June 29, 2010 AYERS SAINT GROSS RCLCO 1
COLLEGE TOWN ACTION PLAN Introduction This Action Plan is the product of: (1) over a dozen public outreach sessions and on-line opportunities designed to assist the College Town Action Plan Working Group of 16 Rock Hill area citizens in tapping a variety of local perspectives to gather suggestions for and comment about the characteristics, concepts, obstacles and opportunities that helped create ideas now included in the plan. (2) a concurrent review by national consultants of related work undertaken over the past several years by Rock Hill to support urban core redevelopment, and conversations with key players in those efforts. (3) continuous consultation between consultants and the Rock Hill working group regarding national best practices among successful college towns and which of those strategies could be appropriate for use in Rock Hill, followed by collaborative review, finetuning and discussion until the overall Proposed CTAP Concept emerged. The success of this Action Plan will rely on the development of local implementation steps necessary to bring these strategies to life, and the willingness of interested area citizens, businesspeople, and organizations especially the City and University -- to do their respective parts to make the Plan a reality. AYERS SAINT GROSS RCLCO 2
Focus Group Summary Safety (street crossings, lighting, traffic speeds) Bicycle Lanes and racks Streetscape aesthetics and building condition Coolness Factor the vibe Programming and Policy (Café cash, event calendar, cultural events, Jump Start Main Street) Get the word out More affiliation with University among Business identify with Winthrop (colors, banners, marketing) More interaction between Winthrop and the Rock Hill community Expand retail and restaurants focus towards students Need to appeal to students and residents Public Transportation (Downtown to Campus people don t want to give up parking space on campus) Blur the boundary between University and the community Create a business friendly environment (zoning, incentives, aesthetics, don t be a burden) AYERS SAINT GROSS RCLCO 3
Existing Condition Winthrop University Textile Corridor Downtown AYERS SAINT GROSS RCLCO 4
Proposed CTAP Concept Create a pedestrian environment along Cherry Road corridor, particularly between Oakland Ave. and the Railroad tracks. Focus a compact minivillage along Camden and Park from Cherry Road to approximately Fairfield. Maintain a consistent building edge that addresses Cherry Road Reduce vehicular traffic speed Widen sidewalks and improve crosswalks Move parking to a consolidated location or when possible to the rear of the buildings Integrate landscaping, lighting and signage Enable pedestrian connectivity through the Winthrop Campus between Cherry Road and the Bleachery. Develop the Bleachery into a neighborhood organized around an urban green corridor (and future trolley route) which connects Cherry Road, Winthrop, and Downtown. Leverage existing buildings as a potential employment node. Orient downtown towards the Bleachery by addressing Dave Lyle Boulevard and White Street pedestrian/bicycle issues. AYERS SAINT GROSS RCLCO 5
COLLEGE TOWN VALUE STATEMENTS BUILT UPON SEVEN KEY PRINCIPLES FOR SUCCESSFUL COLLEGE TOWNS 1. A College Town is Walkable/Bikeable 2. A College Town is Livable 3. A College Town Values Creative Partnerships 4. A College Town has a Distinctive Market Mix 5. A College Town Prepares New Business Start-Ups to Thrive 6. A College Town is Future-Oriented 7. A College Town is Civically Engaged in Advancing its Own Future AYERS SAINT GROSS RCLCO 7
CTAP Action Steps AYERS SAINT GROSS RCLCO 8
Improve Quality of Life and Encourage Investment AYERS SAINT GROSS RCLCO 9
A College Town is Walkable/Bikeable IMPROVE SAFETY AND PEDESTRIAN ACCESS ALONG CHERRY ROAD Cherry Road currently has many issues associated with safety and pedestrian access. These issues combine to create a major physical barrier and psychological deterrent that impedes the movement of students and faculty/staff across Cherry Road from campus, thus limiting a university-oriented retail opportunity. The overall physical condition of this corridor is negatively impacting the University s recruitment efforts. Lasting impacts can be made with a targeted investment. This would include things such as better signalization, crosswalk striping, landscaping, banner signage, lighting, minor traffic calming elements such as pavers, etc. A prioritized list includes: Sidewalks (add new and enhance existing) Crosswalks (add new and enhance existing) Lighting Bicycle Lanes Landscaping Traffic calming elements Signage and banners Long-term improvements should include burying the power lines and constructing a green median. When: Near-term and Long-term AYERS SAINT GROSS RCLCO 10
