Roosevelt - Sustainable Long Island

SEEKING
A SHARED VISION
FOR ROOSEVELT
April 25-29, 2002
PRESENTED TO:
THOMAS R. SUOZZI
Nassau County Executive
PETER SYLVER
Deputy County Executive
RICHARD V. GUARDINO, JR.
Supervisor
Thomas R. Suozzi
Richard V. Guardino, Jr.
Town of Hempstead
Nassau County Executive
Supervisor, Town of Hempstead
Submitted by:
SUSTAINABLE LONG ISLAND
33 Gerard Street
Huntington, New York 11743
Patrick Duggan, Executive Director
Acknowledgements
Sustainable Long Island would like to acknowledge the leadership of:
Nassau County
Hon. Thomas R. Suozzi
Town of Hempstead
Hon. Richard V. Guardino, Jr.
Deputy County Executive Peter Sylver
Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby
Deputy County Executive Hezekiah Brown
Commissioner Curtis Fisher
Nassau County Legislator Kevan Abrahams
Commissioner Raymond Rhoden
Nassau County Office of Minority Affairs
Lorne Birch, Town of Hempstead
George Siberon, Executive Director
Planning & Economic Development
Nassau County Police Department
Alan Thompson, Hempstead
Nassau County Office of Housing &
Planning & Economic Development
Intergovernmental Affairs
Town of Hempstead Senior Services
Community Contributions
African American Media Network
American Legion Bugle Corps
Big Papas Soul Food Restaurant
Community Journal
Island Sun Restaurant
I Support Roosevelt
Ketsugen Karate Institute
Lenore’s Catering Service
Memorial Presbyterian Church
Memorial Economic Development Corporation
Memorial Youth Outreach
Metro Plaza Pharmacy
McDonald’s
Naomi AME Zion Temple
Roosevelt Family Development Center
Roosevelt Girl Scouts
Roosevelt Chamber of Commerce
Roosevelt School District, Horace Williams, Superintendent of Schools
Roosevelt Weed & Seed
Walkable Communities
Western Beef
Special Thanks
Daphne Adedeji
Lorette Farris
Robert Gaskin
Edwina Greene
L. Johnson, Stewart Group
Laverne White
KeySpan Foundation
Roosevelt Clergy, Roosevelt Childcare & Youth Service Providers, Roosevelt Business & Property Owners,
and the entire Roosevelt community
RCGA Architects
Roosevelt Revitalization Task Force
Insight Communications
For More Information Contact Sustainable Long Island @ www.sustainableli.org
Roosevelt Community Visioning April 25-29, 2002
Design Workshop held
on April 27,2002
Over 200
community
members
gather to
discuss the
Vision for
Nassau Road
Outreach workers
at the Roosevelt
office
Roosevelt Community Visioning April 25-29, 2002
A press conference
introduced the media to the
partnership between Nassau
County, the Town of
Hempstead and Sustainable
Long Island.
Roosevelt
received 2
weeks of
positive print
and visual
media coverage
in the New York
Times,
Newsday, Point
of View,
Community
Journal, The
Beacon, local
Pennysaver
papers, News 55
and News 12.
Roosevelt Community Visioning April 25-29, 2002
Roosevelt Community Visioning April 25-29, 2002
Over 100 youth participated in the
community event with a walking tour
of the area, design workshop,
presentations and special
performances.
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
2
Seeking a Shared Vision
Community visioning process and summary results
9
Roosevelt’s Vision Plan
Walkable Village
Public Space
Gateway Entrances
Streets and Sidewalks
Landscaping
Street Furniture
Lighting
Open Space
Structures
Commercial Center
13
This report was prepared by Sustainable Long Island (1) for the County of Nassau and the Town of
Hempstead. It is intended to assist in the planning and revitalization of certain areas of the hamlet of
Roosevelt, New York.
Disclaimer
The contents of this report represent the knowledge, experience, and expertise of the citizens and
authors in providing ideas and concepts to improve safety, access, mobility and livability through streetscaping,
transit, walking, bicycling enhancements and other traffic management strategies. This report does not
constitute a standard, specification, or regulation, and is not intended to be used as a basis for establishing
civil liability. The decision to use any particular measure should be made on the basis of engineering studies
of the location. This report is not a substitute for sound engineering judgment. Adherence to the principles
found in this report can lead to an overall improvement in neighborhood and community livability.
