NEXTSTEPS for Downtown, a new service from the community planning firm Birchler Arroyo Associates, Inc. (BA) offers communities an opportunity to improve downtown areas. NEXTSTEPS provides honest observations that describe how a downtown environment could be even better. BA will conduct an intensive assessment that includes a walking tour of downtown and informal conversations with stakeholders. BA’s professional planners will consider how the following affect the quality of downtown:
Streetscape:
Parking: How does on- and off-street parking serve the downtown? Are parking areas convenient, safe and well lit?
Buildings: How does the architecture, massing and facades contribute to downtown character?
Circulation:
Signage: How are businesses communicating to the public? What do the signs say about the downtown environment?
Land Use: How does the mix of uses, locations of civic functions and vacant buildings add to the vibrancy of downtown?
Utilities: Where are overhead utility lines? How does the availability of infrastructure impact downtown development?
According to Vice President Rodney L. Arroyo, "We will develop specific short- and long-term strategies (i.e., next steps) for downtown based on input from stakeholders and the observations of our experienced, objective professionals. A series of best practices will be included as a reference document for officials, business owners and others active in downtown planning and promotion."
The NEXTSTEPS process is designed to provide communities with a downtown assessment and action strategies within 30 days of a site visit by the team. The fast turnaround time and user-friendly format are intended to generate excitement and momentum that leads to downtown revitalization and enhancement.
About Birchler Arroyo Associates, Inc.
Birchler Arroyo Associates, Inc. is a community planning and transportation consulting firm based in Lathrup Village, Michigan. The firm is celebrating its 20th year of providing innovative consulting services to municipalities, private developers, and institutions. Services offered include master plans, downtown plans, recreations plans, transportation plans, zoning codes, shared parking, traffic studies, and public input.