A College Town is Walkable/Bikeable INCREASE BIKE ACCESS TO AND FROM THE WINTHROP CAMPUS Support the development of bike friendly routes leading to and from Winthrop. Connect with existing bike paths throughout Rock Hill. Currently there are very few, if any, bike lanes available in the area around Winthrop and downtown. Winthrop has made efforts to promote bicycling by increasing the amount of available bike racks on campus. Making the bicycle a safe and convenient mode of travel will strengthen connections throughout the College Town study area. Identify streets for dedicated bike lanes and shared right of ways Shared ROW less than 3,000 cars per day Explore a dedicated bicycle lane on Cherry Road between Richmond Dr. and Constitution Blvd. Shared lane arrow narrow streets & lower speeds (< 35 mph) The addition of highly visible bike racks throughout the study area will be a visual cue to promote trips between the campus and downtown Study a bike-sharing program Use route maps and signage to promote Rock Hill as a bike friendly city When: Phased AYERS SAINT GROSS RCLCO 11
A College Town is Livable PROMOTE REINVESTMENT IN EXISTING NEIGHBORHOODS Many of the neighborhoods surrounding the Winthrop campus and downtown Rock Hill are suffering from disinvestment. There are multiple renter-occupied homes with absentee landlords who have let properties deteriorate over time. This has an overall negative effect on the neighborhoods and the physical condition of these areas can be a deterrent to students and faculty/staff at Winthrop who may otherwise desire to live in campus proximate areas. Property owner reinvestment is also stymied by current taxation practices. Residential improvements trigger dramatically higher assessments, particularly for rental properties, discouraging investment. The immediate increase in taxes based on new assessments, is very rarely equal to the immediate rental rate premium. Continue to be pro-active towards Code Enforcement Revisit the idea of landlord registration and permit parking Addressing this issue will require working with York County to examine existing taxation practices and perhaps create a tax rebate program College Town district. Modifications to taxing practice could include: Allow for a three year phase-in period for raised assessments on improved properties Five year abatement of taxes for purchased and renovated properties, as long as the total cost of renovation is greater than 50% of the current appraised value of improvements Possibly a more feasible option would be to work with the City Council to develop a tax rebate program that could be available to investors who are upgrading properties within the study area. When: Near-term AYERS SAINT GROSS RCLCO 12
A College Town is Livable SUPPORT AND UNIFY DEVELOPMENT IN THE CHERRY ROAD VILLAGE AND CORRIDOR Create a Cherry Road village and corridor district that promotes urban development, enables a vibrant pedestrian environment, and collectively leverages the interests of the various property owners. It is critical that the mission of the district is to the benefit of the property owners. Establish a district that promotes the development of a vibrant pedestrian oriented district. Reduce the parking requirements within the zone Reduce setbacks allowing buildings to front the street and maximize the density on the site Encourage cafes, terraces and street sidewalk displays in the front of buildings Promote a mix of uses Allow more flexibility in site design Provide simple urban guidelines that promote and develop a coherent sense of place within the village and the Cherry Road corridor. Support unifying themes, branding and marketing, such as banners and signage. Pro-actively enforce codes An Overlay Zone is one means of implementation. Steps include: Engaging the property owners to establish the purpose of the District Identifying areas that should be included Developing clear rules that apply to the District When: Medium-term AYERS SAINT GROSS RCLCO 13
A College Town is Livable ENTICE FACULTY AND STAFF TO LIVE CLOSER TO CAMPUS The faculty and staff at Winthrop express a desire to purchase or rent housing that is proximate to campus. Currently, a large percentage of this group lives outside of the College Town study area. Part of the reason they are not living near campus now is the poorly perceived physical condition of many nearby neighborhoods and their housing stock. Housing in higher-end neighborhoods, particularly Eden Terrace, is unaffordable to a large segment of this population. Promoting this goal will result in a stronger College Town community as faculty/staff members become invested in the future of not just the campus but also the surrounding neighborhoods. University-sponsored programs that assist faculty/staff with home purchases close to campus: Down payment assistance can be provided under a shared equity scenario (faculty/staff member shares risk/reward on real estate investment with the University) Loan guarantees for particular faculty/staff members who want to buy a home close to campus (Winthrop becomes the co-signer on the loan and can help the buyer achieve preferred loan terms) Overall neighborhood revitalization issues will be addressed by other action steps When: Medium-term and Long-term AYERS SAINT GROSS RCLCO 14
Expand Business and Economic Development AYERS SAINT GROSS RCLCO 15
