RAINBOW BRIDGE DOWNTOWN NIAGARA FALLS ......2021/07/01 · Niagara Falls including the City of...

AMERICAN FALLS

DOWNTOWN NIAGARA FALLS

STUDY AREA

CANADA

RAINBOW BRIDGE

190

104

SCENARIO PLANNING PILOT PROJECTS

Imagining the Future of a Niagara Falls NeighborhoodNiagara Falls, NY

Scenario planning to imagine how the planned removal of the Robert Moses Parkway and the construction of the Niagara Falls Intermodal Railway Station could help in the revitalization of the surrounding neighborhood.

The work that provided the basis for this publication was supported by a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Sustainable Communities Regional Planning

Grant. The author and publisher are solely responsible for the accuracy of the statements and

the views of the Federal Government.

Acknowledgments

Brian ConleyGIS Analyst, University at Buffalo Regional Institute

Matthew WattlesAssociate Planner, University at Buffalo Regional Institute

This document was produced as part of One Region Forward, a regional initiative to promote more sustainable forms of development in Erie and Niagara counties. Research, analysis, and planning for this report were conducted by the University at Buffalo Regional Institute, of the State University at Buffalo, School of Architecture and Planning.Funding was provided by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development through its Partnership for Sustainable Communities, an interagency collaboration also involving the US Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Project Leadership:

Kelly DixonGreater Buffalo Niagara Regional Transportation Council

Stakeholders Working Group:This report drew on the knowledge and participation of key stakeholders in Niagara Falls including the City of Niagara Falls, USA Niagara Development Corporation, and the Main Street Business and Professional Association

Table of Contents

PROCESS OVERVIEW...................................................................... 6

SCENARIO MODELING................................................................... 5

1. Engage stakeholders and learn values2. Learn from the data3. Imagining the future

5. Revealing the Vision

STUDY AREA CONTEXT....................................................................8

IMAGINED PROJECTS IN THE FUTURE SCENARIO...................... 9

DEVELOPMENT IMPACTS.............................................................. 11

Employment ImpactsLand Use Impacts

Fiscal ImpactsEnvironmental Impacts

CONCLUSION.................................................................................. 16

APPENDIX: Building Prototype Factsheets..................................... 17

Project Resources.............................................................................50

ONE REGION FORWARD | Implementation Pilot: Niagara Falls 5

SCENARIO PLANNING

How can neighborhoods use scenario planning? How can it help partners in Niagara Falls?

What is scenario planning?

futures and test their impacts in order to make smarter decisions about the future they create.

decide the best reuse of a vacant lot. But however it is applied, scenario planning should remain grounded in community values. The commonly-held values that emerge through the scenario planning process build a framework for future development. They help ensure that future projects are coordinated to help the community meet its environmental, economic and social goals.

but it does reveal a sound way to move forward into an uncertain world,

At the neighborhood or community scale, scenario planning can be

precision, using targeted indicators. Scenario planning can create a

together stakeholders equipped with local knowledge and a clear vision for a small area. Local stakeholders can also decide which impacts are modeled to test how well their vision would achieve their values, and future targets for development.

This process was applied by an informed group of public and private stakeholders in Niagara Falls who share the common goal of revitalizing their city. The group came together with One Region Forward technical

sustainable fashion moving forward.

Local partners can use scenario planning to turn a vision into a reality.

stakeholder group’s imagined development for Niagara Falls could

development proposals.

Scenario planning can be a potent agent of change for any neighborhood. For Niagara Falls, scenario modeling was a way to

these major public investments could spur the growth of a pedestrian

results shine light on the possibility that these public investments could

What does this report do?

This report is an exercise in imagination.

vision.

ONE REGION FORWARD: Implementation Pilot: Niagara Falls 6

PROCESS OVERVIEW

1. Engage stakeholders and learn values

This neighborhood-level scenario planning process engaged a group of local government planners and policy makers along with private

of the Robert Moses Parkway from Main Street to Findlay Drive inspired

years.

other informal correspondences revealed the group’s development goals, these include: to reconnect the neighborhood to the Niagara

architecture along Main Street, and to make the neighborhood more livable, walkable, pedestrian-safe and bike-friendly.

VALUES

N

S

W E

Tasks:

Build partnerships between stakeholders

Conduct values research

Identify community issues and share local knowledge

Ask big picture questions

Reconnect neighborhood to the Niagara

River GorgeIncrease shopping

Capitalize

architecture along Main

Street

Make neighborhood more livable

Walkable, pedestrian-

safe and bike- friendly

2. Learn from the data

of stakeholders, the group was presented with data gathered by the One Region Forward team. Current land use, demographic, environmental

project study area to the group based on the preliminary data gathered. Through discussion, the stakeholder group came to consensus on a

concerned with. The revised study area for the project took into account

projects could also be incorporated into the model.

InformingStakeholders

Tasks:

area that encompasses

knowledge

Present data on existing conditions

Use data to inform the scenario model

Data as a way to decide on important indicators

PROCESS OVERVIEW


A wide range of possible indicators can be scaled and catered to each individual scenario modeling project. Indicators are the outputs

as community goals, such as: improving access to transit, offering more affordable housing, or improving water quality. Indicators

alternatives and investments choices. The list below shows indicators the Niagara Falls stakeholder group chose for their analysis:

Land Use Impacts

• Land Use mix• Housing mix • Impervious Surfaces

Fiscal Impacts

• • Total Tax Revenue • Return-On-Investment• Feasibility of new private construction

Environmental Impacts• New area of open space• CO2 Emissions per household• Energy Use

VisioningTasks:

Ask Big picture questions

Record data necessary for creating future scenario.

Identify known changes within the study area.

