Phelps Grove Urban Conservation Dist Plan

8/6/2019 Phelps Grove Urban Conservation Dist Plan

1/41

Phelps Grove Neighborhood Plan

ill Department of Planning and DevelopmentSpringfield, MissouriAdopted February 18, 1997


2/41

ContentsIntroduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Phelps Grove Neighborhood Plan ................................ 4Vision The Phelps Grove neighborhood will continue to be a vibrant

neighborhood in the heart of the city that provides housingfo r a diverse population . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Goal 1 Maintain and improve the single-family character of thePhelps Grove neighborhood.................... : . . . 4Goal 2 Preserve the existing housing stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Goal 3 Minimize the impact of the student rental population on theneighborhood ................................. 5Goal 4 Provide fo r the orderly expansion of Southwest Missouri

State University consistent with the 1996 SMSU VisioningGuide, as adopted by the Springfield City Council and theSMSU Board of Governors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Goal 5 Provide fo r appropriate public improvements in the PhelpsGrove neighborhood ............................ 6Goal 6 Minimize the impact of commuter traffic within the PhelpsGrove neighborhood ............................ 7Goal 7 Facili tate traffic flow on Grand Street by minimizingpedestrian crossings. Encourage uses on the south side

of Grand Street which will not create additional pedestriantraffic ............................ . . . . . . . . . . 8

Goal 8 Encourage open communication between all residents andproperty owners in the Phelps Grove neighborhood andbetween the neighborhood, the City, and SouthwestMissouri State University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Goal 9 Development along the edges of the Phelps Groveneighborhood should be sensitive to the single-familyresidential character of the neighborhood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Phelps Grove Neighborhood Plan i


3/41

Goal 10 Promote the natural and cultural assets of the PhelpsGrove neighborhood ....................... 10

/I Phelps Grove Neighborhood Plan


4/41

MapsMap 1 Planning Area Boundary .............................. 1 5Map 2 Zoning and Nonconforming Uses ........................ 16Map 3 1996 SMSU Visioning Guide ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Phelps Grove Neighborhood Plan ii i


5/41

AppendicesAppendix 1Appendix 2

IV

SMSU/City Cooperative Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 9Traffic Calming Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Phelps Grove Neighborhood Plan


6/41

Introduction

Developed in the early 1900's, the PhelpsGrove neighborhood is home to one ofSpringfield's largest collections of bungalowarchitecture. The streets are lined with largetrees and many properties proudly displayplantings nourished over many decades.The neighborhood's proximity to SouthwestMissouri State University (SMSU) makes itan ideal home for University faculty, staff,and students. Others choose theneighborhood for its central location,moderately priced housing, and theambience found in a well-eared-for olderneighborhood. In addition to the culturaland entertainment opportunities atSouthwest Missouri State University, thePhelps Grove neighborhood is also home toPhelps Grove Park and the Springfield ArtMuseum, making cultural and recreationalactivities within easy walking distance forresidents.Boundaries for the Phelps Groveneighborhood are Grand Street on the north,National Avenue on the east, BennettStreet/Brookside Drive on the south, andJefferson Avenue on the west (Map 1). Theneighborhood is zoned R-SF, single-family,with the exception ofmedium density(R-MD) zoning along Grand Street betweenJefferson Avenue and Dollison Avenue.Grand between Dollison and NationalAvenues is zoned G1, GovernmentInstitutional. There are threenonconforming commercial uses in theneighborhood: a restaurant at 1141 EastDelmar; a beauty shop at 1119 South Kings;and a comic store at 1375 South National. A

few nonconforming residential uses havealso been identified (Map 2). The southernportion of the neighborhood is devoted toPhelps Grove Park and the Springfield ArtMuseum.Change came to the Phelps Groveneighborhood with the growth of SouthwestMissouri State University. SMSU firstpurchased land for parking lots along thesouth side ofGrand Street during the 1970'sand has continued to expand those lots.Many homes have been sold for studentrentals. What was once a quiet, owneroccupied neighborhood has changed to aneighborhood almost evenly split betweenowner-occupied and renter-occupieddwellings. Overcrowding became a problemin the late 1980's as homes were rented tomore than three unrelated individuals.Conflicts between permanent residents andrenters escalated as opinions differed onwhat constituted acceptable behavior, noiselevels, and house ffi1d yard care. Housingcondition deteriorated - partly in response tothe uncertainty over SMSU's expansionplans. SMSU commuter parking alsobecame a problem in the 1980's as studentssought to avoid paid parking lots.In 1990 the City worked with neighborhoodresidents to create a residential permitparking district. The parking districtrestricts on-street parking to residents andtheir guests during peak school hours. In1993 the City again worked with residents toenact regulations addressing theovercrowding problem. A planning