Certain recommendations contained in this report will require cost, feasibility, traffic, engineering and/or
environmental impact studies and analysis before they can be initiated.
(1) Dan Burden, Director of Walkable Communities, Inc. and Sue Newberry of Community Partners, LLC
provided invaluable assistance in coordinating the charrette for the Roosevelt Community and providing
the background information for this report.
Executive Summary
More than 500 residents, small business owners, public safety personnel, educators, clergy, youth,
elected and appointed officials, planners, architects, and design professionals worked together, for
four (4) days in focus groups and public meetings, to create a Shared Vision For Roosevelt.
Roosevelt received two weeks of positive print and visual media coverage in the New York
Times, Newsday, Point of View, Community Journal, The Beacon, local Pennysaver, News 12,
News 55, Channels 7 and 5.
The visioning process was comprised of a series of facilitated community meetings where
stakeholders worked together in an intensive, focused design process. Like a marathon
brainstorming session, all ideas were welcomed, and the most viable have been included in this
Executive Summary and Report.
This report represents the outcome of four days of facilitated focus groups and public meetings.
Pages two through eight are not intended to represent the opinions of Sustainable Long Island,
but rather information collected from participants in the process.
The recommendations listed in this Executive Summary and Report are among those participant
recommendations that, in our opinion, can be accomplished in the time frames proposed.
However, accomplishment of these objectives can only occur with the coordinated efforts of the
Town, County, Roosevelt residents, local organizations, and regional nonprofits. It should also
be recognized that in various instances, significant investment of private sector dollars in
cooperation with Town and County efforts can be required.
Sustainable Long Island remains committed to the pursuit of this shared vision for Roosevelt, and
with the continued support of the Town of Hempstead and Nassau County, will bring to bear all
of the resources necessary to proceed with the initial two-year phase of the implementation
process.
It should be noted that some of the recommendations contained in this Executive Summary and
Report will require cost, feasibility, traffic, engineering and/or environmental impact studies and
analysis before they can be initiated.
2
NASSAU ROAD/ BABYLON TURNPIKE CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENTS
Public Space
Participants described undesirable “loitering” on the street, and wanted ordinances to prohibit
people from standing on the street. But there is also a need to welcome people to the community
and the street, make them comfortable, and invite them to stay. The sense of place that people
envisioned for Roosevelt is not created only by physical attributes; the people who are present in
the public space also create it.
Gateway Entrances
A gateway is a feature in or near the street that greets people as they enter the community. It may
be as simple as green-space with a sign. The redevelopment of small vacant lots near the gateway
areas could serve as a focal point to reinforce the gateway concept.
Streets and Sidewalks
Nassau Road is a dominant factor in determining how people experience Roosevelt. (Preliminary
research indicates that current traffic levels could easily be accommodated on a well-designed, two
lane street. The excess space formerly dedicated to travel lanes can be allocated to wider sidewalks,
bicycle lanes, and a landscaped median in the center of the street. Each element of the street
envisioned is described in the full report.)
A walkable environment is developed in part by carefully fine-tuning the provisions made for
people who are not in cars. Walkers are more inclined to use designated crossing points when they
are “rewarded” for their effort by an enhanced and convenient crossing. At signalized intersections,
all four approaches could be marked and all should have pedestrian signal heads. Crossings at
existing intersections are only marked on some approaches, which do not always provide the most
convenient route of travel. Signal timing should automatically provide a walk interval. Several
specific suggestions are outlined in the Vision Plan.
Landscaping
Roosevelt is blessed with many mature trees, although some may not be located in an ideal place.
Existing trees should be pruned and cared for and new trees added to create a full canopy and
provide a visual separation between the street and sidewalk. A continuous system of street trees
could have the greatest impact on the enhancement of the street and sidewalk environment. Low
maintenance perennial or other appropriate species may be considered for planting.
Street Furniture
Participants made suggestions to add inviting places to sit along Nassau Road in the commercial
district.
Transit Shelters
Transit Shelters that offer safety, comfort, convenience, and the welcome so essential to the success
of Roosevelt could be strategically located at bus stops on the far side of intersections near
pedestrian destinations. Transit shelters could be enclosed on three sides with transparent material
and complete with benches, trash receptacles. Graphics could be limited to route maps and sponsor
name.