Visioning

ScenarioCreation

Tasks:

Evaluate and compile group data and input

Research for model accuracy

vision

Identity workshop themes with data story-telling

3. Imagining the future

individual parcels most likely be redeveloped in the future; the group applied their local knowledge regarding land ownership, upcoming

of parcels where development or re-investment is feasible.

area (under 140 acres). Therefore, the members of the Niagara Falls stakeholder group were presented with a map which labeled each parcel individually and allowed the group to imagine possible development projects on a parcel-by-parcel basis. While each parcel’s future use was being deliberated, all elements of future proposals were being recorded. Stakeholders also applied their local knowledge to help improve the

5. Revealing the Vision

4. Creating the Scenario

Stakeholder feedback from the previous step was put into the modeling

research was conducted to improve accuracy of the model, using both

The indicator impacts were shared with the stakeholder group and each

scenario. This step allowed the group to decide if their preliminary future scenario would perform as desired, based on the modeled outputs. Project proposals in this scenario that showed inadequate performance were removed or adjusted. Once the stakeholder group reached a

the model and recalculated the results.

vision scenario was revealed. This report shows that vision and can

To note, each development project has an accompanying report about

Transportation Impacts

• Daily Trips per Household• New destinations with walking distance of Intermodal

Station

Scenario Indicators for Niagara Falls


STUDY AREA CONTEXTSTUDY AREA CONTEXT

Map 1: Niagara Falls Context

AMERICAN FALLS

DOWNTOWN NIAGARA FALLS

STUDY AREA

CANADA

RAINBOW BRIDGE

190

104

along the Main Street Corridor. The study area boundaries are the physical barrier of the Niagara River Gorge to the West, Pierce Street to

and a railroad right of way to the East (Map 1).

Main and Whirlpool Streets were once the only major North/South

Parkways was constructed in the 1960’s. The limited access highway became the major route through the city with commuters bypassing Main and Whirlpool on their way northward. The Robert Moses Parkway also created a physical barrier between the Niagara River Gorge and the

stunning views of the gorge and Niagara Falls State Park. Over the years

abandoned buildings replacing the storefronts and homes that once lined the street.

condominium building with many occupants, the Whirlpool Passenger

vacant buildings on Main Street. The City of Niagara Falls has recently received grant funding to make two major investments in this part of

catalysts for revitalizing the Main Street corridor. The changes could

rehabilitate vacant and dilapidated structures.

The Niagara Falls stakeholders’ scenario seeks to capitalize on this

Rendering of the Future Intermodal Transit Center in Niagara Falls


IMAGINED PROJECTS IN THE FUTURE SCENARIO

The Niagara Falls stakeholders’ scenario involves a total of 30 individual projects which transform nearly 24 acres of land in total. These projects

Theater, Niagara Falls Municipal Building and small businesses along Main Street remain throughout the vision scenario’s ten-year period

a new and vibrant feel. To compliment the increase in livability, the

IMAGINED PROJECTS IN THE

Map 2: Imagined Project Types

WWWWWWWWWWWhhhhhiiiiiirrrrrrrrrllllllpppppppooooooollllll SSSSSSSStttttttt

WWWWWWWWWWWhhhhhhhhiiiiiirrrrrlllllppppppppppooooooooolllllllSSSSSSSStttt

RRRoobbbeerrtt MMoosssssseeeesssss PPPPPPkkkww

yyyyyyyy

FiFindindinndindF lay lay laylalay ay yy DrDrDrDrDry

MontMontMontMontMontMontMonontMonMonMonn eagleageageagleagleagleaagleagleaeaglaee e Ste Stee Se Se Ste Se StSte StttSe SSStg

9th

9th hh

9th

9th

9thh

9th

Stre

Str

Stre

Stre

Stretre

Stre

Stre

etetetetete

NortNortNortNNortNortNoN h Avh Avh Avh Avh Avh AvAveeeeeee

OntOntaO tOOOntaOntaOntaatOnta irio iirio rio rioriorio AAAveAveAveAAveAveAve

NiagNiagNiagNiagNiagiagNNiaga ara raarara ara AAveAveAveAveAAAvAve

lClevClevClevClevCCleveC elanelanelanelalelanland Avd Avd Avd Avd AAd Avd veeee

S tS tS tS tSS ttS tth Ah Ah AAAAh AASoutSoutSouuttSoutSoutSo h Avhh AvAvh AvAv Avvh Avh Av Aveeeeeeeeeeee

MichMichMichMichMichichMichhiganiganiganigaiganganigang AAveAveAveAveAv

Lock

Lock

Lock

Lockk

Lockockk

Lock

Lockoc

Locc

Lportportoortportporportportortporttportp

StStStSttStSttStSS

11th

11thth

11th

11th

11t

11t

StStStt

10th

10th

10th 0th

10th 0th

10t 0

StStStStStStStStStSt10

thSt

Main

Main

Main

Main

Main

Main

Main

Main

MMMain

Main

Maainain S SSSt

S StStSttStSStttttt

Main

Main

Main

Main

Main

MMMaaa

StStStStStStM

a

LincolLincolLinLincolncoLincolLincolLincoln n Aven Aven Aven Aven AveAAven Avenn Av

DDDivisiDivisiDivisiDivisiDivisii iDivisiDivisvis on Aveon Aveon Aveon Avenon AveAvon Aveon An Avon Aveoon

LinwooLinwooLinwooLinwooLinwooLLinwoowooLinwoLinw d Aved Aved Aved Aved Aved Aved Aveddd veee

8th

St8t

h St

8th

St8t

h St

thSt

th S

t8t

h St

8th

St8t

h St

8th

St8t

hth 8tthh

WWillowWillowWillowWillowWillowWillowlloWilWW AveAveAAveAveAveA

PierPierPierPierPiePierierieeei ce Ace Ace Ace Ace Ace AAee veveveveevvvvvePi A

Mck

oM

cko

Mck

oM

cko

Mck

oM

cko

Mck

ooM

ckM

cM

ckon

Aon

Aoon

Aon

Aon

An Aon

AAn Aon

Aon

Avevevevevevevevevevvv

ChestnChestnChestnhehestnChesChestnhestnhhestnCChestn A eut Aveut Aveut Aveut Ave AveveAut AveAut

ChasmChaChaChasmChasm Chasm ChasmChasChasm mChasm ChasmChaChChhh

AvAveAveAveAveAveAveA

BellevBellevBellevBellevBellevBellevBellevveBelleBue Aveue Aveue Aveue Ae Avue AvAveue Ave