A College Town Prepares New Business Start-Ups to Thrive CREATE COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT PROGRAM FOR START-UP BUSINESSES Several City and University resources exist to support start-up businesses. For the most part, these focus on front-end counseling and solutions (e.g., creation of business plan, ensuring code compliance, etc.). Many new businesses also require real-time consulting on day-to-day business operations. This includes such tasks as marketing, physical configuration and layout, inventory control, etc. Historically, many businesses have failed not from a lack of market for their product(s), but because of poor marketing/exposure, poor management, inadequate merchandising, unsustainable lease terms and/or the unappealing physical configurations and layout in their spaces. Retailer Support Center Collaborative effort between City and University. Can build off existing efforts of Winthrop s Small Business Development Center and the City s Open for Business program, to better support local businesses and enhance educational opportunities for students. Offer on-site consultation to retailers (existing and start-ups) Create a storefront presence downtown to increase visibility and let people know that Rock Hill is open for business Offer business owners technical, financial, and operational advice based on industry best practices. Create long-term relationships with opportunities for ongoing counseling. Similar to Cambridge, MA, program which looks to improve businesses interior appearances, operations, and marketing through direct education and mediation. When: Near-term AYERS SAINT GROSS RCLCO 16
A College Town Prepares New Business Start-Ups to Thrive ACTIVELY ENCOURAGE MUTUAL SUPPORT BETWEEN WINTHROP COMMUNITY & LOCAL BUSINESSES Successful college towns encourage businesses that cater to students and foster a unique identity that aligns with the University. Actively encourage students, faculty and staff to further support local business. The City and University can form a strong collaborative relationship with the goal of creating a true College Town identity that strongly intertwines the University with the surrounding community. Encourage new media marketing by retailers to on-campus populations/students. Expansion of campus cash program to include nearby off-campus businesses. Promotes student retail spending in college town and on campus Convenient and safe form of payment Retailers promote specials through account management website Parents can control how student money is spent Offers the students more variety and flexible hours Work with College Town area and downtown businesses to offer discounts and other special promotions for University students, faculty and staff Collaborate in creating a shared college town identity that links the University and the community When: Near-term AYERS SAINT GROSS RCLCO 17
A College Town has a Distinctive Market Mix SEED THE RETAIL TENANT BASE TO GAIN CRITICAL MASS Making College Town a more vibrant retail destination is a prerequisite for many of the desired outcomes from the Action Plan. Attracting just three or four quality tenants in key categories to strategic locations (e.g. the Cherry Road transformational development) can help the area gain the critical mass that will allow the market to function normally on its own. 1. Use targeted list of potential retailers (both locally, regionally, and nationally) whose demographic and physical space requirements match those in the College Town area Successful independent businesses already established in the Charlotte area will be particularly compelling for the creation of a truly unique College Town environment City and local business advocates can create a compelling business proposition ( pitch packet ) highlighting unique market opportunities (available space that meets their needs, demographics, student spending patterns, etc.) and shop this to targeted tenants. It may be useful to enlist the services and knowledge of an experienced Charlotte retail broker when developing this pitch packet 2. City and/or RHEDC can facilitate the leasing of a small number of storefronts at strategic locations Educate landlords on benefits of performance-based rents. These will lessen the risks faced by new retailers and allow them to mature and evolve in place with less financial strain. The upside benefit for the landlord, is a stable long-term tenant. When: Near-term and Medium-term AYERS SAINT GROSS RCLCO 18
RETAIL TARGET TENANTS CATEGORY 1: Successful Home Grown Regionally-Based Businesses Name Type Current Location(s) Cantina 1511 Full-service Mexican Dilworth, Ballantyne Phat Burrito Limited-service Burrito South End Dilworth Coffee Independent Coffee House 11 Regional Locations (including one in York Co.) Owens Bagel & Deli Bagel Shop & Deli South End Luigi s Pizza Pizza Dilworth, Arrowood, Ballantyne Hawthorne s Pizza Pizza Elizabeth, Huntersville, South Park, Mint Hill Jackalope Jack s Bar & Grill Elizabeth Philosphers Stone Tavern Bar & Grill Elizabeth Press Wine Bar Restaurant Fourth Ward These are successful and growing businesses with a proven track record. They are highly regarded within the Charlotte area, particularly among younger market audiences. These independent operators are more likely to understand the unique market proposition of College Town Rock Hill and, given their lack of hard-coded corporate site selection criteria, they are more likely to take a chance on emerging underserved retail areas such as College Town. Their presence in the area would go a long way toward creating a unique and exciting environment for students and residents alike. AYERS SAINT GROSS RCLCO 19
