merson Heights What is a Charrette? - Ball State University

Pedestrian CirculationOverview:Walkability is a key feature manyhomebuyers are now looking for. Keycomponents of walkable streets aresafety, visibility, and ease of access.Fig. 11AFig. 11CFig. 11DVisions for the Future:Fig. 11BHurdles to Overcome:Fig. 11E11A: PedestrianImprovementsPedestrian safety and traffic calmingmeasures include crosswalks on busystreets and four way stops at majorintersections. Establishing east and westconnections, potentially with sidewalksand well lit streets, will improve theneighborhood’s connectivity.11B: Non MotorizedconnectionsNon motorized connections areillustrated in this diagram which showssightlines, destinations, and proposedconnection improvements derivedfrom the L.A.N.D. analysis. An “activestreet front” references the adjacentland uses that engage pedestrians,such as retail shops or public uses.11D: Side StreetsThese two cross-sections illustratealternatives for improving pedestrianconnections on the neighborhood sidestreets. While the side streets have a50’ right-of-way, only about 20’ of it isused, and many neighbors consider thatunused right-of-way part of their yard.The top section makes improvementswithin that existing 20’ paved area.It incorporates a pedestrian pathdistinguished by a change in pavementmaterial, color, and/or texture. Thiscould prove successful in streets withlower traffic volumes.The bottom view expands the widthof the public area to 32’, still withinthe 50’ right-of-way but using morethan currently. It incorporates a newsidewalk separated from the street bya planting buffer/tree lawn.11D: vehicleconnectionsAn analysis of the vehicularconnections should be incorporatedto base decisions about pedestrianconnections. It is important that allmodes of transportation work togetherto create a coherent network of paths.Understanding which streets areimportant to regional connections,such as Ellenberger Park, alsohelp prioritize where intersectionimprovements can be best made.Design Charrettemerson Heights11E: TrailheadThis is a perspective depicting theconnection between Emerson and thePleasant Run Trail. It helps to informthe public of the trails existence andcan boost usage.Safe access to the Pleasant Run Trail,south on Dequincy, could be improvedwith cross walks and gateways featuresthat double as identity markers.