3
Lighting
Streets that remain attractive at night have three common lighting elements. The first combines
pedestrian-scale and taller vehicle-scale luminaries. The lower, pedestrian-scale lamps provide
warm radiant light, creating continuously lit corridors. The higher light poles provide more
diffuse, general area lighting. The second element is theme lighting. Theme lighting often includes
lights focused on building edges, crowns, entryways or other locations celebrating buildings and
public space. Trees, landscaping and medians can also be lit.
Open Space
Suggestions to enhance Roosevelt’s public spaces were made by participants. Specific
recommendations included: St. Francis Street Park and Henry St. Park.
Physical Development
Visioning participants were eager for a face-lift for the community that would include new facades
for the buildings along Nassau Road. There are several vacant lots along Nassau Road that could
be developed. Town-owned properties on the corridor present unique opportunities for
community reinvestment. The Vision Plan identifies key areas and proposes suitable uses for
some of these properties. Consistency of design is a common trait among successful commercial
areas. When consistent building types are used the street is perceived as highly ordered and
cohesive, in spite of significant stylistic variations.
4
PRELIMINARY ACTION PLAN
The Action Plan is included in the full report (beginning on page 13). An Implementation Matrix
is included in the report to complement the Action Plan.
The Action Plan explains how physical improvements at the identified sites could be done in
immediate, intermediate, and long term implementation steps. Additional community programs
that would complement the physical improvements are also included in the Action Plan. These
include many ideas to build on the community involvement and cooperation that helped create a
Vision Plan for Roosevelt.
The Action Plan could be treated as a preliminary summary of some steps that are needed for
implementation. But it is intended only as a starting point. It is a living document, meant to be
altered, expanded, and edited as time goes on. Action Plan items are described below. In the
completed Vision Plan document, items are summarized by Immediate, Intermediate, and Long
Term phases.
Funding
Funding needs and opportunities could be identified. Strategies for seeking public and private
investment could be outlined.
Traffic Engineering Study
Proposed street designs for Nassau Road could undergo close scrutiny to insure that a safe,
smooth flow of traffic can be maintained with the suggested improvements.
Pedestrian Safety
Several immediate steps could be taken to improve walkability. Signals could be timed to allow
ample crossing time for pedestrians. Pedestrian walk interval could be automatically provided,
rather than requiring a person to activate the signal by pushing a button.
Streetscape Program
The refinement of elements in the Vision Plan might continue with development of detailed plans
for improvements. The groundwork for this effort could begin now, with the public involved
early in the process. These details can define the community’s culture and character to everyone
who lives in Roosevelt and for those visiting.
Gateways
Gateways at both ends of Nassau Road might be developed and installed as soon as possible. The
gateways may be as simple as a sign beside the street, or a banner. Later, when the street is
redesigned, a grander gateway can be installed.
Facade Improvements
The Town of Hempstead could continue to utilize and develop its facade improvement program.
5
IMPLEMENTATION MATRIX
Action Items
Overall
Short Term 0-24 Months
Incorporate Town of
Hempstead’s plans and
economic development
strategies where
applicable
Public Space
Identify areas to
designate as public
spaceUse signage to
identify parks and other
public space
Gateway Entrances
At the Babylon Tpke.
gateway, remove chain
link fencing, add
ornamental plantings
Intermediate 24-60 Months
Long Term 60 Months or more
Add public are along
Nassau Road.
Add Welcome to
Roosevelt at Babylon Tpke.
Improve the use of
welcome signage from
Parkway Nassau Road
exchange to Freeport
boarder
Manicure and
re-landscape existing
sign at Nassau Road
and Parkway to create a
well defined community
gateway
Streets and Sidewalks
Conduct a traffic
engineering study
Evaluate the addition of
a buffer or bike lane
along Nassau Road
Re-stripe existing lanes
to 10 feet
Install a raised median
on Nassau Road with left
turn pockets; low shrubs,
low maintenance plants
Retime traffic signals on
Nassau Road to insure
traffic flow
Install traffic signs stating
optimal speeds at 27 mph
Install high visibility
crosswalks at traffic
signal crossing Nassau Rd.
in front of McDonald’s
Evaluate sidewalk design
according to ADAAG guidelines
Evaluate sidewalk width in
commercial center to set a
minimum 8 ft width
Install bulb outs/curb
extensions
Separate sidewalk from
the traffic by a buffer
strip/plantings/
landscaping
Evaluate moving utility
lines to the back of
businesses or
underground
Facilitate public/private
economic development
partnership to address
sidewalk improvements
for residential &
commercial spaces
6
Continue the Town’s existing
facade improvement program
using concepts and suggestions
presented in the visioning
process.