RETAIL TARGET TENANTS CATEGORY 2: National Credit Tenants w/ Proven Track Record in University Setting Name Type Current Location(s) Caribou Coffee Coffee Shop Nationwide The Noodle Company Fast Casual Nationwide Chipotle Mexican Grill Fast Casual Nationwide Marble Slab Creamery Ice Cream Nationwide Chick-Fil-A Fast Food Southeast Jason s Deli Fast Casual Southeast Mellow Mushroom Pizza Southeast FedEx Office Printing/Shipping/Copying Nationwide NOTE: Chain tenants are more likely to choose a Cherry Road location given the higher traffic counts and visibility. These types of tenants will also prefer newer space or existing space that is easily customizable to their desired store formats. AYERS SAINT GROSS RCLCO 20
Create a Framework for Action AYERS SAINT GROSS RCLCO 21
A College Town is Future-Oriented CREATE OPPORTUNITIES ON THE WINTHROP CAMPUS TO ENGAGE THE COMMUNITY The most successful college towns have a vibrant mix of people and activities. This includes allowing the cross-pollination of different groups (e.g., students, senior citizens, local residents, office workers, faculty/staff, etc.). This is typically achieved because the host institution (i.e., University) takes an activist role in their surrounding community in a variety of ways. Winthrop is active in this regard currently (e.g., athletic facilities are shared with community) but there are opportunities to increase this further. Winthrop can actively encourage students, faculty and staff to further engage as part of the Rock Hill community by allowing the community to engage the Campus. This will allow the Community and University to form a strong collaborative relationship with the goal of creating a true College Town identity that strongly intertwines the University with the surrounding community. Winthrop can make additional on-campus facilities open to the community on certain days/times. Opportunities to engage the community include: Learning Festivals Arts and entertainment Recreation and leisure Winthrop-sponsored day of service in areas near campus Supplement traditional media with direct media - link Winthrop website to sites like www.onlyinoldtown.com The City and University can co-sponsor off-campus programmed events such as concerts, arts shows, etc. Engage students in planning for concerts and special events that would appeal to the University community. When: Near-term and Long-term AYERS SAINT GROSS RCLCO 22
A College Town is Future-Oriented INITIATE DEVELOPMENT OF A TRANSFORMATIVE PROJECT ALONG CHERRY ROAD Privately sponsored development that will jumpstart a desired College Town retail experience along Cherry Road is not likely to be imminent and if new development does occur, it may be a newer version of the low-density autooriented land use pattern that already exists. Winthrop and the City have the opportunity to catalyze such development as the anchor to the village concept. While not in a position to act as developer, they can accelerate and guide this process by gaining control of key land parcels (Cherry Road at the intersections of Camden, Ebenezer and Park) and directly engage with a development partner willing to implement with a shared vision. 1. Purchase, or take long-term leases, on key parcels. Plan, entitle, and then lease the land to an experienced developer (e.g., Cousins Properties, Childress Klein, Crescent Resources). The University and City can dictate the type of development they would like to see on the site (e.g., six to eight storefronts of sales tax generating university-oriented retailers). Such a lease should be performance- based to reduce developer risk and provide some control of retailer selection and programming of the project s open space. 2. An alternative approach is to act more as a facilitator and seek out a developer who could buy into the vision and acquire the land by themselves, but this approach means that there will be a large upfront investment for any developer and Winthrop and/or the City loses some control over the look and feel, as well as the timing of any development at the corner. 3. Reduce parking burden of anyone choosing to develop the corner by creating a shared parking scenario with the parking deck planned as part of the University s capital improvements. 4. City can create a City-only TIF District within the Cherry Road area to increase likelihood of new development 5. Explore creative financing ideas outlined in action plan When: Medium-term (after/during corridor improvements) AYERS SAINT GROSS RCLCO 23