Phelps Grove Neighborhood Plan 1


7/41

__________ ~ C ~ O m ~ P ~ r ~ e h ~ e _ n s ~ i ~ v e ~ p _ ~ ~ n ____________ tci ______________ S ~ p ~ n ~ n g ~ f . ~ m ~ 0 ~ , ~ M ~ ~ ~ s o ~ u ~ r i __________committee of neighborhood residents andproperty owners was established in the fallof 1993 to assist the Planning andDevelopment Department in the preparationof a neighborhood/urban conservationdistrict plan. The Committee suspended itswork on the neighborhood plan throughmuch of 1995 and 1996 while the City andSMSU developed an agreement aboutSMSU's southern boundary. TheCommittee reconvened in the fall of 1996 tocomplete the plan.The following issues were identified aspriority problems through meetings with thePhelps Grove Planning Committee andthrough general neighborhood meetings. Expansion of Southwest Missouri StateUniversity into the neighborhood Deteriorated housing Stormwater flooding Conflicts between renters and permanent

residents Cut-through traffic and traffic accessing

the SMSU commuter parking lots Enforcement of existing ordinances Communication between renters and

permanent residents and betweenproperty owners, residents, the City, andSMSU

The problems in the Phelps Groveneighborhood, while not insurmountable, areserious enough to warrant special action bythe City. One method of enactingregulations that specifically addresses aparticular neighborhood's concerns isthrough designation of an urbanconservation district (U.C.D.). An urbanconservation district is a zoning designationand can be used to replace all or some of the

zoning restrictions. It can also be used toenact new regulations for an area. Areasmay only be designated urban conservationdistricts after preparation of an urbanconservation district plan. On August 23,1993, the City Council adopted ResolutionNo. 8109, declaring their intent to considerthe Phelps Grove neighborhood for urbanconservation district designation. Thataction was the required first step inpreparing an urban conservation district planand urban conservation district regulations.The Zoning Ordinance establishes criteriawhich must be met before an area isconsidered for U.C.D. designation. ThePhelps Grove neighborhood may beconsidered for U.C.D. designation undercriteria (3) of Section 4-2306.D, Chapter 36,Article 1 of the Springfield City Code:

The area is not yet "blighted" or"insanitary" but is or may becomedetrimental to the public safety, health,morals or welfare because of acombination of any of the followingfactors: dilapidation, obsolescence,deterioration, illegal use of structures,illegal conversion of residentialstructures, presence of structures belowminimum code standards, abandonment,excessive vacancies, overcrowding ofstructures, overcrowding or excessiveburdens on community facilities, lack ofventilation, light or sanitary facilities instructures, particularly residentialstructures, inadequate utilities, excessiveland coverage, deleterious land use orlayout, and depreciation of physicalmaintenance. Such an area shall be aconservation area.

2 Phelps Grove Neighborhood Plan


8/41

___________c _ o _ m ~ p _ r e _ h _ e n _ s _ i v _ e _ ~ _ a n ____________ tcI ____________ ~ S ~ p ~ _ m ~ g ~ f i e ~ ~ ~ , ~ M ~ ~ ~ s o ~ u ~ r i _________The Phelps Grove neighborhood meets thiscriteria in the following ways:1. An exterior housing condition survey in

1993 found that 19.8% of the structureswere in need ofminor rehabilitation and2.3% were in need ofmajorrehabilitation. This is virtuallyunchanged since 1985 when a surveyfound 20.1 % in need ofminorrehabilitation and 2.6% in need ofmajorrehabilitation. A 1996 survey,conducted as a test of the City's newExterior Property Maintenance Codefound 72.6% in violation of the Code.While enforcement of that Code hasbeen suspended because it was felt to betoo restrictive, it does point out theconcern with housing maintenance.

2. The Zoning Ordinance allows up to threeunrelated individuals to occupy adwelling unit. Housing overcrowdinghas been an ongoing concern in thePhelps Grove neighborhood whereextreme situations included six or sevenstudents crowded into 2 bedroom, 800square foot bungalows. In 1993 the CityCouncil adopted Housing Codeamendments that provide anenforcement mechanism for theovercrowding issue.

3. A 1993 land use survey indicated that 17structures were nonconforming uses (i.e.were being used for purposes notallowed by the zoning). A recheck in1996 again found 17 nonconforminguses. Further research is needed todetermine how many of these structureswere illegally converted.

These conditions point to the need for actionin the Phelps Grove neighborhood. Some ofthe neighborhood concerns may beaddressed through urban conservationdistrict regulations. This plan constitutes thePhelps Grove Urban Conservation Plan.



9/41

__________ ~ c ~ o ~ m ~ p r ~ e h ~ e ~ n S ~ N ~ e ~ A ~ ~ ~ n ___________ '" - - - - - - - - - - - - ~ S ~ p ~ n n - g ~ M ~ W 7 , ~ M ~ ~ - s o - u ~ r i ~ - - - - - - -Phelps Grove Neighborhood PlanVision

Goal 1

The Phelps Groveneighborhood willcontinue to be avibrant neighborhoodin the heart of the citythat provides housingfor a diversepopulation.

Maintain and improve thesingle-family character ofthe Phelps Groveneighborhood.

Intent: The neighborhood'sproximity to Southwest Missouri StateUniversity is both bane and blessing. Whilethe area provides close-in housing forfaculty and staff, it is also highly desirablefor student rentals. One of theneighborhood's concerns has beenovercrowding of rental property. WhileHousing Code amendments adopted in 1993provide a method of addressing illegalovercrowding, a loophole exists in that thethree legal tenants can have the homeoccupation of renting rooms to twoadditional tenants. The Zoning Ordinancealso provides a method by which accessoryapartments can be created in single familyhouses. I t may be appropriate to prohibitboth of these situations in the Phelps Groveneighborhood since it has a history of illegalovercrowding and illegal conversions ofsingle family houses.Land use surveys indicate at least 17nonconforming uses in the neighborhood.