Landscaping
Facilitate public/private
partnership program for the
installation and maintance of
flowering planters or other
decorative items on newly
installed fixtures
Use flower boxes as part of the
landscape and public furniture and
space; low maintenance, native,
drought resistant, slow growing
species only (select Perennial
flowers first)
Pedestrian crosswalk
identified at Babylon Tpke.
and Washington Ave. (in front
of the senior housing)
Plant additional trees along
Nassau Road to create a
continuous line of trees along
both sides of the street
Carefully select low
maintenance shrubs and other
landscaping to compliment the
streetscape
Initiate “Adopt A Spot” program
(section of sidewalk directly in
front of business)
Encourage property owners to
clean up and provide new
landscaping.
Town’s ongoing improvement plan
in the Western Beef parking lot.
Street Furniture
Facilitate public/private
partnerships to locate and install
benches at appropriate locations,
with seating partitions to
discourage loitering
Install attractive transit stops
and bus shelters
Develop an “Adopt A Stop”
program in which sponsors
install and care for a particular
shelter
Create a mixture of sitting places
including benches, ledges, rails
and low walls
Install benches and trash cans
Lighting
Open Space
Install typical downtown style
lanterns (Town project installation
completed.)
Theme lighting for use on
facades
Lighted gateways
Town should pursue its plan to
provide a new, user friendly,
entrance points to Henry St.
park.
Acquire the vacant lot on the
southeast corner of
Whitehouse to utilize as an
additional access point for
Henry St. park.
Encourage the use of interior
lighting with local businesses
for additional pedestrian safety
Evaluate the installation of a
traffic circle for the Monroe/
St. Francis intersection
Install park furnishings where
appropriate.Remove the
fencing around St. Francis St.
park
7
Physical Development
Actively pursue grants and other
available funding for Brownfields
redevelopment.
Remove the fenching
around St. Francis Park.
Develop disposition
strategy for Town owned
properties
Target parcel located
between Whitehouse and
Wood Avenue
Partner with not-for-profit to
act as Master developer on
designated Town owned
parcels in a one to two
block portion of Nassau
Road to establish retail/
economic anchor.
Encourage the
development of school
playgrounds as public
space
Develop or sell municipally
owned properties in a manner
that fosters the objectives of
this plan and other Town and
County economic
development plans.
Close Molineaux Road, realign
the Babylon Tpke intersection
with Nassau Rd.
Create a new facade for the
post office
Enhance the physical
development of the Youth
Center
Evaluate the feasibility of a
transportation center
Reopen Washington Place to
connect with Nassau Road.
Restore connection between
Mansfield and Nassau Road
within Western Beef shopping
center
Western Beef improvements.
8
Seeking A Shared Vision For Roosevelt Press Conference: Shown Center Hon. Thomas R. Suozzi to his left: Hon. Richard V. Guardino, Jr.,
Hon. Peter Sylver; to his right: Patrick Duggan, Deputy County Executive
Hezekiah Brown.
Seeking a Shared Vision for Roosevelt
Between Thursday, April 25 and Monday, April 29, 2002, Nassau County
Executive Thomas R. Suozzi and Hempstead Town Supervisor Richard V.
Guardino, working together with Roosevelt business and community leaders,
brought together over 500 residents, business owners, religious leaders, government officials, planners, architects and designers to create a Shared Vision for
Roosevelt. Together, they identified goals and built a consensus to achieve a
workable vision and solutions for revitalizing Roosevelt’s central business
district, which is primarily located on Nassau Road.
The first day was comprised of a series of focus groups that included County
Executive Suozzi, Town Supervisor Guardino, other elected officials, County
and Town department heads as well as other key personnel, and community
stakeholders (including representatives of the Roosevelt Chamber of Commerce,
and school, youth and child care service providers). The purpose of the focus
groups was to have distinct segments of the community articulate their needs
and concerns in a non-judgmental environment, and to clarify the challenges
facing the Roosevelt community.