A College Town is Future-Oriented DEVELOP THE BLEACHERY INTO AN IN-TOWN NEIGHBORHOOD Progress is being made with the recent agreement regarding remediation of the Bleachery. As the real estate markets recover, the City will be in a favorable position to partner with a master developer capable of executing a new in-town, medium-density mixed-use neighborhood that enhances connectivity between the University and the Community. The mix of uses should include a variety of housing types, an employment node that leverages existing building structures, and a small amount of neighborhood retail. Once demolition and remediation is complete, and the markets stabilize, the City could issue an RFP for the development of Bleachery site, with detailed parameters already established as to program and public amenities. Within any such agreement, the City can also stipulate that resulting development on the site should include a certain mix of uses that will be employment generators for the College Town area. The City should consider joint venturing the land, participating in the project profitability, and thus maintaining some control of key aesthetic, place-making, and public benefit elements of the plan. A final land plan, negotiated with a development partner, should allow for increasing density over time, with sites set aside for commercial activity, desired open space, and transportation elements that foster University/Downtown connectivity. When: Phased AYERS SAINT GROSS RCLCO 24
A College Town is Future-Oriented SUPPORT AND PLAN FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION OPPORTUNITIES There is currently no public transit option in Rock Hill. To some degree, this inhibits access to downtown. It is important that the College Town Action Plan both anticipates and promotes transportation initiatives that connect the campus and downtown. Support both near and long-term opportunities In the near-term collaborate on the provision of transportation for students and the community to attend events and activities off campus. This would be a rubber tire bus route to enhance connectivity between the University and Main Street at select times. In the long-term both the University and City should continue to support other initiatives that will further strengthen public transportation options and generate economic development. The Trolley is being studied. It is important that the route both engage and connect Cherry Road Village, Winthrop s Campus, the Bleachery, and Main Street. This route could be the focal point for the Bleachery redevelopment taking the form of a green corridor that integrates pedestrian, vehicular, transportation, and bicycle routes. When: Medium-term and long-term AYERS SAINT GROSS RCLCO 25
A College Town Values Creative Partnerships CREATE POOLED PRIVATE BANKING FUND FOR COLLEGE TOWN PROJECTS Many local banks have not been actively involved/invested in the redevelopment of the area encompassing the College Town study area. If a method of pooling funds for risk sharing in investments were available, regional and local banks might participate more willingly. This would increase the pool and lower the cost of capital available for investments in College Town neighborhoods. The City/Rock Hill Economic Development Corporation (RHEDC) and other representatives of the local business community will work with various local banks and regional banks to coordinate this facilitation and explain the benefits of such an arrangement to each of the banks. This will take a targeted and well thought out marketing effort. Regional banks with CRA requirements (assets greater than $250m) will be more likely to take part and should be specifically targeted. Specifically, this tool can be used to increase the financial viability of those development or redevelopment sites in the area that may otherwise be viewed as too risk prone by the larger banking community (who presumably does not have as extensive of a working knowledge of the local community). This added funding pool can work to cover the funding gap that many developer s have expressed is a challenge related to the development of new real estate in the College Town area. When: Near-term to medium-term AYERS SAINT GROSS RCLCO 26
A College Town Values Creative Partnerships CREATE A PARTNERSHIP TO ESTABLISH A UNIVERSITY PRESENCE DOWNTOWN Winthrop does not currently have a visible presence in downtown Rock Hill. Establishing this presence will better integrate the Rock Hill community and Winthrop University. Winthrop can partner with the City to strategically locate some existing functions as well as new activities in highly visible storefront locations, and in office space above Main Street. The City can work with Winthrop and landlords to achieve favorable rental terms. Potential functions can include: Small Business Development Center Move select arts programs/studio space downtown (this will help enhance the art culture of downtown and expose students to a creative environment of other practicing artists. University-sponsored gallery space to showcase student/faculty work (can include a working studio space) Student-led community tutoring center (run through teaching college) Computer education center (run through CIS program at business school) Professor-led public lectures series in downtown event space York Tech can also become involved in creating a University presence downtown. This multi-institutional approach is favorable. York Tech is currently working with a locally-based technology company on an educational apprentice concept. This is a apprenticeship program aimed at web design students. This will be hosted at the company s downtown offices and is a for-credit program administered by York Tech. This is a good example of integration of the local private sector and a school. The College Town will benefit from this mixing of audiences and increased traffic downtown. When: Medium-term AYERS SAINT GROSS RCLCO 27