Some of these uses are legal - the usepredates the 1956 Zoning Text and Map.Others may be illegal. Illegalnonconforming uses should be converted toa use consistent with the existing zoning.Action Steps:A. Utilize the urban conservation district

designation to limit the home occupationof renting sleeping rooms and servingmeals to owner-occupied residences.

B. Utilize the urban conservation districtdesignation to prohibit accessoryapartments.

C. Verify the legality of nonconformingland uses. Consider the Phelps Groveneighborhood as a pilot neighborhoodfor the citywide program.

Goal 2 Preserve the existinghousing stock.

Intent: The Phelps Groveneighborhood is, for the most part, fairlywell-maintained. Inspections of rentalproperty as required by the Housing Codehave addressed some exterior health andsafety concerns. A citywide ExteriorProperty Maintenance Ordinance wasadopted in April 1996 and Phelps Grove wasthe pilot neighborhood. Enforcement of thatordinance has been suspended while it isbeing revised based on information gatheredduring the Phelps Grove pilot program. Ifthe citywide ordinance is not reinstated,actions should be taken to require a



10/41

___________c = o ~ m ~ p ~ r o ~ h ~ e n ~ s ~ i v ~ e ~ ~ = a n ~ __________ tcI ____________ ~ S p ~ r ~ m ~ g f , ~ k ~ ~ ~ , ~ M ~ ~ = s o ~ u ~ r i _________minimum exterior maintenance standard inthe Phelps Grove neighborhood.Action Steps:A. Implement a citywide minimum exterior

property maintenance code andsystematic housing inspection program.If a citywide exterior propertymaintenance program is notimplemented, utilize the urbanconservation district designation toimplement a minimum exteriormaintenance code and systematichousing inspection program in thePhelps Grove neighborhood.

B. The Phelps Neighborhood Associationshould consider implementation of apaint-up, fix-up program.

Goal 3 Minimize the impact of thestudent rental populationon the neighborhood.

Intent: Housing tenure is almostevenly split between owner and renteroccupied. Quite a few of the rentalproperties are used as student housing andovercrowding has been a problem. Parkingin the front yard is also common at studentrentals either because of overcrowding orbecause visitors do not have the requiredpermit or visitor card to park on the street.Loud parties and rowdy behavior are alsoneighborhood concerns. While the youngstudent population lends a vibrancy to theneighborhood it is important that theiractivities don't discourage people fromwanting to live in the area as permanentresidents.

Action Steps:A. Continue enforcement of the Housing

Code amendments concerningovercrowding and registration andinspection of rental housing.

B. Continue enforcement of the currentfront yard parking regulations. Targetenforcement in the Phelps Groveneighborhood during the first few weeks -of each semester.

C. The SMSU Police Substation shouldcontinue to respond to calls in thenorthern portion of the Phelps Groveneighborhood. If additional policeofficers become available, considerexpanding the Substation's area toinclude more of the Phelps Groveneighborhood.

Goal 4 Provide for the orderlyexpansion of SouthwestMissouri State Universityconsistent with the 1996SMSU Visioning Guide, asadopted by the SpringfieldCity Council and the SMSUBoard of Governors.

Intent: Southwest Missouri StateUniversity first proposed expandingUniversity uses south of Grand Street intheir 1968 Campus Master Plan. Since thattime there has been public debate over theappropriate southern boundary for theUniversity. In 1996 SMSU adopted aVisioning Guide which showed futureUniversity growth. The City Council hasadopted SMSU's 1996 Visioning Guide



11/41

__________ ~ c ~ o ~ m ~ p ~ m ~ h e ~ n ~ s l ~ " v e ~ ~ ~ a n ~ __________ tcI ____________ ~ S p ~ l ~ m ~ g f , ~ k ~ ~ ~ , ~ M ~ ~ ~ s o ~ u ~ n _________(Map 3) as an element of he SpringfieldComprehensive Plan. Also in 1996, the CityCouncil and SMSU Board of Governorsadopted a cooperative agreement for theimplementation of the SMSU VisioningGuide as it applied to the properties south ofGrand Street.Action Steps:A. SMSU should constrain its geographic

growth south of Grand Street to the areafrom National A venue on the east toDollison A venue on the west, and northof the alley between Normal and DelmarStreets.

B. SMSU should develop the areadescribed in Action Step 4.A. asdepicted in the 1996 Visioning Guide.Development will consist of stormwaterimprovements, reconfiguration ofexisting parking lots, and green space.

C. SMSU should replace parking lots T-6and T-7 on the south side of NormalStreet with an open, grassy area.

D. After SMSU has acquired ownership ofthe designated properties in the 900,1000, and 1100 blocks of East NormalStreet, they should install a landscapedbuffer immediately north of the alleybetween Normal and Delmar.

E. SMSU and the City of Springfieldshould work together to implement theSMSU / City Cooperative Agreementadopted in September 1996 (Appendix1 .

Goal 5 Provide for appropriatepublic improvements in thePhelps Groveneighborhood.

Intent: Adequate public infrastructureis important to the vitality of anyneighborhood. Streets and sidewalks arefairly well-maintained in the Phelps Groveneighborhood, however, stormwaterdrainage has been an ongoing concern. TheSMSU / City Cooperative Agreementincludes the development of a regionalstorm water detention basin. Another needidentified in the City's Unfunded Needs Listis the reconstruction of Kings Avenue. Theroadbed of Kings Avenue is actually the topof a drainage culvert. While structurallysound, the road does not provide a smoothride. Although reconstruction of KingsAvenue is on the City's Unfunded NeedsList, no funding source and no completiondate has been identified for the project.Action Steps:A. Develop a regional stormwater detention

basin near the southwest Corner ofNational Avenue and Grand Street andmake improvements to stormwater inletsin the area.