Bellevue Ave

Main

Main

MMain

Main

Mainnaina

St St StSt StStStStSttttt

Main

Infill Projects

Rehabilitation Projects

Reconstructed PublicOpen Spaces

Site Conversion

2

4

1

3

6

10

12

11

13

16

17

5

7

89

1415

19

26

25

30

2928

272423 22

21 2018

scenario also includes two new parks totaling 2.1 acres. The results

The map below highlights these new projects and shows the type of

four basic types of projects are provided. To learn more about the

investment summary reports in


(2,6,7,8,10,16,25,30)

Rehabilitation Projects (4,9,11,12,13,14,15,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,26)

from being moderately distressed to completely dilapidated, crumbling

-3% to 30%. Generally, the more blighted buildings had lower rates of return because of the investment needed to rehabilitate them back to

of square footage, would involve reusing the abandoned building at the northern part of the study area (See #4 in Map 2) into a Bed an Breakfast

indicate a high return on investment.

Reconstructed Public Open Spaces (10, 29)

Two sites within the study area are envisioned to become publicly

by the Niagara Falls Housing Authority. While the real estate facing Main

new buildings would become a sizeable open park. This would create a

space projects (See #29 in Map 2) is situated at the southern part of

would be closely connected to Whirlpool Street and the new greenspace

strategic stopping point for pedestrians walking along the architecturally

Site Conversion (1,3,5,27,28)

projects at the northern part of the study area (See #1 and #3 in Map 2)

southern end of the study are (See #28 in Map 2) involves a conversion

Parkway is removed. With future direct access and views to Niagara Falls State Park, the parcels along Whirlpool Street would become

than 3.5 acres and include retail, museum, public space and parking.

Analysis Phasing

Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3

This scenario visioning process sought to investigate the impact of the new Intermodal Station and removal of the Robert Moses Parkway - both slated for completion in the future. Therefore, the parcels chosen were assumed to be redeveloped as market conditions change and these two major projects come to fruition.

which the parcels would change over the total 10 year period is this analysis.

The urban fabric near the northern and southern end of the study area is much more intact, with older buildings ready for rehabilitation. Therefore, the phasing assumed these parcels will develop faster than ones near the Intermodal Station, which are bigger, non-rehab projects.

Eight of the projects within this scenario are new structures constructed

walkable and economically vibrant area. Though none of these projects

projects; which means a major rent increase or another type of subsidy

60% of the lot area leaving ample room for landscaping and parking

travelers in need of a place to stay the night.

1-3Years

1-7Years

1-7Years

1-10Years


this stretch of the city, bringing opportunity, access and vibrancy to the

up 48% of all jobs in the study area projected at the end of Phase 3 increasing the demand for the new moderately priced apartments. Public

Niagara Falls Municipal Building is within the study area, but that number

new hotel projects would create more than 50 new jobs.

Employment Impacts Figure 2: Jobs by Sector

If the Niagara Falls vision scenario were realized in full, over 600

proposed in total (Figure 1) with nearly 7 of every 10 units being in a rehabbed building. The remaining new homes (35%) would be freshly

buildings. This analysis focused on buildings along Main Street, but it can be assumed that new development would create demand for single and

Figure 1: Housing by Type Population and Housing Impacts

DEVELOPMENT IMPACTS


A restored landscape would transform the fabric, as well as the character

pedestrians walking down Main Street (Figure 3). As current gaps in

or biking along this corridor could become a pleasure. Vacancy would

near Whirlpool Street, just a short walk from Main Street.

calls for denser development along Main and Whirlpool Streets, causing

increase in overall development, surface parking decreases by more than 12,000 square feet, which includes small parking areas on most newly developed lots.

Land Use Impacts Figure 3: Land Use Mix

Map 3: Existing Land Use Map 4: Imagined Future Land Use

WWWWWWWWWWWWWWhhhhhhhhiiiiiiiiiiirrrrrrrrllllllllppppppppoooooooooooolllllllll SSSSSSSSSSSSttttttt

WWWWWWWWWWWhhhhhhhhiiiiiirrrllllllppppppppppooooooolllllllllSSSSSSSSSSttttttttt

RRRRRRoooobbbbeeeeerrrttt MMMMoooooooossssssssssseeeeeeessssssss PPPPPkkkkwwww

yyyyyyyy

FiFiindlindlndlndllF lFFindlFindlFind ay Dray Dray Dray Dry Day Dray DrDray Dray Dry

MonteMonteMonteMonteMonteMonteMonteMontenteteMonteMMoMoMonteMonteMonteteMontMM nteMMMontenteeeaagle agleaglaggleglglgle agle aagglagleeagleagleagleaaagle SStSSStStSSttttttStSttttStSttStStSStg

9th

S9t

hS

9th

SS9t

h S

h S

9th

Sh

Sh

Sh

S9tt9t

h999

tree

ttr

eett

reet

tree

ttr

eetr

eet

tree

tettr

eet

rttt

NorthNorthNorthNorthNorthNNoNNNoNoNoNoo AveAveAveAveeAveAvAveAveAve

OntarOntarOntarttOntarOntarOntarOntartaOntarOntarOn atOntaOntaOnta io Avio Avii Aio AvAio Avio Avio Avoo Avoo eeee

NiagaNiagaNiagaagaNiagaagaagaagaaNiagaggg ra Avra Avra Avra AAvra Avra Avra AAa eeeeee

leveCleveCleveCleveCleveCleveCleveCleveClevCleveelevelevlevee land landlandlanandlandnd land anddl dland and eAveAveAveAveAveAvAvAAAvv

hhhhhSouthSouthSouthththhhSouthouthSouthhSoutSouthSouthououthoSSouthSSSout AveAAAveAveAveAveAveAveAveveAveAAveA e