A College Town is Civically Engaged in Advancing its Own Future IDENTIFY POTENTIAL PUBLIC POLICY TOOLS AND FINANCING INSTRUMENTS There are a variety of public policy tools and financing instruments that can be implemented to help drive change in the College Town area and help implement the action steps set forth in this document. Financing of all action steps will require a mix of creative public financing tools and some private outlays. Working in partnership the City and University will have much more success with grant programs and other funding entities. City-only Tax Increment Financing District on Cherry Road New Market Tax Credits combined with Renewable Energy Tax Credits (SC has its own unique allocation) College Town area qualifies for use of New Market Tax Credits Any 501c3 organization can become the Community Development Entity (CDE) applying for these Need to partner with a for-profit entity (such as a developer) who can purchase the tax credits This is used for providing capital for construction and operating expenses of new buildings Must be income-producing property 80% of income from new building must come from non-residential uses Can also be used for parks and trees as part of a new development If renewable energy sources are built on site (e.g., solar panels) there is opportunity to recoup even more capital through the Renewable Energy Tax Credit Investigate federal Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds and Facility Bonds Issued by each state and county before January 1, 2011 Federal Transportation Administration grant programs for support of public transportation initiatives (through SAFETEA-LU) Available to public bodies Use of existing small business loans for new retailers through the Catawba Regional Development Corporation Seek funding from a broad range of entities including corporations, foundations, and governmental entities (this could represent a funding source for smaller initiatives) - Jointly pursue grant programs When: Near-term and Long-term AYERS SAINT GROSS RCLCO 28
A College Town is Civically Engaged in Advancing its Own Future NEXT STEPS While implementation of the CTAP will rely largely on the day-to-day work of City and University staff, it also will need the support of community members over time to be fully realized. City and University staff should develop an implementation plan detailing tasks to be carried out in fulfillment of the action plan strategies. Several individuals on the CTAP Working Group have already expressed a desire to participate in championing the implementation of the plan over time. An Advocates for College Town (ACT) group interested in championing the plan implementation could be formed that draws from the Working Group, other stakeholders and property owners who are interested in the success of the plan. The Advocates for College Town group s role will be to support moving the plan forward and encouraging support as needed from other stakeholders, community members, students, faculty and staff and local businesses. When: Near-term AYERS SAINT GROSS RCLCO 29
Action Steps Near-term Medium term Long term Create an Advisory Group to champion implementation Partner to pursue potential public policy tools and financing instruments Improve safety and pedestrian access along Cherry Road Work with DOT to identify a more pedestrian oriented street section Improve signalization, crosswalk striping, landscaping, banner signage, lighting, minor traffic calming Bury power lines and construct a green median Actively encourage mutual support between Winthrop community and local business Encourage new media marketing by retailers to on-campus populations/students Expansion of campus cash program to include nearby off-campus businesses Work with area businesses to offer discounts and special promotions for students, faculty and staff Collaborate in creating a shared college town identity that links the University and the community Create a pooled private banking fund for College Town projects Create opportunities on the Winthrop campus to engage the community Identify additional on-campus facilities that could be open to the community on certain days/times Winthrop sponsors day of service in areas near campus Engage students in planning for concerts & special events that would appeal to the University community Promote reinvestment in existing neighborhoods Continue to be pro-active towards Code Enforcement Work with York County to examine existing taxation practices (revisit when economy improves) Explore the creation of a tax rebate program Develop the Bleachery into an in-town Neighborhood Increase bike access to and from the Winthrop Campus Identify streets for dedicated bike lanes and shared right of ways (Bicycle Study) Introduce highly visible bike racks throughout the study area