B. After the regional stormwater detentionbasin is developed, determine if there isa need for additional stormwaterimprovements in the neighborhood.

C. Reconstruct Kings Avenue betweenCatalpa Street and Brookside Street.



12/41

___________c ~ o ~ m ~ p ~ r e ~ h e ~ n ~ s / ~ v e ~ ~ ~ a n ~ __________ tcI ____________ ~ S p ~ l ~ m ~ g ~ ~ k ~ M ~ , M ~ f f i s ~ o ~ ~ ~ i _________Goal 6 Minimize the impact of

commuter traffic within thePhelps Groveneighborhood.

Intent: While commuter parking is notallowed on the streets within the PhelpsGrove neighborhood, the commuter parkinglots south of Grand Street may be accessedthrough the neighborhood. The SMSUVisioning Guide and SMSU I CityCooperative Agreement call forreconfiguration of those lots and severalstreet closures to prevent commuter trafficfrom cutting through the neighborhood.Another neighborhood concern is that someresidents in the southern portion of theneighborhood park their cars on Normal orDelmar Streets and walk to SMSU. Thissituation may be eliminated when NormalStreet is vacated and the SMSU greenspacedeveloped.Action Steps:A. Construct a driveway from NationalAvenue to the SMSU parking lots south

of Grand Street. This driveway shouldgenerally be in line with Normal Street;however, ifit is built before NormalStreet is vacated, it should be designedso that cut-through traffic cannot useNormal Street to travel from NationalAvenue to Kimbrough Avenue.Construct a right tum lane forsouthbound traffic on National Avenue.

B. Vacate Normal Street between FlorenceA venue and Dollison A venue after allproperties along that section of NormalStreet have been acquired for SMSUexpanSIOn.

C. Close Florence Avenue and KingsA venue using "hammerhead" closures atthe alley between Normal and DelmarStreets to eliminate north-south trafficthrough the Phelps Grove neighborhood.

D. Monitor the effect of the proposed streetclosures to determine if traffic controlmeasures are needed elsewhere in theneighborhood.

E. After Normal Street is vacated, monitorto determine if residents continue todrive from the southern part of theneighborhood to park in the northernportion. If the situation continues,consider creating two separate parkingzones.

F. Monitor traffic speeds alongneighborhood streets. If 15% of thedrivers are traveling at speeds greaterthan 10 miles per hour over the legalspeed limit, consider the use of trafficcalming measures to reduce speeding onneighborhood streets. Such measuresmight include traffic circles, chicanes,and chokers. See Appendix 2 forexamples of each.

G. Continue enforcement of the currentresidential permit parking districtregulations. Target enforcement in thePhelps Grove neighborhood during thefirst few weeks of each semester.



13/41

___________c ~ o ~ m ~ p ~ ~ ~ h ~ e n ~ s ~ i v ~ e ~ ~ ~ a n ~ __________ '" ____________ ~ S p ~ ~ ~ m ~ g f . ~ k ~ 0 ~ , ~ M ~ ~ ~ s o ~ u ~ r i _________Goal 7 Facilitate traffic flow on

Grand Street by minimizingpedestrian crossings.Encourage uses on thesouth side of Grand Streetwhich will not createadditional pedestriantraffic.

Intent: One of the strengths of thePhelps Grove neighborhood is its pedestrianatmosphere. The neighborhood is horne tomany SMSU faculty, staff, and students andit is important to provide pedestrian linkagesbetween the neighborhood and SMSU.Action Steps:A. Relocate the existing traffic signal at the

intersection ofKings Avenue and GrandStreet approximately 750 feet to the eastin accordance with the Visioning Guide.This will allow pedestrian and disabledaccess along the major pedestrian waybetween the areas of the SMSU campuslocated north and south of Grand Street.Coordinate the timing of the relocatedsignal with the traffic signal at theintersection ofGrand and National.

B. Maintain an at-grade pedestrian crossingofGrand Street with a traffic signal atthe intersection of John Q. HammonsParkway in accordance with theVisioning Guide.

C. Provide for pedestrian access from theneighborhood through the SMSU openspace to the controlled pedestriancrossings on Grand Street.

GoalB Encourage opencommunication between al lresidents and propertyowners in the Phelps Groveneighborhood and betweenthe neighborhood, the City,and Southwest MissouriState University.

Intent: No neighborhood lives in avacuum. The Phelps Grove neighborhood inparticular is affected by the actions ofSouthwest Missouri State University. Notonly do the direct actions of the University(such as acquiring property in theneighborhood) affect the Phelps Groveresidents, but the indirect impact oftheUniversity (students living in the area,parking and noise problems associated withfootball games and other special events) canalso have a significant impact on theneighborhood. Similarly, the City and theneighborhood have an obligation to keepeach other informed of common concerns.Finally, since the neighborhood houses sucha diverse population, it is important that theyfind an internal means of communicationsthat is comprehensive and inclusive.Action Steps:A. Continue the quarterly or semi-annual

meetings between Phelps Groveneighborhood representatives, SouthwestMissouri State University, and the Cityof Springfield.