MichiMichiMichiMichiMichiMichiichicMichiMiM cchic iMichMichiMichiMichigagan ngan Agan Agan Agan Aan Agan Aganggan Agan AAveveeveveveveeve

oLoockockkk

Lockp

Lockp

Lockp

Lockp

Lockp

Lckpk

Lockpkp

Lockp

Locockpockpckp

Loc

Loc

t Sort Sort Sort Sort Sort Sort Sort Sort Sort Sort SSort Stt Sort Sortorrortttttttttttt

11th1th

11th

11thhhh

11th

11th

11th

11t

11t 111

StStStStStSt

10t

10th

10th

10th

10th

10th

10th 0thhhh

0ttt 0tt 1000SStStStStStStStStSSSSSSS

10th

St

Main

Main

Main

Main

Main

Main

Main

Main

Main

Main

Main

MMain

Main

MMMMain

Mainai

SStSStSSStSSStStStStStStStStStStt

Main

Main

Main

Main

Main

Ma

n a

Main

Main

Maa

StStStStStStSSStS

LincolnlLincolnLincolnLincolnLincolnincolnncolnLincolnLincolnLincolnLincLincocolni AveAveAveAAveAveAAveAvee

DivisDivisioDivisDivisioDivisioDiDivisioDivisDivisDivisiovisvisioDivisioiv en Aven Aven AveAveAveAven Ave Aven AveAA eA

LinwoodLinwooLinwoodLinwLinwoodwoodLinwoodLinwoodLinwoodinwoododLinwoodLinwoodLLinwoodiLinwoodnwwoodwoodood AveAveAveAveAveAveAveAveAAveAveAveveeAvAveeL

8th

St8t

h St

8th

St8t

hSt

8th

St8t

h St

8th

St8t

h St

8th

Stth

SShthhht 8 WillWillow Willow Willow WillowWillow Willow WillowWillow WillowWillow AveAvAveAveAveAvevvve

PiercPiercierieiePiercPiercPiercPiercPierciercPPieiercerierciercPiercPiercPierPie e AvAvee Ave Avee Avee AveAAe Avee Ave AvAvee Ave Aee Ave Ave Ave AvveAvPi A

oM

ckoo

Mck

ooM

ckoo

Mck

ooM

ckoo

Mck

ooM

ckoo

Mck

ooM

ckoo

Mck

oM

cko

Mck

oM

ckM

ckM

ckM

ckokoo

Mck

occk

ooM

ckkM

n Ave

n Ave

AvAn Ave

n Ave

n Ave

n Ave

n Ave

n Ave

n AvAn Ave

n Avn Av

n Avn Ave

n AvAve

Ch stnuChestnuChestnuhestnuhestnestnCheshestnChesChestnuChestnChestnuC stn t Avet Avet AveAAAAt Avt Avevet Avet Avevet AveeA

Chasm AChasm AChasm AChasm AsmChasm AChasm AChasChasm AAChasm AAChasm AChasmChasm AChasmChaChasmChChCChhhaChh

veveveveveveveveveve

BellevuelBellevuBellevuBellevuBellevuBellevuBellevuBellevuBe uellevB evuvue Ave Avee AvAve Avee Avee AvAveAvee AveAe Ae AveAAveeA

Main

Main

Main

Main

Main

Main n

Mai

Mainain StStStStSSStSStStSttttttttt

Commercial

Residential

Community Service

Bridge & Infrastructure

Parking Lot

Recreation

WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWhhhhhhhhhhiiiiiiiiiirrrrrrrrrrrllllllllllppppppppppoooooooooollllllll SSSSSSSSSSttttttttt

WWWWWWWWWWWWhhhhhhhhhiiiiirrrrlllllllpppppppoooooooooolllllllSSSSSSSSStttttttt

RRRRRooobbbbbeeeerrrttt MMMMMoooossssssssseeeeeeeessssssss PPPPPPPkkkkkkwwww

yyyyyyyyy

FiFiFindlindlFindlndlllFindlF ay Dray Dray Dray Dray Dry Dray Dray Drayyy

MonteMonteMonteMonteMonteMoMonteMonteMonteMonteMonteMonteMonteMonteMonteMonteMontteM tMontenMMMMonteM agagle aaglaglagleagle agle gleeaaagga leagglea StSStStStSStSttttSttttSStttSttttg

9th

S9t

hS

9th

S9t

h S

9th

Sth

SS9t

h S

hSS

hh9t

tree

ttr

eet

tree

ttr

eet

tree

ttr

eet

tree

tettr

eet

tree

tree

t

NorthhNororthNNorthNorthhNo tthNoNoNoNo AAAveAAveAveeAveeeAvAvee

OntarOO tO tOOOntarntarOntarOntarOntarOO tOntatataOntaatOnOntari Aio AAAAAAAio Avio Avio Avio Avoio AvAvio Aveeeeee

NiagNiNiagaiagNiagaNiagaNiNiagaNiagaNiagaNiai gagaaag AAAra Avra Avra Avra AvAra Ara Avra Aveeeeee

CleveCleveCClevelevelCleveClCleveCCleveCleveCleveCleveClevev land land land land landand ddl dlaland n AAveAveAveAvevAvAvv

S thS tS tSS tthhthtth AAAAAAAAASouthSouthSoututhuthhSouthSouttSouthtSouthouuoSoSoSS AveAAAveAvevvveAveveAveAveeee

MiMichiMichiMichiMichiMichiMichiMMichMichiMichihiMi hcc igan Agan Agan Agan gan Agan Agan AAAAgan Agangangangagaggangan veveveveveveveveve

Lockp

LoLocck

Lockkpkp

Lockp

Lockp

Lockp

Lockp

Lock

Lockp

LoLockckp

Lockp

Lockp

Lkpp

ocococort Sort Sort Sort Sort Sort ort Sororort St ort Sort So

Sort SSort ooo

ttttttttttt

1th

11th

11

th

11th

11

th h

11th

hhh11

th11

tt11

t1111

StStStStStS

10th

10

th10

th10

th

10thth

10th

0t

h10

thh10

thth 0thh

0tht 00

Sttt StStStStStStSSSSSS10

thSt

Main

Main

Main

Main

Main

Main

Main

Main

Main

Main

Main

MMMa

Main

Mainn

MMain

StSStStSttStSttSttSStttttttttt

aM

ainM

ainM

ainM

ainMM

ainMMM

an

aaina

StStStStStSSStStS

LincolnLincolnLiLincolnncolnconcolnncolnLincolnnLincolnnLincolnLincolncoln AAveAveAveAveAveAveAvAvAve