Implement Bike lanes (phased process) Use route maps and signage to promote Rock Hill as a bike friendly city Support and unify development in the Cherry Road Village and corridor Explore the creation an College Town overlay zone Engage the property owners to establish the purpose of the District Identify areas that should be included Develop clear rules that apply to the district Create a comprehensive support program for start-up businesses Collaborative effort between City and University to better support local businesses Create a Retail Support Center storefront presence downtown to increase visibility Offer business owners technical, financial, and operational advice Seed the retail tenant base to gain critical mass Collaborate to develop a compelling business proposition & reach out to a targeted list of potential retailers Facilitate the leasing of a small number of storefronts at strategic locations Create a partnership to establish a University presence downtown Identify University functions that benefit students and community with a downtown location Partner with the City to strategically locate these functions Initiate development of a transformative project along Cherry Road Explore options for stimulating a development project Support and plan for public transportation opportunities Collaborate on the provision of transportation to events and activities Support the implementation of the planned trolley route Entice faculty and staff to live closer to campus Develop a University-sponsored program to assist faculty/staff with home purchases close to campus AYERS SAINT GROSS RCLCO 30 Improve Quality of Life Expand Business and Economic Development Create a Framework for Action
Action Steps Near-term Medium term Long term Create an Advisory Group to champion implementation Partner to pursue potential public policy tools and financing instruments Improve safety and pedestrian access along Cherry Road Work with DOT to identify a more pedestrian oriented street section Improve signalization, crosswalk striping, landscaping, banner signage, lighting, minor traffic calming Bury power lines and construct a green median Actively encourage mutual support between Winthrop community and local business Encourage new media marketing by retailers to on-campus populations/students Expansion of campus cash program to include nearby off-campus businesses Work with area businesses to offer discounts and special promotions for students, faculty and staff Collaborate in creating a shared college town identity that links the University and the community Create a pooled private banking fund for College Town projects Create opportunities on the Winthrop campus to engage the community Identify additional on-campus facilities that could be open to the community on certain days/times Winthrop sponsors day of service in areas near campus Engage students in planning for concerts & special events that would appeal to the University community Promote reinvestment in existing neighborhoods Continue to be pro-active towards Code Enforcement Work with York County to examine existing taxation practices (revisit when economy improves) Explore the creation of a tax rebate program Develop the Bleachery into an in-town Neighborhood Increase bike access to and from the Winthrop Campus Identify streets for dedicated bike lanes and shared right of ways (Bicycle Study) Introduce highly visible bike racks throughout the study area Implement Bike lanes (phased process) Use route maps and signage to promote Rock Hill as a bike friendly city Support and unify development in the Cherry Road Village and corridor Explore the creation an College Town overlay zone Engage the property owners to establish the purpose of the District Identify areas that should be included Develop clear rules that apply to the district Create a comprehensive support program for start-up businesses Collaborative effort between City and University to better support local businesses Create a Retail Support Center storefront presence downtown to increase visibility Offer business owners technical, financial, and operational advice Seed the retail tenant base to gain critical mass Collaborate to develop a compelling business proposition & reach out to a targeted list of potential retailers Facilitate the leasing of a small number of storefronts at strategic locations Create a partnership to establish a University presence downtown Identify University functions that benefit students and community with a downtown location Partner with the City to strategically locate these functions Initiate development of a transformative project along Cherry Road Explore options for stimulating a development project Support and plan for public transportation opportunities Collaborate on the provision of transportation to events and activities Support the implementation of the planned trolley route Entice faculty and staff to live closer to campus Develop a University-sponsored program to assist faculty/staff with home purchases close to campus AYERS SAINT GROSS RCLCO 31 Improve Quality of Life Expand Business and Economic Development Create a Framework for Action
June 29, 2010 AYERS SAINT GROSS RCLCO 32