B. Continue the regular team meetingsbetween representatives of the PhelpsNeighborhood Association and the Cityof Springfield.



14/41

___________c ~ o ~ m ~ p ~ r o ~ h ~ e n ~ s ~ i v ~ e ~ ~ ~ a n ~ __________ tci ____________ ~ S ~ p ~ ~ m ~ g ~ f i e ~ ~ ~ , ~ M ~ ~ ~ s o ~ u ~ r i _________C. The Phelps Neighborhood Association

should consider developing a brochurewhich discusses "being a goodneighbor" that could be distributed toproperty owners and residents in thePhelps Grove neighborhood. The City ofSpringfield could assist in the design andprinting of the brochure.

D. The Phelps Neighborhood Associationshould consider development of a

-handbook concerning tenants' rights andresponsibilities. Include specificinformation about the Phelps Groveneighborhood, such as registration andinspection of rental housing and theresidential permit parking district. TheCity of Springfield could assist in thedesign and printing of the brochure.

E. The Phelps Neighborhood Associationshould consider sponsoring annualneighborhood functions such as icecream socials, block parties, cookouts,etc. as a way to get acquainted with newresidents and to let residents know aboutthe association. These functions shouldbe held throughout the year to includestudent as well as permanent residents.

Goal 9 Development along theedges of the Phelps Groveneighborhood should besensitive to the single-family residential characterof the neighborhood.

Intent: Three of the Phelps Groveneighborhood edges are arterial streets -Grand Street, National Avenue, andJefferson Avenue. Kimbrough Avenue, also

an arterial, divides the western third of theneighborhood from the rest of theneighborhood. Just as SMSU's southernexpansion has an impact on the quality oflife in the Phelps Grove neighborhood, sodoes the development along these arterialsand the actual design of the roads.The south side of Grand Street betweenJefferson and Dollison Avenues is zoned RMD, Residential- Medium Density. Landuses in the area include single familyresidences, multi-family housing, and vacantland. Further east on Grand Street, the landis zoned Government - Institutional and isprimarily used for parking by SMSU.Vacant land in the 700 block ofEast Grandwill be transferred to the City of Springfieldunder the terms of the SMSU / CityCooperative Agreement. The City willmake the property available forredevelopment as multi-family housing.Many of the houses built as single-familybetween Jefferson and Dollison have beenconverted to apartments. Many aredeteriorated. It is expected that some ofthese properties may also become availablefor redevelopment.Redevelopment should be sensitive to theadjacent neighborhood in terms of scale,orientation, design, setback, landscaping,and location of parking. Design standardscould be implemented through thepreparation of a redevelopment plan underChapter 99 of the Revised Statutes ofMissouri. Chapter 99, the Land Clearancefor Redevelopment Authority Law, permitsthe preparation of a redevelopment plan inareas which have been declared blighted orinsanitary. In addition to design parameters,the redevelopment plan could provide



15/41

Comprehensive Plan

incentives for redevelopment and couldallow the use of eminent domain to dealwith problem properties.The west side ofNational Avenue betweenGrand Street and Delmar Street is zoned GJ

Government Institutional and is primarilyused by the University. The remainder ofthe National Avenue frontage is zonedSF, Residential Single Family. Themajority of homes in this area have becomerentals and many are showing signs ofdisrepair. It may be appropriate to considermedium density residential uses along thenorthern part of this corridor if the area isredeveloped as a unit and proper designfeatures, such as those proposed for GrandStreet, are used.Discussions are ongoing regarding the needfor better m i d ~ c i t y traffic flow. Alternativesproposed through the Vision 20120Springfield Greene County ComprehensivePlan process have included wideningNational Avenue, filling in the gaps onJefferson Avenue south of the Phelps Groveneighborhood, and reconfiguring the Currento n e ~ w a y pairs on Jefferson and CampbellAvenues north of the neighborhood. Somemodifications to National, Kimbrough,Jefferson, and/or Campbell may be neededto accommodate traffic flow now and intothe next century. Changes to National,Kimbrough, and Jefferson should besensitive to the Phelps Grove neighborhood.Action Steps:A. Prepare a redevelopment plan under

Chapter 99 RSMO to guideredevelopment of properties on the southside of Grand Street. The redevelopment

Springfield, Missouri

plan should address site design includinglocation of parking and driveways,screening, and the scale and orientationof the buildings. A committeecomposed of representatives of thePhelps Grove neighborhood, CityCouncil, Land Clearance forRedevelopment Authority, Planning andZoning Commission, and SouthwestMissouri State University should assistin the preparation of the plan.

B. Consider redevelopment of propertiesalong National A venue from GrandStreet to Loren Street to higher densityresidential provided the area isredeveloped as a unit and adequatesafeguards are provided to protect theadjacent neighborhood.

C. Any future widening ofNationalAvenue, Jefferson Avenue, KimbroughAvenue, or Grand Street should besensitive to the neighborhood.

Goal 10 Promote the natural andcultural assets of thePhelps Groveneighborhood.