DivisioDiviviDivisDivisioivisiDivisioDi i ioDivisiovisioDivisiooiDivisioDivisivisioD n Aven nnn AveAn A eAvn Aven Aven AveAnn Ann AveAvenn An

LinwoodLinwooddLinwoodLinwoodLinwooddwoodLinwoodLinwoodLinwoodLinwoodoLinwoodLinwLi AveAveAveAvevevAvevAveveeveA

88th

Stth

St

8th

St8t

h St

8th

Stt8t

h StSt

8th

StS88t

hthh 8ttt 888tSt

8th

WWWillow WillowWillWillWillow WillowWillllow WillowWillow WilloWWillow WW o AvAvA eAveAveAAveAveeAvev

PiercPiercPiercPiercPiPiercercPiercPierPieiePiercercPierciPP eiercierceeP cce Avee Avee Avee Ave Avee Avee Ave Avee Avee AveAvee Ae Ae Ave AAveeeee Ave AvPi A

Mck

ooM

ckooo

Mck

ooM

ckoo

Mck

ookoo

Mck

ooM

ckoo

Mckk

ooM

ckoo

Mck

oooM

ckoo

Mck

ooM

ckkM

ckM

ckoo

Mck

okM

ckM

ckn A

ven A

ven A

veAve

n AveAn Ave

n Ave

n Ave

n Ave

n Ave

n AvAn AveAve

n Avee

n AAAv

ChestnuCh tnChestnuChestnuhehhestnChestthehhestnttnChestnuChehestnChestnhestnChestnut Avet Avt Avet Avet AveAAvet AveAvevet Avet AveAAvAvAt Aveve

ChaCChasm AChasm AChasmChasm AChasm AChasm AChasm AChasm AChasm AChasm AhChasm A

Chasm AChasm AAChasm AChasmChasmmChChaCChh

veeevevvevevvevvev

BellevuBellevuBellevuBellevuBellevuevuBellevuBellevuBellevuBellevuBelleell e AveAvee AveAvee Avee Avee Ave AvAe Ave AAe Ave Ae AveABelle

Main

MMain

Main

Main

Main

Main

Main

Mainain n StStStStStSSStStSttt

n St

Commercial

Residential

Community Service

Bridge & Intermodal Station

Parking Lot

Mixed Use

Recreation

Open Space

Propsed Changes

Land

Use

as %

of S

tudy

Are

a


The scenario laid out by the Niagara Falls stakeholder group sees the momentum caused by the Robert Moses Parkway removal and

rehabbed building space. About 500,000 square feet of brand new

abandoned buildings would be rehabilitated. Over the ten-year period

doubles from Phase 1 to Phase 2, going from nearly 200,000 to more than 400,000 square feet and more than doubles again when it reaches its ten-year buildout (Figure 4).

To note, this analysis focused on the possible future development

areas of the neighborhood it is likely that there would be even more

young families.

Figure 5: Expenditures and revenues of Envisioned Development

67.3% 44.6% 35.9%

New

Dev

elop

men

t Squ

are

Feet

Figure 4: Envisioned Building Space Composition

Figure 6: Study Area Sales Tax Revenue Figure 7: Study Area Property Tax Revenue

Fiscal Impacts

As imagined, the Niagara Falls stakeholders’ vision scenario would

However, new development comes at a cost as publicly provided services -

enue is nearly cut in half over the three phases of the analysis - about

because it would bring in more money than it requires to maintain.

development in the neighborhoods along Main and Whirlpool Streets,

those projected here.

(Figure 7) This upward growth in municipal revenue comes from a total

assessed value of the area. That is about a 250% increase due to all new

Cost to Revenue Ratio


Environmental Impacts

In total, the Niagara Falls vision scenario would reduce the impervious coverage of the neighborhood from 44% to 34%, or a decrease of about 17 acres (this includes the removal of the Robert Moses Parkway which makes up 10 acres of that area). Parcels that were changed in the new scenario were less impervious on average and have about 7 fewer acres

entering the sewer system.

Assuming Prevailing Rents in the Neighborhood

Average IRR # of Feasible

Projects Infill Rehab Site Conversion

Assuming Double the Prevailing Rents

Average IRR # of Feasible

Projects Infill Rehab Site Conversion

WWWWWWWWWWhhhhiiiiiirrrrrrrllllllpppppppoooooooollllll SSSSSSStttttttt

WWWWWWWWWWhhhhhhhiiiiiirrrrrrllllllppppppppppooooooooollllllSSSSSSSStttttt

RRobbeertt MMoosssssseeeeesssss PPPPPkkkww

yyyyyyyy

FiFindindndindlay lay lallalay ay y DrDrDrDrDry

MontMontMontMontMontMontMoMonMonnM eagleagleageagleagleaeagleageaeaeagle e Ste Stee Se Se Se StStSte StSStStSg

9th

9thhh

9th

9th

9thh

9th

tre

Stre

Stre

Stre

Stre

Stre

Stre

Stre

etetetettte

NortNortNortNortNortNortNo h Avh Ah Avh Avh Avh AvAveeeeee

OntOntaO tOOOntaOntaOntatOnta irio rio iiirio rioriorio AAAAAveAveAveAveAveAve

NiagNiagNiagNiagNiaiagNiaNiagara ara araara araraara AAveAveAveAAveAveAveAvAve

ClClevClevClevClevClevC elanelanelanelaelannlana d Avd Avdd Ad Avd Avd veeee

S tS tS tSS ttS ttt Ah Ah Ah Ah AAh Ah AASouSoutSouuututSoutSoutSo h Avh Avh Avh Avh Avh AvAvh Avvh Avh Aveeeeeeeeee