Many themes emerged which were echoed throughout the charrette. On a
promising note, many participants commented that, “we’re doing something
different this time -- cooperation between County and Town.” Community
leaders noted that in addition to the partnership at the top levels, “the process is
also building from the bottom-up.” They expressed the need to have more
voices heard and were enthusiastic that many more residents and stakeholders
would become involved in the process of government. Leaders wanted to hear
from Roosevelt residents a clear perception of problems and potential solutions.
Some of the specific suggestions were that Nassau Road needed a facelift and that
Roosevelt needed beautification throughout the community. Several of the
focus groups stressed the need for enhanced community centers and recreational
opportunities, improved parks and recreational facilities.
9
Such improvements could engage youth outside school hours. Housing was another topic raised
in several groups. Participants expressed the desire for affordable housing, which could help
mitigate the need for multiple families to live in single-family residences. Higher-end housing
could attract more affluent residents. Having a full range of housing options has been recognized
as being a hallmark of a healthy community. Many focus group participants emphasized the
benefits of improving business conditions. Improving Roosevelt’s image, both to residents and
outsiders, was seen as a key step toward improving the reality. Friday’s activities began with ‘A
Walk in the Park’ at St. Francis Street Park. Later that morning, the design team visited a fourthgrade class to seek input from younger residents. A luncheon for community leaders and the
design team followed. That evening, residents were asked to write down how they would like
Roosevelt to be in twenty years. Some of the responses were:
·
·
·
·
·
“I’d like to say that I am proud to be from Roosevelt.”
“In 2020, I’d like a bustling, economically sound community.”
“I would like to see beautiful storefronts and landscapes.”
“I want the schools’ reputation to go from worst to best.”
“In 2020, Roosevelt will be a symbol of Nassau County’s renaissance.”
Nearly all responses echoed a desire to see Roosevelt as a strong, self-sufficient, safe and
comfortable place to live. In another exercise, the audience was asked to identify shared
community values and prioritize for improvement. When asked to prioritize their areas of
interest, participants most often cited the need for commercial, recreational and aesthetic
improvements for Roosevelt.
The community members learned that they shared many common goals and that they could work
together to forge a common vision of the future.
On Saturday, an overview of the visioning process helped sensitize participants to environmental
qualities that make a community more walkable, livable, and sustainable. Examples of how
streets and public spaces could be designed or modified to accommodate the entire community,
and not just vehicles, were given.
10
Community members learned that they shared many common
goals and that they could work together to forge a common
vision of the future.
Following the presentation, groups of adults and children participated in “A
Walk Along Nassau Road.” Residents were able to see the assets and
liabilities of their main street from a new perspective. After lunch, Community Design Workshops were conducted. In these sessions, large aerial
photos were provided as a base map of existing streets and buildings.
Groups of six to eight people gathered around tables to discuss possible
enhancements that would make the Roosevelt community more walkable
and livable. After all the groups at the design tables had completed their
task, a spokesperson from each group was asked to present the plan to the
rest of the participants.
The youth citizen-designers envisioned many features they felt would
improve Roosevelt. Along Nassau Road, they planned a center median,
with flowers and trees lining the street. They requested benches, at least
one every block because, “sometimes when I’m walking, I get tired, and I
want to sit down.” The younger people were especially interested in
establishing venues for activities. Some youth suggested establishing an
outdoor skating rink on top of the retention pond. Other suggestions
included building a movie theater, a bowling alley, and a batting cage.
The adult groups of citizen-designers were no less imaginative. Some groups
included the same features envisioned by the youth, such as center medians
and benches along Nassau Road. Other streetscape features they drew were
large, enclosed bus shelters similar to Garden City’s, pedestrian scale
lighting, bike lanes, and enhanced crosswalks. To revitalize the downtown
business district, they envisioned a number of new, small businesses to serve
the community, such as a bakery, health food store, pet store, and a coffee
shop. Two groups suggested that the owners of Western Beef remove the
bollards (iron posts) that prevent grocery carts from leaving the immediate
area in front of the shopping center. The bollards and the lack of courtesyclerk assistance are reasons why many Roosevelt residents said they prefer
to shop elsewhere.
11
One group of citizen-designers wanted to improve Roosevelt’s visual appeal
by cleaning up and improving building facades, doing a major clean-up of
Nassau Road, working with store owners to improve the appeal of their
store windows, and installing gateway signage to mark the entrances of the
community.