Intent: Both Phelps Grove Park andthe Springfield Art Museum are positiveinfluences in the neighborhood. Creating avisual and physical link between theneighborhood and these facilities would notonly beautify the neighborhood but alsodraw attention to the fact that theneighborhood is much more than aUniversity housing area. The SpringfieldParks Department operates an "Adopt aPark" program where groups can assist in



16/41

___________c ~ o ~ m ~ p ~ r e ~ h = e n ~ s ~ w = e ~ ~ = 8 n ~ __________ iQi ____________ ~ S p ~ n ~ n g ~ f . ~ k ~ W ~ , M ~ ~ s ~ o ~ ~ ~ i _________beautification or clean-up efforts of cityparks. As a key identifier of theirneighborhood, the Phelps NeighborhoodAssociation should consider adopting PhelpsGrove Park.Banners and/or gateway signs are useful insetting apart special areas. Theneighborhood may wish to consider usingbanners or gateway signs to establish theneighborhood boundaries.Waste disposal has also been a concern of anumber ofPhelps Grove residents. Someresidents leave trash carts and cans at thecurb continuously, creating an unsightlystreetscape.Action Steps:A. Strengthen the link between the

neighborhood and Phelps Grove Park bytree or flower plantings to mark majorentryways into Phelps Grove Park alongDollison and Bennett.

B. The Phelps Neighborhood Associationshould consider participating in theParks Department's "Adopt a Park"program by adopting Phelps Grove Park.

C. Strengthen the link between theneighborhood and the Springfield ArtMuseum by tree or flower plantings tomark the primary entryway to the ArtMuseum along Bennett Street.

D. The Phelps Neighborhood Associationshould consider the use of gateway signsor banners to designate the Phelps Groveneighborhood boundaries.

E. Encourage waste disposal methods thatenhance the appearance of the area.1. Encourage alley pickup of trash and

recyclables.2. Residents of the Phelps Grove

neighborhood should considercontracting with one or more trashhaulers to provide neighborhoodtrash and recyclable pickup.

3. Utilize the urban conservationdistrict designation to prohibitplacement of any trash container atthe curb earlier than the eveningpreceding collection and requireremoval within 24 hours ofcollection.



17/41

Comprehensive Plan Springfield, Missouri

(This page intentionally left blank.)



18/41

Maps

13


19/41

14


20/41

J I

l Q ! ~ D 111115


21/41

Map 2

+ Nonconforming UsesPG-ZoningDR -SF_R -MD_GI

Planning &: DeveloptneotDcpa!1JnOIIlSpringfield, Missouri12-30-96

php I"".apr

Phelps Grove Zoning & Nonconforming Uses1111 '11I1'1J=l1 ILJI Iii -

, '" '" """ 11 I -_I


22/41

00=]DO[ Map! ~ = = = = = = = = ~ = = ~ ~ = = ~

c=J EXJ9TN30 c=J I.JN)ERWAY (00-2 YEARS! c=J PROQRA" m 12-5 YEARSI c=J P I . . . A ~ [I-tO Yl!iAR';n PRoPOSED 11D-26 VEARBJ="""_'":.1'>0111..__


23/41

Comprehensive Plan Springfield, Missouri

(This page intentionally left blank.)



24/41

Appendix 1 - SMSU/City CooperativeAgreement

19


25/41

20


26/41

COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT BETWEENSOUTHWEST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY

AND THE CITY OF SPRINGFIELD

THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into by and between Southv/est MissouriState University, hereinafter "SMSU", and the City of Springfield, hereinafter "City".

WITNESSETH:Section L SMSU agrees as follows:

1. To constrain its geographic grovvth south of Grand Street to the area fromNational Avenue on the east to Dollison Street on the west, and north of itssouthern property line, being the alley between Normal and Delmar Streets.

2. To develop the above-referenced area south of Grand Street as generallydepicted in the SMSU Master Plan Visioning Guide dated June, 1996(hereinafter "Visioning Guide"), a copy of which is attached hereto andincorporated herein by reference.

3. To convey to the City of Springfield fee simple title, marketable in fact, to theproperties generally knmvn as 706, ?lO, 716, 720 and 728 East Grand Street,and 625 East Nomlal Street, being designated as Area C on the attached map

(hereinafter "map"), which is incorporated herein by reference. Saidconveyance shall be contingent upon approval by the Missouri GeneralAssembly and shall be in t.xchange for the agreement of

21


27/41

22

the City to convey to SMSU fee simple title, marketable in fact, to theproperties hereinafter described in paragraph 1 of Section II, and for the City'sfurther agreement to permit development of said properties in accordance withthe Visioning Guide. Said conveyance shall be consummated within forty-five(45) days of the effective date of approval of such by the General Assemblyand in exchange for properties of equal value to be acquired by the City, asdescribed in Section II, paragraph 2, below

. 4. To complete the replacement of parking lots T-6 and T-7, south of NOffilalStreet, with an open, grassy area, by June 30, 1998.

5. To install, during the first available planting season following the completionof the property transfers described as Area "A" on the attached map, athickened belt of foliage immediately north of the alleyway south of NormalStreet to provide a landscaped buffer for obscUling, ""ith natural plantings, thePhelps neighborhooH's vision of SMSU properties; and, to install, during thefirst available planting season follmving the completion of the propertytransfers described as Area "B" on the attached map, a thickened belt offoliage ilnmediately north of the alleyway south of Nonnal Street to providea landscaped buffer for obscuring, with natural plantings, the Phelpsneighborhood's vision of SMSU properties.

6. To mow and otherwise maintain in an aesthetically acceptable manner the


28/41

properties to be transferred to SMSU, by the City, commencing after therazing of the dwelling houses and outbuildings located on said properties andcontinuing such maintenance up to the date of transfer by deed to SMSU.