MichMichMichMichMichMichMichhiganiganigaiganiganiganigang AveAvAveAveAveA

Lock

Lock

Lockk

Lock

Lockckk

Lockk

Lococc portoortort

portporportortortportportt St St StStt StStStStS

11th

11th

11th

11th

11th

11t

11t

StStStt

10th

10th

10th

10th

10th 0th

0StSttStStStStStStStSSS

10th

St

Main

Main

Main

Main

Main

Main

MMMMMainain

Maaain

StStStStStStSSSSStSttttt

Main

Main

Main

Main

Main

MMaaa

nStStStStStSt

Ma

LincolLincoliLincolLincolncoLincoLincolLincolLincolL n AveA AveAven Aven AveAven Aven An

DDivisiDivisiDivisiiD iDivisiDivisiDivisiDivi Aon Aveon Aveon Avenon AveAvon AveAvnn Anon Aven

LinwooLinwooLinwooLinwooLinwooinwooLinwooLinwooLLinwLin d Aved Aved Aved Aved Aved Aved Aved Aved e

8th

St8t

h St

8th

St8t

h StS

8th

St8t

h St

8th

St8t

hS

8ththtthh

WillowWillowWillowWillowWillowWWillowWilloWW AveAA AveAveAvee

PierPierPierPierPieeieriieee ce Ace Ace Ace Ace Ace Ace Aeeec veveveveevevePi A

Mck

oM

cko

Mck

oM

cko

Mck

oM

ckoook

Mck

oMM

ckon

Aon

Aon

Aon

An An Aon

Aon

An AAon

Aon

AAveveveveveveevevvevv

ChestnChestnhChestnheestnChestChestnh tChestnhehehhestnChest ut Avet Aut Aveut AveAvevev Avet AveAut

ChasmChasmChaChaChasmChasm Chasm ChasmChasm ChasmChasmCChaChaCChhh

AveAveAveAveAveAAveAve

BellevBellevBellevBellevBellevBellevBelleveveBelle ue Aveue Avue Aveue Aveue Aveue Aue Avue Ave

Bellevue Ave

Main

Main

MMain

Main

Mainna

nStStStStStStStStStttt

Main

Infill Projects

Rehabilitation Projects

Reconstructed PublicOpen Spaces

Site Conversion

IRR below 20%

IRR above 20%

While it is likely that market demand for new development will occur as

the district will happen as well. The Investor Rate of Return (IRR) is a

most investors see rates of 20% as feasible. The major determinants of

costs. Assuming prevailing rents for this area, only one project would break the 20% IRR mark. If average rents were to double, 3 of 30 projects would hit the 20% IRR mark within ten years, while the average IRR for all new projects would increase to 10%. Even when assuming moderate

area.

means demand for hotel rooms keeps rates high. This translates to

Map 5: Project Feasibility

Figure 8: Projects Internal Rate of Return

With the more compact development proposed in the future scenario the neighborhood would become more environmentally sustainable in a number of ways. More development would cause an increase in energy use and carbon emissions, but these numbers show a decreasing trend on a household basis. Average carbon emissions per household

be available, the need to drive for goods and services would decrease. Similarly, energy use per household decreases by 15%, from 177,85 BTU/Year to 151,115 BTU/Year.


WWWWWWhhhiiirrrlllpppoooooolll SSSttt

WWWWWWhhhhhirrlllppppoollllSSSSStttt

RRRRRRRRRRRRoooooooobbbbbeeerrtt MMooosssseeeessss PPPPkkwww

yyy

FindindFindlay llalay lay DrDry

MontMontMontMonMontMontMoMMonnM eageagleagleaeageageaeageae e Ste StStSttttttSg

9th

9th

9th th9th

9th hh

9th

99th

9thht99

Stre

Stre

Stre

Stre

Stre

Stre

Strer

StrtrStStS

etetetetetetetetetee

eeeNortNortrth Avh Avh eeve

vevevevevOntaOntaOntantantario rio o ii AvAvAv

veveveveveevNiNiagNiagNNiagagara ara AvAvAAAAv

AAAvAAAAvAvAvAAAvAAveeeeClevClevve elanelaneland ddd dd

eS tS tS ttth Ah Ah Ah AASoutSoutttSoutSoutS h Ah Ah Avh AvAvh Avh Avveeeeeeeee

MichMichMMichMichMichMichhMMMichMichchchMi hM hichMichiganiganiganiganiganigaigaiganiganiganiganganigaigaigangigan AveAveAveAveAAAveA eAveMiM

Loc

LoLoLock

Lockk

Lock

Lock

Lock

Lock

Lockocock

Lock

Lock

Lockok

ockockckckLo

cocL

pooportttportportportportportortportortportportporrporportopopopppp

StStSttStStStStStStStStSttSS

11th

11th

11th

11thhhhhh

11thh

11t

11tt

11t

1StStStStStSt

10th

10th

10thh 0th

10t 0t 1

StStStStStStStS10

thSt

Main

Main

Main

Main

Main

Main

Main

Main

Main

Main

Main

Main

MMMMMain

Main

Main

Mainaain

StSSSStStStttStSStStSStttttttttttt

Main

Main

Main

Mainaaaain

StStStStStn SSt

Ma

Ma

Mn StSt

LincoLincoLincoLinconcoi cLin ln Avln Avln AAAvln Avn An eeeee

DivisiviDivisDivisDivisDi iDDivisiion Aion Aion Aion AAn AAAvvveveev

d Avd AvAvd AvAvd Avod AvvvAvd Avd Avvvod AveeeeeeeeeLinwoLinwoiLinwoLinwowLinwoLinw odod Avod AvodoLinwoLLinwood Aod Avodod Avod Avd ee

8th

S8t

h S

thS

8th

S8t

h S

8th

Sh

S8t

h S

8tttttttttt S

8th

ttthh

StttSt8t

h8t

htthh 8th

WilloWillWilloWillWilloWillWilloWillWillWWilloWilloWilWWW w AvAw Avw Avew Avew AveAw Avew AveAvew Avw Av

