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Red Slate Neighborhood Renovation Plan

The Glenbrook Planning Division began assessing the Red Slate neighborhood in 2020 to develop a master plan to renovate the area. Staff worked with community members to study issues like zoning, land use, transportation and funding. The Division recommends an urban village model with medium-density housing, mixed-use development and improved public transit. It has received funding for street banners, trees and benches and will request more for landscaping. A partnership called RSNDP has been formed to oversee the project and includes urban designers, planners and community representatives.

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Jacob Sheridan
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
134 views4 pages

Red Slate Neighborhood Renovation Plan

The Glenbrook Planning Division began assessing the Red Slate neighborhood in 2020 to develop a master plan to renovate the area. Staff worked with community members to study issues like zoning, land use, transportation and funding. The Division recommends an urban village model with medium-density housing, mixed-use development and improved public transit. It has received funding for street banners, trees and benches and will request more for landscaping. A partnership called RSNDP has been formed to oversee the project and includes urban designers, planners and community representatives.

Uploaded by

Jacob Sheridan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

ITY

F
LENB
OOK
nning Report

This file created specifically for Jacob Sheridan


1

Introduction
Running beside Red Slate creek from North Bellevue Street to City Hall, the Red Slate neighborhood in
the city of Glenbrook is known for its historic homes, family-owned shops, and Victorian architecture.
Despite these features of local character, the area suffers from disuse, with shuttered commercial
buildings, aging infrastructure, and inaccessible public transportation. In the spring of 2020, the
Glenbrook Planning Division began an assessment of the neighborhood as the first stage in the master
planning process to renovate the area to meet the goals of residents.

Community Collaboration
Staff members of the Glenbrook Planning Division worked closely with local community residents to
develop the neighborhood assessment. The city provided an online forum and public engagement experts
to solicit suggestions and other feedback from Red Slate neighborhood residents.

Areas of Study
 Zoning districts
o Commercial
o Residential
 Land use
 Parks and open spaces
 Public transportation
 Commercial development
 Absentee property owners

This file created specifically for Jacob Sheridan


2

Urban Village Design


The Glenbrook Planning Division recommends following the urban village model as it renovates the Red
Slate neighborhood. Urban villages consider the following elements in city design.

Housing

Zoning Transit

Medium-Density Housing
New construction should include medium-density housing, usually defined as about 30 to 40 dwellings
per acre, without compromising historic, single-family homes, especially those near the central part of the
neighborhood along North Bellevue Street.

Mixed-Use Zoning
Mixed-use development blends residential, commercial, institutional, and cultural uses within a
geographical area and provides pedestrian connections to those areas.

Public Transit
Providing more reliable public transit reduces the reliance on privately owned vehicles, promotes walking
and bicycling, and encourages independent mobility for residents of all ages.

Designated Funding
The Glenbrook Planning Division has received funding for the following neighborhood improvements in
the next two years.

Purpose 2021 2022


Street banners $16,000 $16,000
Trees $24,000 $30,000
Benches $20,000 $26,000

This file created specifically for Jacob Sheridan


3

Additional Funding
The Glenbrook Planning Division will request additional funding to improve landscaping and green
spaces. The study examined landscaping in the neighborhood. Each area was assessed as poor (no
greenery), fair (insufficient or unhealthy greenery), or good (sufficient and healthy greenery). Some areas
could not be assessed. The following table shows the results of the study.

Area Poor Fair Good Total


Public green spaces 15% 20% 65% 0
Commercial and private lots 10% 40% 45% 0
Sidewalks and streets 25% 39% 34% 0

Next Steps
The Glenbrook Planning Division has formed a partnership with representatives of the Red Slate
community called the Red Slate Neighborhood Development Project (RSNDP).

RSNDP Members
RSNDP includes the following members and their roles.

