RIVERFRONT DISTRICT PLAN
Vision Statement
New development in the Riverfront District would include the town owned Dolan property and the Wawasee owned elementary school corridor that will allow maximize public access to Turkey Creek and
help to create high-quality recreational and economic development opportunities. New development will emphasize uses that are enhanced by waterfront (Turkey Cre
ek) and consistent with local architecture and character. Within the Town of Syracuse, the waterfront will be attractive, accessible, walkable, and culturally vibrant, benefiting from and enhancing the quality of life inherent in a small town. Goal
The long term goal is to establish waterfront public access along the Dolan property, owned by the Town of Syracuse, with development of a cultural arts center at the elementary school that is owned by the Wawasee School District. The following are principals in which a comprehensive structure will be considered for future waterfront activities and initiatives in the Riverfront District. The Riverfront Revitalization Plan addresses the following issues:
• Enhancing opportunities for public access to water-based recreation
• Revitalizing North Main Street and Dolan Drive and underutilized commercial and residential properties
• Developing efficient pedestrian friendly transportation access
• Providing for enhanced cultural and artistic opportunities along with preservation of historic resources
• Growth management and protection of community character and quality of life. This Riverfront Revitalization Plan is a voluntary, grass roots effort which brings together local government, commerce and industry, environmental interests and private organizations to assess current opportunities and constraints and to build a consensus on the desired future of the Riverfront District. More importantly, this Riverfront Revitalization Plan provides a strategy for achieving that vision and for managing local resources. Decision makers will then be able to respond with increased knowledge and purpose to future events affecting the Riverfront District area and to actively pursue an agreed upon program. One of the components of such programs is the identification of long-term uses along the Riverfront District and specific projects for implementation. These uses and projects, in conjunction with an established management program, can significantly increase a community's ability to attract development activities that will best take advantage of the unique cultural and natural characteristics of the Riverfront District. There are underutilized parcels in the Riverfront District that present redevelopment opportunities and opportunities for public access to waterfront development. In particular, the Town parcel on the east bank of Turkey Creek, adjacent to downtown commercial development and residential development and the elementary school on the west side of Turkey Creek. Opportunities
The project should begin with improvements to the approach of the Dolan property. Enhanced features might include a gazebo, fencing, parking, banners or a sitting area with picnic and barbecue facilities. As a publicly owned property, the Dolan property may provide opportunities in which this this site could be the location of a formal launch site for launching small non-motorized watercraft equipped with a canoe/kayak rack. The route would end at some point (farmer’s field, Milford). Designated locational signage would be installed along the creek that would highlight points of interest or activity such as recreation areas, special or unique ecological areas, cultural venues and business establishments such as eating and drinking establishments and retail shops. If a destination site is not already publicly owned, land acquisition, which can be facilitated by purchase by the Town, may be required. Another potential benefit of developing this parcel as a water launch site, includes the potential to enhance the bird watching experience. The development of a “Bird Guide” of local birds, their habitats and locations where they may be seen in Syracuse would create another recreational activity that promotes an appreciation and education of wildlife in the Syracuse-Wawasee area. A second phase may include landscaping and installation of amenities such as benches, bicycle racks, informational kiosks and parking areas. The town would employ and promote sound land management practices that preserve rural character, conserve open space and protect natural resources. Limiting non-point source pollution would be addressed by reducing or eliminating the introduction of materials which may contribute to non-point source pollution; avoiding activities that would increase storm water runoff; controlling and managing storm water runoff; retaining or establishing riparian areas and vegetated buffers; providing soil stabilization; and preserving natural hydrologic conditions through maintenance of natural water surface flows, retainage of natural watercourses and drainage systems. Protection of important and unique wildlife habitats found along Turkey Creek and the Syracuse Cultural Arts Center will be supported through education and research. Working with the Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District staff, WACF? and perhaps local high school students, Syracuse can introduce the public to environmental characteristics of the Creek through interpretive signage at public access points. It is important for there to be good access to downtown Syracuse for residents and guests using a proposed Syracuse Cultural Arts Center (old elementary school) which represents a great opportunity for new cross-connection waterfront recreation via a pedestrian footbridge over Turkey Creek from the proposed Syracuse Cultural Arts Center to the Town owned Dolan Drive property. Development of the elementary school for more active community usage is important. Finding ways to promote the cultural arts would be a step forward. The project will bring artists and arts related organizations and businesses together to share their talents and connection. There is an opportunity for artists, artisans, actors, writers and musicians to mingle with galleries, theaters and publishers. The project could include a series of learning events. Each of the events will focus on one of five arts areas: visual, artisan, theater, music or literary. Presenters will include artists and entrepreneurs that will provide a great opportunity for them to share and learn from each other. A limited number of the participants will be selected for demonstrations and a juried process that may lead to presentation or promotion of their art. A potential benefit in developing this area is to revitalize and strengthen the local economy by encouraging the development and redevelopment of waterfront properties into an appropriate mix of uses and densities that are compatible with the waterfront district. Successful strategies for encouraging mixed use development include the provision of zoning regulations that allow for flexible mixed use scenarios as well as financial assistance programs such as low interest loans and grants for housing rehabilitation, main street revitalization and small business development. Syracuse currently supports a farmer’s market and other agricultural stands. These are all good tourism programs and also support local farms. The Syracuse elementary school has been identified as a possible Cultural Arts Center on the waterfront. Identified through the visioning process as of importance is the need to better showcase Syracuse’s historic and cultural resources. The cultural arts center may include an interpretive center for Syracuse’s history, Syracuse-Wawasee Museum, gallery space for local artisans, and an outdoor amphitheater for performances. The community should also attempt to showcase the unique relationship between the local economy – both past and present – and the environment in which it is located. In conclusion, the Riverfront District Revitalization Plan identifies those opportunities, particularly as part of a mixed-use project such as a cultural or retail establishment as ideal uses for underutilized sites to maximize the community benefit. The economic vitality of a community’s “Main Street” commercial district and the promotion of small business development are critical components of a successful Riverfront District development strategy. “Main Streets” provide the services necessary to enhance the visitor experience (accommodations, food service, entertainment, shopping, etc.). Attractive storefronts and pedestrian friendly streetscapes significantly improve the character and sense of place of the downtown commercial district. These actions include updating the existing zoning and incorporating new tools for creating public access to the waterfront; attracting mixed-use revitalization projects in the Riverfront District while protecting the community’s historic character; protecting the waterfront as a natural resource; and protecting the town’s recreation character by protecting open space. In the Riverfront District, a mix of uses is recommended that serve residents and tourists at a scale and architecture that is compatible with the Town of Syracuse which will provide more public access to the waterfront. The Town supports the continuation of an open space policy that will establish abundant public access and waterfront protection.