PierPieriePierierPierPierieePierPierPierieriPierPierPieriePPieieeeieieePPie ce AAce Ace Ace Ace Aece Ae Ace Ace Ae Acece Ace Ae Aecece Aee AvevevevveeveveeevevvvvvevevvvPi A

An AAn An An AAAn An An An An AAn An AAAAAveveveveveveveeveveveevvvv

Mck

oM

cko

Mck

oM

cko

Mck

ock

ononoonon

ChestChestheChestChestChestthhChes nut Anut Anut AAnut AAt Aut veveeeve

ChasChaChaChasmChasmmChasmChasmChasmC aChh

Ave AveAveAveAvvv

BelleBelleBe vue Avue Avue AAAveveveveveBelleBelleB

ue Aue Avue Avve

BellevBellevue

Main

Main

Mainai

SStStM

ainSt

nnnStSttttt

n St

INTNTTTTTTTTTERMERMERMERMERMERMERMRRME O SSSSSSSTATTATTATTATTATTATTATTATTATTATTA IONONONONONIONIONIONIONII NOINININ MOD TTATODAL SRMRMRMMOOMOD ATATATTIIITTATSDODAODA SSODA SODAL SIINI

Quarter Mile Distance

Half Mile Distance

PHASE 1

PHASE 3

PHASE 2

Transportation Impacts

The Niagara Falls scenario creates a community that is more pedestrian and bicycle-friendly. The new compact nature of buildings, along with

increase in the number of trips to and from the area. The future corridor

3% more transit trips. This new district would limit the need for residents

a 12% overall decline in the number of daily vehicular trips despite the

the future scenario would yield 900 new parking spots - more than 1 spot per resident.

Map 6: Project parcels distance to Intermodal Station

Figure 8: Project parcels distance to Intermodal Station

A major success of the vision scenario would be the increase in travelers

projects imagined for the vision scenario are within a 1/2 mile walking

projects.


CONCLUSION

along the Main Street-Whirlpool Street Corridor in the City of Niagara Falls.

Public funding could help project feasibility:

investors desire to make more than 20% on their investments. While several projects approach this threshold, they would still need extra funding to break through. In these instances public funding in the form of tax breaks, state or federal economic development grants or, in some cases, historic preservation

Working towards a historic designation of the architecturally

Higher municipal revenues could create more possibilities:

Overall, the tax base increase from new development would be higher than the public expenditures needed to maintain it. This means extra tax revenue could be used to make the public investment in streetscapes and infrastructure necessary to match the private investment in buildings. Pedestrian activity would increase, meaning that pedestrian infrastructure - sidewalks, street lamps and benches - should be extended and enhanced. To live up to the principals laid out in master planning efforts to connect pedestrians to the Niagara Gorge,

sidewalk repair to make for a better pedestrian experience along east/west streets leading to the state park and gorge. Streets like Bellevue, Division, Ontario and Pierce all terminate at possible gorge overlooks and public investment could be made to make those places desirable destinations.

neighborhood in the coming years. Moving forward, each project can

working within the framework established by this stakeholder group. But a clear and compelling vision, like this scenario, will be needed to bring this corridor, and the rest of downtown Niagara Falls, back to life in a new

Future inhabitants of this district would have a reduced ecological footprint compared to current residents as density decreases per capita energy use and carbon emissions. More neighborhood retail options would reduce the need to make distant trips for goods and services leading to more walking, and less driving. Quality of life could be arguably better with more new open spaces for families to enjoy. This scenario would decrease impermeable surface coverage thereby reducing the volume of stormwater runoff coming from the district.

Increased access, opportunity and vibrancy:

The vision scenario imagined here could meaningfully enhance the vibrancy and allure of downtown Niagara Falls. With many distinct retail destinations and employment opportunities in close proximity to the Niagara River Gorge and the new Intermodal Station, more access and opportunity would be given to residents, commuters and tourists alike. Since the neighborhood would grow more welcoming to bicyclists and pedestrians, new activity could infuse the corridor with a fresh, distinctive character and create a destination district. As the corridor evolves it could spur more development and attract new residents to nearby neighborhoods. This shows that the Intermodal Station and removal of the Robert Moses Parkway could create an opening for more sweeping changes throughout downtown Niagara Falls and the entire city.

Key Findings

ONE REGION FORWARD | Implementation Pilot: Niagara Falls 17ONE REGION FORWARD | Implementation Pilot: Niagara Falls 17

WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhiiiiiiiiiirrrrrrrrrrlllllppppppppppooooooooooooooooooolllllll SSSSSSSSSSSStttttt

WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWhhhhhhhhhhiiiiiiiirrrrrllllllllpppppppppooooooooooooolllllllllSSSSSSSSSSSSStttttttttt

RRRRRRRoooobbbbbbeeerrrtttt MMMMMMMMMMooooooosssssseeeeesssss

FiFinFinFi dladladlal y DDy Dyy rrr

MonMonMonMonMonMonMoMonMonMonoMonMononMonteateateateteteaeaeaeateaeaeaeaeate gleglegleglegggleeg StStSttStStSSSttttttStt

9th

9th

9th

9th

9th

9th

9th

StStSttStStSre

ere

ere

ere

ere

erer

tttttt

NorNorNorNorNorNorNorN th th th ththt AveAAveAveeAveAve

OntOntOntOntOnttOntnttOntaararariariariariariaario Ao Ao Ao Ao Ao Ao Aveveve

NiaNNiaNiaNiaiaNiaNiaNiaN agargagargargg a Aa Aa Aa Aa Aa Aa Aa Aa veveveveveveve

lCleCleCleCleC velvelvelvev andandandndandnddddd AAAvAAAAvAvveeee

SSS thththtthth AAAAAAASouSouSouSouSouSoSoS thththtth ththth h AveAveAveAveAveAveveAveAveAve