Section II . The City agrees:1. To obtain title to the properties in the 900, 1000 and 1100 blocks of East

Nonnal Street, 1048 South Dollison, 1051 South Florence Avenue, and 1148and 1152 East Grand Street, shO\vn as Areas A and B on the attached Map,

and to raze the existing stmctures located thereon.'2. To acquire the properties described in paragraph 1 Section II hereof as willing

sellers and funds become available, as hereinafter described. First priorityshall be given to properties needed for a regional stom"\. water detention basinlocated National and Grand.

3. To allocate $500,000.00 in the fiscal year 1996-97 in order to commenceacquisition of the properties described in Section II, paragraph 1 above, for aregional stonn water detention and to complete th e acquisition of theremaining properties described in said Section II, paragraph 1 above in 2007.

4. All of the net funds received by the City from the sale by it of the propertiestransfen'ed to the City by SMSU, as described in Section I, paragraph 3 above,shall be included as a part of the $500,000.00 referred to in paragraph 3 aboveand shall be eannarked by the City and used to accelerate the purchase of

23


29/41

24

properties described in said Section II, paragraph 1 above, to be transferred toSMSU.

5. To convey to SMSU fee simple title, marketable in fact, to the propertiesdescribed in Section II, paragraph 1 above.

6. To close Florence Avenue and Kings Avenue using a "hamlnerhead" closureat the alleyway between Nonnal and Delrnar Streets to eliminate north-southtraffic through the SMSU campus and through the Phelps neighborhood

. 7. To aUO\v drive-through access between National Avenue and SMSU ParkingLot 12 and pennit construction of a right tum lane for southbound traffic onNational Avenue; and, to pennit the vacation, through the normal legalprocess, of Nonnal Street between Florence and the east side of Dollison, afterthe conveyance of aU properties to SMSU which would be directly affected bysuch vacation.

8. To arrange for the relocation of the existing traffic signal at the intersection ofICings Avenue and Grand Street approximately 750 feet to the east to affordpedestrian and disabled access along the major pedestriamvay between theareas of the SMSU campus located north and south of Grand Street, inaccordance vvith the Visioning Guide; and, to allow for the coordination ofsaid relocated signal's timing with the traffic signal at the intersection ofGrand and National. The City v,rill be reimbursed by SMSU for all costs


30/41

incurred by the City in such light relocation and timing coordination thereof.9. To maintain an at-grade pedestrian crossing of Grand Street with a traffic

signal at the intersection of John Q. Hammons Parbvay between the areas ofthe SMSU campus located nonh and south of Grand Street, in accordancewith the Visioning Guide.

10. To agree to coordinate a two year plan, commencing October 1, 1996, leadingto the general, pemunent closure of John Q. Hammons Parkway between

Grand and Monroe Streets to all traffic except pedestrians, bicycles, SMSUshuttles and emergency and SMSU maintenance vehicles.

Section III. The parties mutually agree:1. To secure such fOlmal resolution and authority for the c-xecution of this

Cooperative Agreement by the City Council of the Cit)' of Springfield and theBoard of Governors of SMSU as the respective parties hereto deemappropriate.

2. To prepare an annual report and to hold such joint annual or more frequentmeetings between the Cit)' Council and the Board of Governors each yearhereafter as th e palties deem neCeSSal)r, regarding the status of the Plan andAgreement, until all tem1S hereof have been fully consummated. Such reportand joint meeting 'will address future timing, acquisition priorities for th e

25


31/41

follQ\...-ing year, property transfers, and other details of this Agreement.City of Springfield Southwest Missouri State University

BY0I n ~ ~ s R. Craig, Pre Ident[)pard of GovernorsDate: _________________________ Date: /E? I /'f1{;'----=----------------------

26


32/41

TUJIaIIl' DPDATlO!U~ + ~ s . : . ~ ~ : : ? ; 5 rLANJm) (H I n u s )

c::J E X I 8 T ~ c: :J ~ W A . y r2 YEARSI c: :J PAOOAA""":D ,,,-6 veARSI c: :J P L A ~ (.610 YEARSI c:::J PROPOSD nC)o2fi YEARSI=--"": ... l..__27


33/41

I .,11 , ) I,.J ,..1 I , . , ~ ~ I,J~ L i i f : j biliCllij ~ t k j 60 1-607 --61161'5

60 0606610618

6036 0 7 -

j } r ~ ~ 61 161 762 162 '56 3363 9

60060861261 6620

, " _ ~ 5 . . " ' - , ~ 6 3 6640

70 1

~ : ~ i - -m 7 ~ _ 7 Z 7 2 180 1807

.@!2 __

8 27831

70 1 700704 0 7 0 7 ~ 70471 0 _ 7 1 ~ _ , , : : - _ 7 1 ~

__7 _ ~ ?,!"O E._? 7 2 280'2. 8Q!._ 8008 0 68108168 228 268 30

80781181 7

806

816!

i : ~ -1'- ~ = . ~ 83 1 f-- 830DOLLISON90 1

_~ O ? " ; ) ! ~ . -91'5~ ~ - . 92 , _93 39 372 39 ._2 ' ~ _953955T::-

z= f+---:-T0/en0~ > ~ ( . . ) : r alm.z a...... "11

m- f , 0>

IiIII

__ ~ o o _ 90 190491291 8920

- ~ ~ 9309 ~ _ ~ .