The design team absorbed and analyzed all the input from the focus groups,
presentations, and design workshops. They used their experience and
expertise to weave all these factors into a vision which could be presented
back to the community in a cohesive, practicable plan. On Monday evening,
“What YOU Envisioned” was the closing presentation to the community
by the design team. Visioning results, illustrated with drawings, maps, and
photos, were presented. Information about next steps was provided,
including the election of a Roosevelt Revitalization Task Force. Audience
members offered to help implement the plan, saying:
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
“I will join committees to clean up and help recruit people to get
involved.”
“I will clean up my own home.”
“I want to establish a small business.”
“I will help clean up.”
“I will help with code enforcement.”
“I will spend money in Roosevelt.”
“I will work with the Chamber of
Commerce to bring business to our
village.”
“I will help bring Roosevelt back to
life.”
“I will plant flowers.”
Many participants committed themselves to
specific tasks, while others were willing to
serve in a manner most suited to their capabilities. The Monday evening presentation
was the final event of the charrette.
12
Roosevelt’s Vision
Roosevelt
Today
This aerial photo shows Roosevelt as
it is today.
Roosevelt
Tomorrow
The sketch below shows an
intermediate stage in Roosevelt’s
development. Some buildings have been
demolished (circled), some added or
modified.
A Walkable Community
At one time, Roosevelt embodied the qualities of a vibrant, successful,
proud community. In former times the community supported a
balanced set of activities that included shopping, work, schooling,
recreation and housing suitable for a broad spectrum of income levels.
Within walking distance, residents could find a variety of businesses that
provided for their daily needs. A strong sense of community evolved
because the necessities of life were built into the neighborhood. Many
participants expressed their wish to return to this lifestyle.
Stakeholders expressed a desire to create a walkable community in
Roosevelt. There was a desire that future development consider the
safety, comfort and enjoyment of the pedestrian. Residents also
expressed the need for a central public space, such as a plaza, park, or
square that would serve as a focus for community identity. Other
public spaces throughout the community serve as informal gathering
places for all members. One Smart Growth principle that may be
implemented in Roosevelt is the development of mixed-use structures;
entailing retail on the ground floor, offices on the second floor, with
apartments or condos on the third floor. Buildings in commercial areas
could form a continuous facade and be situated near the street instead of
beign set far back from the street. Parking lots, where possible, could be
at the rear of these buildings. The walkable village concept can provide
an improved sense of identity to Roosevelt.
At the edge of the town center and away from the arterial streets are the
primarily residential neighborhoods where most of the people in
Roosevelt live. These areas are linked to the commercial area in a
walkable village. These principles were used to develop
recommendations for Roosevelt. The plan is conceptual, with
recommendations for both public and private properties. Starting with
existing conditions in Roosevelt, the report suggests how specific sites
can be improved and recommends specific changes to restore the village
to its former health.
Public Space
Unfriendly and potentially dangerous
crossings like the one shown above
will be replaced by beautiful, safe
corner and mid-block crossings. These
crossings will invite the public to
cross the street to shop, visit, or
mingle.
This Report for Roosevelt is in two parts, public space and structures.
Public space includes all the streets, sidewalks, parks, and similar areas
owned and maintained by public agencies. Public space also includes
privately owned property that is used by the community. Areas such as
private parking lots, shopping plazas, and even vacant lots are de facto
public spaces. Public spaces serve as the setting for the structures used by
the community to work, shop, and live. The streets and sidewalks serve
as a skeleton for organizing patterns of community use. Other public
spaces serve as nodes that help establish and maintain the community’s
unique sense of identity.
13
Gateway Entrances
A common priority expressed by charrette participants was restoring community pride. People
want to feel proud that they live in Roosevelt. Though this goal is intangible, several practical steps
can be taken to help achieve it. One possible way to do this is by creating gateway entrances at the
major connections to adjacent communities. Roosevelt’s obvious gateways are on Nassau Road
between Clinton and Roosevelt, on Nassau Road between Fulton and Hudson, and on the Babylon
Turnpike. A simple sign, such as “Welcome to Roosevelt,” situated in a small landscaped area, could
inform both residents and visitors that they have crossed the boundary into Roosevelt, a distinct
community that is proud of itself. A piece of public art could also serve as a distinguishing
landmark at one or more of Roosevelt’s gateways.