11t

11t

11t

11t

11ttth

S h S

h S

h S

hhhttt

10t

10t

10t

10tt

10t 0t 0101010h

Sh

Sh

S S h S

h S

h S

h S

h S

h S

htttttttt

10th

St

Mai

Mai

Mai

Mai

Mai

Mai

Mai

MMMMai

Ma

Mn Sn Sn Sn Sn Snn

Sn SSnn Snn SSSttttttttttttttt

Ma

Ma

Ma

Ma

Ma

Ma

Ma

MMMMMa

MMMa

Ma

Maininininininininin

SSSSSSSSSStttttttttttM

LincLiiLincLinLinLincncncLincLLiLinnccLL olnolnooolnolnolnlnlnoln olnlolnolnnnn AveAveAveAvevAveAveAAveee

DDiviDiviDiviDiDiviDiviDDiviDDiDiviiviDiviiiDiv isionsionsionsionsionisiosionnsionioosios nnnsion AveAveAveAveAAAveAvAvAveeAAvAvve

LinwLinwLinwLinwinwLinwLinwLinwLinwoodoodoodoodoodoodooododdododdododdodoo AveAveAvAvevevAvevvAveAvev

8th

8th

8th

8th

8th th

th 8th

8th

8th

8ththtttt 8t 88

tStStStStStSttt StStSSS

WillWillWillWilWiWillWillWillWillWilWillWillWillWillW ow Aow Aow AAAow AAow Aoww ow Aw vevevveveveevvev

PiePiePiePPieieePiePiePieieieeP rcercercecerrcercercrcerceececee AvAvAvAvAvAvAvAvvAAvAveeeeeePi A

Mckck

Mck

Mck

Mck

MMck

Mck

Mck

Mck

Mck

oononoonn

oon

oon

oonn

ooooooAvAvAvAvAvAvAvAvAvAA

eeeeeee

ChesCChesCheshheChesehesChesChesChChhChesheshehCheshChChChesChestnut tttnuttnnuttnuttnuttnutttnuttnuttnuttnut AAveAAAveAveveAvAveAveeveAveAveveveeAAvAveve

ChasChChasChChChaChaChaChasChasChasChasChasChasChChChaChaChChaChaChasChaChChChChhh

Avm Avm Avm Avm Avm Avm Avm AvAvm Avm AAvvmm

eeeeeee

BellBellBellBellBellBellBellBelllBBell vueevueevuevueuevueuueueuevueee ueevvv AveAAAAveAveAveAveAvAveAAvAAveABellevu

Ma

Ma

Ma

Ma

Ma

Maa

Maaainininininininininininnnn

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSttttttttttttttttttM

ainSSt

2

4

1

3

6

10

12

11

13

16

17

5

7

89

1415

WWWWWWWWWWhhhhhhiiiirrrrllllppppppooooooolllllSSSSSttt

SSSSSoSoSo

MiMMiMi

LLLLLL

10010101001010ttt

MMa

Ma

Ma

MMMMa

Ma

MMa

Ma

Ma

Ma

MMaaaaainininininnnnn

SSSSSSSSSSSttttttttt

LiniLinLinLinLii colcoolollcooln An An An An Annn Aveveveevveve

DivDDivDivDivDivDivisiisiisisiisisis onon nonnon AveAveAveAvAveeAve

LinLinLinLiLinLLLinLinLL woowoowoowoowoowoooowood Ad Ad Ad Add Addddd vevevevvevvevevevee

8th

8th

8th

8th

8thththt 8tt

StStStStSt

WilWilWilWilWilWilW lowlowllowlowlowo AvAvAvAvvveee

PiPiPiPPiPiP erererererereee cececececeeeceece AAAAAAvevevevevv

19

26

25

30

29

28

27

24

23 22

2120

18

Map ID numbers

Prototype building in


Niagara Falls


Vision Niagara Falls: Scenario Builder Project Resources

-

Sources

Scenario Modeling

Envision Utah, “A Guide to Regional Visioning: Mapping the Course for

Process Overview

Envision Utah, “A Guide to Regional Visioning: Mapping the Course for

Development Impacts

Notes on Scenario Modeling Process: Using Envision Tomorrow Plus

www.arch.utah.edu/cgi-bin/wordpress-etplus/), building type models were designed using a variety of local data. These locally-calibrated de-

Sources for local inputs used in this modeling are presented below.

• --

gov/buf/climate/buf_pcpn00s.php

•

• Average Household Size: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community

• Average Wages per Sector: New York State Department of Labor,

2012.

• Average Household Income: U.S. Census Bureau, American Commu-

• Average Monthly Housing Costs: U.S. Census Bureau, American

median selected monthly owner costs as a percentage of income by tenure.

• 2014. Average rents taken from Loopnet.com for a sample of similar

•

rents.

• Employment: Infogroup, Inc., “ReferenceUSA database for New York

U.S. Census Bureau, “Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics

•

• from energy consumed in new development): U.S. Energy Infor-

Independent System Operator, 2013.

• Sales per square feet – Infogroup, Inc., “ReferenceUSA database for -

tabase. The sales volume given by Reference USA is divided by the

• Vacancy rates: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey,


-

by the state, with the same 20% match from federal funds, for applicable -

-ods on the Federal Reserve Fiscal Impact Tool. It provides a standard-

scenario, and the monetary value of new development by building type (from ET+).

-

-

of the market value of the property constructed in the future scenario by

employment by the number of employees by a weighted average of in-

-

-

New impervious surfaces: The area of new paved (or impervious) surfac-

-centage impervious cover for each type of building type in each scenario.

is based on the types of homes built in the future scenario and general -

-

usage was divided by the number of households and compared to the

use per household.

are measured using the Green Infrastructure App of the ET+ modeling

-

infrastructure for each building project before being aggregated to the

--

within, into or out of the neighborhood was found using this model which accounts for future changes in land use, transit service and road

and demographic variables, including average household size, employees -

ty, that research has shown can be used to help predict the distance and number of trips taken by within similarly sized areas.

Learn more by visiting us online. www.oneregionforward.org

RAINBOW BRIDGE DOWNTOWN NIAGARA FALLS ......2021/07/01 · Niagara Falls including the City of...

Documents

Transcript of RAINBOW BRIDGE DOWNTOWN NIAGARA FALLS ......2021/07/01 · Niagara Falls including the City of...