. - . ~ ( ) . , __ 2.-:.(;9 . ~ " 9 '58

RjI III I-000:;U"-0 00m":;uC

J__NAT IONAL"' / ,.-.... I '

K IMBROUGH60.1

61 1617

>-t;l:j

;p.n

NO . HAMMONS

III ::c ::c ;;tJ~ ~ ()

>;p.

to


34/41

Appendix 2 - Traffic Calming Measures

29


35/41

30


36/41

Traffic CalmingTraffic calming attempts to maximize mobility while reducing the undesirableeffects of that mobility. It is a holistic, 'integrated planning approach to redirecttraffic to more efficient thoroughfares and restore neighborhood quality toresidential areas. While this appendix will cover many traffic calming measures itis no t intended to be a complete list of traffic calming solutions. Information forthis Appendix came from the following sources: Traffic Calming, Cynthia Hoyle,American Planning Association, PAS Report Number 456, July 1995; and'Calming' Traffic, Doug Lemov, Governing Magazine, August 1996.Traffic Calming MeasuresThere are two types of techniques that can be employed to reduce the speed ofvehicles on roadways: active and passive controls.

Passive Control MeasuresThese measures are primarily traffic signs (e.g. Stop, Yield, speed limits, oneway, etc.) as well as traffic signals and pavement markings, such ascrosswalks. These regulatory signs inform drivers but do not physicallyprevent action. Passive Control Measures require enforcement for them to beeffective.Active Control Measures fo r Traffic CalmingActive controls create the visual impression that a street is not meant fo rthrough traffic and that other users, such as pedestrians and bicyclists, of theroadway have an equal right to use the street. Active controls attempt tochange driver behavior and are therefore self-enforcing.

31


37/41

Pavement MarkingsPavement markings includingpatterned sections of roughpavement, raised reflectors,cobblestone strips or texturedcrosswalks across the street,create a slight vibration in thecar, which causes the driver tobecome more alert and/or slowdown.Stop SignsStop signs are designed toassign the right-of-way atintersections. If usedexcessively as speed controldevices, stop signs may fostergeneral disrespect fo r trafficsignals.

Curb ExtensionCurb extensions benefit andprotect pedestrians whileslowing cars. The curbextension enlarges pedestrianwaiting areas at corners,pushing the sidewalk furtherinto the street, often to the fa redge of parking lanes. Not onlydoes i t narrow the amount ofstreet pedestrians have tocross, it also slows driverspeeds at crowdedintersections by reducingturning radii and preventingcorner-cutting.Protected ParkingProtected parking provides alandscaped island projecting ou tfrom the curb; the islandcreates protected parking bays.These measures are meant toreduce the speed of vehiclesthrough neighborhoods ratherthan reduce traffic volumes.

32


38/41

Mid-Block DiverterA mid-block diverter addsa landscaped obstacle tothe middle of a street,forcing cars around thediverter and signalingthem to slow. This typeof diverter breaks up longstreet views and createsprotected on-streetparking and green space. m m ~ ~ ~ ~ S ; ; ; : : ; ' . ; : ; ; ; , ~

Chokers I Slow PointsChokers an d slow pointsreduce the street widthwhich slows drivers andrequires them toacknowledge and interactwith other vehicles on thestreet. In some cases, achoker will narrow thestreet enough to allowonly one car to pass at atime.

-----'==--- - -

33


39/41

ChicaneChicanes are a form ofcurb extension whichalternate from one side ofthe street to the other. Insome cases, chicaneshave proved to be a /ong-term effective means ofreducing speeds inresidential areas.Protected ParkingProtected parking providesa landscaped islandprojecting out from thecurb; the island createsprotected parking bays.These measures are meantto reduce the speed ofvehicles throughneighborhoods rather thanreduce traffic volumes.

Median BarrierMedian barriers are usuallyused to improve trafficflow in major streets.They can also be used,however, to reduce trafficflow onto residentialstreets by preventing leftturns off a major streetonto a residential one orpreventing traffic from oneneighborhood crossing themajor street into another.

34

--.:==;;;:::;;;;7

IIIII

Bl1II\ \ \

- , :I

-I II t-1I ..J, t-\ \

\~ . . : = . o o = ~ - : ; : : J ~ \


40/41

Cul-de-Sac ClosuresA cul-de-sac is a completebarrier of a street at anintersection or mid-block thatleaves the block open to local , . . . . . . . . , . . + . > . : ' + - l - ~ traffic at one end while ~ J . . , J - , . J . " ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ = : S ~ physically restricting throughtraffic. (This is one of themost expensive and leastdesirable techniques employedfo r traffic calming due toissues of accessibility fo remergency vehicles, buses,etc.)

Diagonal Intersection DivertersA diagonal diverter is a barrierplaced diagonally across anintersection to convert theintersection into tw ounconnected streets, eachmaking a sharp turn. Itsprimary purpose is to maketravel through a neighborhoodcircuitous and reducingthrough traffic.

35


41/41

Traffic Circle or Round-aboutA traffic circle or round-aboutis a raised island, which isusually landscaped andlocated at the intersection oftw o streets. The use ofthese devices isrecommended on residential

speeds and accidents withoutres;denUal streets_ ~ r - + - i I . ~ .

- - ~

Phelps Grove Urban Conservation Dist Plan

Documents

Transcript of Phelps Grove Urban Conservation Dist Plan