Role Name City Employee


Urban Design Consultant Deb Ehrlich
Glenbrook Transportation Designer Joe Wu x
Neighborhood Workshop Planner Neenah Shah x
District 8 Representative Pedro Montoya x
Business Owner Steven Clay
Neighborhood Association President Jean Wendell
Number of city employees: 3
Glenbrook Planning Division Staff
Planning Manager.............................................................Chris Canadeo
Planner III.........................................................................Jason Donley
Planner II..........................................................................Erin Jamar
Planner I...........................................................................Kristin Rivera
Planner I...........................................................................Alex Rau

This file created specifically for Jacob Sheridan

Common questions

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Different RSNDP members, including city employees, an urban design consultant, a transportation designer, and representatives from the community and businesses, bring diverse perspectives and expertise . Their involvement is likely to influence outcomes positively, ensuring the plan addresses technical, aesthetic, and community-centered aspects. This diversity promotes a holistic approach to development that balances technical feasibility with community needs and economic viability, leading to more successful and accepted projects .

The assessment of green spaces, categorized as poor, fair, or good, informs the Glenbrook Planning Division’s priorities by highlighting areas needing improvement . Prioritizing enhancements in areas with poor or fair conditions can directly improve environmental quality and resident satisfaction. It ensures that development efforts focus on creating sustainable and appealing public spaces essential for community wellbeing and ecological health .

The mixed-use zoning approach aligns with contemporary urban design trends that emphasize integration and flexibility, promoting vibrant, diverse, and walkable communities . Benefits include enhanced land use efficiency, increased economic activity, and improved livability. Challenges might include managing diverse stakeholder interests and ensuring infrastructure meets the needs of varied uses. Successfully implementing this approach can create lively urban centers with high community engagement .

The need for additional funding to improve landscaping and green spaces implies that current conditions are inadequate, affecting environmental quality and community wellness. Landscaping improvements are crucial for ecological health, aesthetic appeal, and residents' quality of life. However, the dependence on additional funding indicates potential challenges in budget allocation and prioritization. Securing these funds can lead to significant long-term benefits, like reduced urban heat and increased biodiversity, but requires strategic financial planning and community support .

Neenah Shah, as the Neighborhood Workshop Planner, can facilitate effective community engagement and ensure that resident input is systematically incorporated into the planning process . Pedro Montoya, as the District 8 Representative, can bridge community needs with legislative support, influencing policy adjustments and resource allocation. Both positions are pivotal in ensuring that the project remains aligned with community expectations and political realities, which are crucial for successful implementation and sustainability .

The urban village model enhances community connectivity and sustainability by integrating medium-density housing, mixed-use zoning, and reliable public transit . Medium-density housing provides more living options without compromising historic homes, and mixed-use zoning blends residential, commercial, and cultural spaces to facilitate pedestrian connections. This model reduces reliance on cars and promotes walking and cycling, fostering a more sustainable and connected community .

Public transit in the urban village design reduces reliance on private vehicles, promotes walking and biking, and supports independent mobility for all ages. It is critical to the planning process because it enhances connectivity and sustainability within the neighborhood, making it more accessible and lively. Improved public transit also supports environmental goals by decreasing traffic congestion and emissions, contributing to a healthier urban environment .

Key areas of study include zoning districts, land use, parks and open spaces, public transportation, commercial development, and absentee property owners . These areas impact future development by determining how space is utilized, improving accessibility and sustainability, encouraging economic growth, and addressing issues related to abandoned properties. Focusing on these areas ensures a comprehensive approach to revitalizing the neighborhood .

Designated funding includes street banners, trees, and benches for 2021 and 2022 . These measures contribute to the neighborhood's renovation goals by enhancing aesthetic appeal, promoting environmental health through increased greenery, and providing amenities that improve public spaces, thereby encouraging community engagement and use of shared areas .

The Glenbrook Planning Division engaged residents through an online forum and public engagement experts to solicit suggestions and feedback . These strategies are crucial as they ensure the planning process reflects the needs and desires of the community, fostering resident buy-in and support for the proposed developments. This participatory approach helps to create more effective and sustainable urban planning solutions .

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