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DOWNTOWN
FLUSHING PEDESTRIAN PROJECT: TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM
III (ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE HISTORIC
SITES ENHANCEMENT PROJECT)
Executive
Summary
Flushing
is a vibrant community fortunate to possess
a rich heritage. In its midst are numerous historic
sites which help tell the story of Flushing's
past. These sites can also play a greater role
in Flushing's present and can add to the area's
visibility and vitality. With matching federal-city
funds, the Historic Sites Enhancement Project
(Enhancement Project) will highlight historic
sites and implement streetscape and pedestrian
safety improvements. The proposed measures will
more fully integrate historic sites into the
fabric of Downtown Flushing and improve pedestrian
access to the individual sites.
The
Enhancement Project will emphasize the historic
sites and develop a single historic trail with
a safe pedestrian route. Flushing's history
will be better represented in the public realm.
These measures should strengthen a sense of
place in Flushing, increase resident and tourist
satisfaction and facilitate the use of amenities
in the area.
Streetscape
improvements would include distinctive paving,
lighting and signage, distinguishing the trail
and historic sites from surrounding streets
and structures. Paving patterns, decorative
fencing and plantings could reflect the history
of Flushing and the district's physical form
and character. All urban design elements would
be coordinated with existing streetscape elements,
however, to avoid a jarring visual discontinuity
within the larger downtown core.
A
comprehensive sign program with a distinctive,
visually memorable logotype could establish
a clear, new image for Flushing. Directional
and orientation signs and historic site markers
could guide pedestrians efficiently and safely
along the trail route to the historic sites
and to other important locations. Orientation
signs, located at major pedestrian origin/destination
points, would include an area-wide map of Downtown
Flushing.
Traffic
management measures, such as marked crosswalks,
sidewalk and corner widenings, adjusted signal
timings and pedestrian barriers/separators,
would ease congestion and increase pedestrian
safety, especially at intersections. Improved
pedestrian access and circulation in Downtown
Flushing should lessen dependence on automobiles.
These
opportunities are being discussed with other
city agencies, elected officials, Community
Board #7, a community advisory committee, and
the Flushing Local Development Corporation.
Because of budget limitations, all the potential
improvements reviewed in this memorandum may
not be implemented. The recommendations for
this project will be coordinated with those
for the 37th and 39th Avenues Improvement Project
and lead to a comprehensive conceptual design.
Return
to the Downtown Flushing
Pedestrian Project: Technical Memorandum I
publication excerpt.
View the Downtown Flushing
Pedestrian Project: Technical Memorandum II
publication excerpt.
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