In addition, Nassau Road could be renamed. This road is a County road, that has become a major
arterial. The community has envisioned the transformation of Nassau Road into a beautiful
boulevard. Devising and agreeing upon a new name would serve as a symbol of this reincarnation
and serve as an early step toward establishing a new, positive public image. Since renaming the
street affects every address on it, public support is essential. Though some effort and modest cost
would be required, the short- and long-term benefits would outweigh the investment of resources.
The sketches show suggested locations for
gateways to Roosevelt. The Babylon Turnpike
gateway would require removal of some chain
link fencing and the addition of some nice
ornamental planting. A similar feature could be
placed in the front yard of the church. Any
feature placed on private property requires the
permission of the owner.
Signs of welcome like these could serve as gateways marking the boundaries of downtown Roosevelt.
14
Streets and Sidewalks
Streets and sidewalks comprise much of the public space in Roosevelt.
Because public officials are committed to and spearheading revitalization
efforts, improvements to these publicly owned and maintained facilities
should be emphasized. Nassau Road serves as Roosevelt’s Main Street. A
comprehensive traffic study was not included in the design charrette, and
any contemplated changes would require an engineering analysis. However,
general street recommendations are made in this report that can help
Roosevelt regain its cohesiveness and community pride.
Travel lanes need not be more than ten-feet wide. Restriping existing lanes
to ten-feet could help reduce speeding, improve safety, and encourage
drivers to stop for pedestrians. When the travel lanes are narrowed, the
remaining right-of-way could be used more beneficially either as bicycle or
buffer lanes. Then buffer or bike lanes would provide a space between
moving traffic and parked cars, allowing drivers to get in and out of their
cars more safely.
The drawing at the top
shows how medians with left
turn pockets, enhanced
crosswalks, and street trees
could be added to Nassau
Road. The photo shows what
a landscaped median could
look like in Roosevelt at
Fulton.
27
A raised median with left turn pockets could also be added. Many charrette
participants envisioned a median on Nassau Road, which could visually
narrow the street and provide a sense of identity to the community center.
The median could be landscaped with low maintenance plants that can
provide seasonal color. At some point in the future, if an engineering study
confirms the practicality of narrowing travel lanes on Nassau Road, then
Nassau Road may be narrowed enough to permit angled parking on one
side of the street.
Existing traffic signals on Nassau Road could be retimed to insure traffic
flow at 27 mph, and signs could advise motorists that this is the optimal
speed. Establishing and maintaining this constant, moderate speed will help
control excessive speeds and reduce the number and severity of vehicular
and pedestrian crashes.
The diagram on the upper left shows how Nassau Road can accomodate parking, bike or buffer
lane, two ten-foot travel lanes, and a raised median wide enough for trees. The diagram on the
right shows another alternative that includes angled parking.
15
High contrast markings,
well-placed pedestrian signals,
and bulb outs work together
to enhance both the
perception and reality of
pedestrian safety.
Bulb outs add space to the
sidewalk and reduce the
crossing distance.
Separate ramps like those
shown above are preferred
over the angled ramp shown
below. Drainage is an
important consideration.
Enhancing the perception and reality of pedestrian safety is essential to
establishing walkability in Roosevelt. As Nassau Road is rehabilitated,
high-visibility crosswalks could be provided on all four corners of
signalized intersections. At the town center, traffic signals could
automatically provide a walk interval (except perhaps late at night) so that
pedestrians need not push a button to activate the walk cycle. Another
design feature that could enhance the comfort and safety of pedestrians is
the curb extension, or “bulb out.” Bulb outs permit extending the sidewalk
area a short way into the street. Depending on engineering requirements,
curb bulb outs can be used almost anywhere along a street. When bulb-outs
flare out at street corners, a number of benefits accrue. They allow a shorter
curb-to-curb distance for pedestrian crossing and superior visibility for
pedestrians waiting to cross. This increased sight distance allows drivers
more time to react and stop. It provides the pedestrian with a greater sense
of security as well. Bulb outs help slow turning traffic and help protect
parked cars. The additional curbside space created by the bulb out provides
added space for streetscape amenities such as landscaping, benches, and
other street furniture.
Additionally sidewalks could be separated from traffic by a buffer strip (also
known as a planter strip) as wide as possible of at least several feet. In
addition to enhanced walkability, the buffer strip would provide a space for
hydrants, transit stops, benches and utilities. Roosevelt’s sidewalks could be
at least five-feet wide in residential neighborhoods and eight feet wide in the
town center and other commercial areas.
