway Street Gateway • Gateway Design Improvements

(Signage, Paving, and Plantings)

• Historic Preservation

• Home Rehabilitation

• Homeownership Programs

• Streetscape Enhancements

• Walkway Improvements

Bull Run Greenway Bull Run Greenway

• New Pathways

• New Tree Plantings

• Redesigned Public Plaza

• Performance Amphitheater

• New Pedestrian Bridge

• Naturalized Stream

• New Stream Access

Development PhasingDevelopment Phasing Balance of Public-Private Benefits:Balance of Public-Private Benefits:

• Attractive, safe, and purposeful living arrangements for defined Attractive, safe, and purposeful living arrangements for defined segments of the Bucknell student-faculty population.segments of the Bucknell student-faculty population.

• Enhanced public space and infrastructure to foster new private Enhanced public space and infrastructure to foster new private investment in housing rehabilitation and development.investment in housing rehabilitation and development.

Mix of Programs and Projects:Mix of Programs and Projects:• Organizational Development Organizational Development • Programmatic and Policy InitiativesProgrammatic and Policy Initiatives• Physical ImprovementsPhysical Improvements

Neighborhood Action PlanNeighborhood Action PlanSTRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE LEWISBURG/ BUCKNELL NEIGHBORHOOD

GOALS ACTIONS ACTION PRIORITY IMPLEMENTATION RESPONSIBILITY

YR 1-2 YR 3-5 YR 5-10 Borough Bucknell Property Owners

Other

STRATEGIC ISSUE: ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

SUSTAINING PARTNERSHIPS

1) Establish a 'Memorandum of Understanding' among key stakeholders in community.

X X X

2) Create a permanent organization to spearhead long-term action, such as a Neighborhood Association and/or a Community Corporation.

X X X

NEIGHBORHOOD ACTIVITIES

1) Develop opportunities for neighborhood residents, landowners, and local business owners to work together on projects and programs.

X X X X X X

2) Carry out neighborhood activities that promote positive interaction between residents and University affiliates (block parties, neighborhood clean-ups, bake sales, recreation events).

X X X X X X X

BOROUGH/ BUCKNELL POLICIES

1) Clarify position to reduce off-campus student population and maintain this reduction.

X X X X

2) Maintain and enforce student conduct policies regarding off-campus behavior.

X X X X

3) Maintain and enhance Borough code enforcement and zoning policies.

X X X X

4) Review the Lewisburg zoning ordinance with Borough to accommodate proposed vision for the study area.

X X X X

NEIGHBORHOOD PROGRAMS

1) Jointly develop annual reports that catalogue University and Borough contributions to one another.

X X X X X

2) Engage in Hospitality Programs that will help strengthen town/gown connections and visibility.

X X X X

3) Initiate a financing program to offer incentives for home purchasing.

X X X X

4) Develop alternative loan options such as a Loan Forgiveness Program for University affiliates.

X X X X

Phase I Action PlanPhase I Action Plan Organizational DevelopmentOrganizational Development

• Establish a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ between Establish a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ between Bucknell University and Borough of Lewisburg to establish Bucknell University and Borough of Lewisburg to establish mutual commitments and accomplish goals set forth by mutual commitments and accomplish goals set forth by the task force; the task force;

• Create a permanent organization to spearhead long-term Create a permanent organization to spearhead long-term action;action;

• Conduct feasibility studies for construction in floodplain, Conduct feasibility studies for construction in floodplain, housing types, community center and University housing types, community center and University Bookstore;Bookstore;

• Conduct development feasibility study to determine the Conduct development feasibility study to determine the total project development costs and create a specific total project development costs and create a specific funding and finance strategy for implementing the project.funding and finance strategy for implementing the project.

Phase I Action PlanPhase I Action Plan Programmatic and Policy InitiativesProgrammatic and Policy Initiatives

• Clarify University's position on reducing off-campus student Clarify University's position on reducing off-campus student population;population;

• Maintain and enhance student conduct policies regarding off-Maintain and enhance student conduct policies regarding off-campus behavior;campus behavior;

• Maintain and enhance Borough code enforcement and zoning Maintain and enhance Borough code enforcement and zoning policies;policies;

• Initiate mortgage assistance program to offer incentives for Initiate mortgage assistance program to offer incentives for home purchasing in neighborhood;home purchasing in neighborhood;

• Review the Lewisburg zoning ordinance with Borough to Review the Lewisburg zoning ordinance with Borough to accommodate the proposed vision for the study area;accommodate the proposed vision for the study area;

• Develop programs to rehabilitate deteriorating structures worthy Develop programs to rehabilitate deteriorating structures worthy of restoration;of restoration;

Phase I Action PlanPhase I Action Plan Programmatic and Policy Initiatives (cont.)Programmatic and Policy Initiatives (cont.)

• Develop guidelines for infill development to be in-scale and in Develop guidelines for infill development to be in-scale and in character with existing structures as well as to be of floodplain-friendly character with existing structures as well as to be of floodplain-friendly building type; andbuilding type; and

• Develop program to offer incentives for renters to become home- Develop program to offer incentives for renters to become home- owners and work with real estate brokers to encourage the transition.owners and work with real estate brokers to encourage the transition.

Phase I Action PlanPhase I Action Plan Physical ImprovementsPhysical Improvements

• Seek means for demolition of most flood-prone houses or Seek means for demolition of most flood-prone houses or those in the worst conditions and demolish those identified those in the worst conditions and demolish those identified structures;structures;

• Work with Borough and property owners to preserve and Work with Borough and property owners to preserve and maintain existing structures of historical integrity;maintain existing structures of historical integrity;

• Seek means to repair, replace, and enhance sidewalks, Seek means to repair, replace, and enhance sidewalks, street pavements, curbing, lighting, utility lines, and parking street pavements, curbing, lighting, utility lines, and parking lanes (specifically on 5th and 7th Street).lanes (specifically on 5th and 7th Street).

Recommendations/ConclusionsRecommendations/Conclusions Community OrganizationCommunity Organization Neighborhood Image and IdentityNeighborhood Image and Identity Lifestyle MarketingLifestyle Marketing The Natural and Built EnvironmentThe Natural and Built Environment Implementation Ways and MeansImplementation Ways and Means

LEWISBURG LEWISBURG NEIGHBORHOOD NEIGHBORHOOD

PROJECTPROJECT

Findings and Recommendations of Findings and Recommendations of the Lewisburg-Bucknell the Lewisburg-Bucknell

Task ForceTask Force

www.seda-cog.org/LNPwww.seda-cog.org/LNP