Level sidewalks at driveways can be achieved by including a planter strip, like this one in
Garden City, or by confining the sloping driveway to the area between sidewalk and
street as shown on right.
Sidewalks should be level, not
sloping down toward the
street as shown above.
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All sidewalks could be installed, repaired, and maintained in accordance
with the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines
(ADAAG). Conformance with these standards not only permits access
for the disabled, but also improves the walking environment for seniors,
youth, families, and all users.
Some Roosevelt charrette participants envisioned burying Roosevelt’s
overhead utility lines in the future, especially in the town center.
Underground utilities are virtually maintenance-free, offer relief from
visual clutter, and permit greater freedom in the selection of street trees.
However, installation is very costly. The cost can be reduced somewhat,
if this activity is coordinated with a major street reconstruction that
happens in the future. A potentially less costly option would be to move
overhead utilities to the back of lots, alleys, or nearby utility corridors. A
This photo simulation shows
a corner in Roosevelt without close working relationship with the local power utility at earliest stages
overhead utilities.
possible could be essential for accomplishing these objectives. If utilities
cannot be relocated or moved underground, careful attention must be
made to the selection and maintenance (pruning) of street trees.
Landscaping
Additional trees could be planted along Nassau Road. People enjoy and
take pride in street trees. By providing summer shade over the pavement,
trees could help prevent the deterioration of Roosevelt’s asphalt. In
addition to increasing pavement life, trees provide a welcome cooling
effect to roadways, parking lots, and other paved surfaces. Summer
temperature differentials of ten degrees or more are common. Trees can
help reduce energy costs in adjacent structures up to 30%. Well-placed
street trees could further provide a traffic calming effect. This effect is
likely produced by the visual cues provided to motorists. The vertical
trunks at the edge of the road and the overhead canopy allow motorists to
better gauge their speed. When there are no trees, and buildings are set
back far from the street, drivers lack nearby visual cues and tend to drive
faster.
The photo on the left from
another community
shows how Roosevelt can
look in a few years, after
many trees are planted.
Trees could also be
sponsored by individuals,
businesses, or civic
organizations.
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First, plant flowers, like the
town featured in this photo.
The landscaped median is
attractive and helps calm
traffic.
Selection, placement, and maintenance of trees needs to be done carefully,
with full consideration of the various ramifications. The vision of
Roosevelt’s future includes a continuous line of trees along both sides of the
street. Carefully selected and placed shrubs and other landscaping will
complement the streetscape. Such landscaping can provide seasonal or
year-round color and help define edges of walkways. Attractive plantings
are one of the first and most obvious signs of a healthy community.
Street-side landscaping should be part of a comprehensive landscaping plan,
with the emphasis on native, low-maintenance, and drought resistant species. At corners and driveways, low growing planting (less than two-feet)
could be used to retain good sight lines for pedestrians and motorists.
Perennial flowers can add color accents to town gateways and other public
spaces. One community activist advises, “First plant flowers!” This is an
excellent opportunity to establish an “Adopt-a-Spot” landscaping program.
Street Furniture
In a walkable community, man-made design features complement the living
features just described. Frequent opportunities must be provided for
walkers to sit and rest. Charrette participants, young and old, envisioned
comfortable, inviting sitting places throughout the community. As with
furniture in our homes, seating can be formal, relaxed, or completely
impromptu. A mixture of sitting places is best, one that includes benches,
ledges, rails, and low walls. Such features welcome use and enjoyment of
public spaces by all sectors of the community. The community could have a
number of sitting places that have shade, appropriate pedestrian-scale
lighting, ash/trash receptacles, and related amenities.
Frequently placed benches invite walking. Street furniture, such
as benches and attractive litter containers, should be in the same
style. They can be added incrementally, perhaps sponsored by
businesses or civic groups. Transit shelters, like those pictured on
the right, can be either unattractively utilitarian or quaintly
charming.
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Addressing the need for adequate transit shelters is also related to formal
and informal sitting areas. This improvement was a priority for a number
of charrette participants. Attractive shelters offer safety, comfort, and
convenience that are essential to the success of a walkable community.
Generally, transit stops and shelters should be located near popular
destinations, at the far side of the street intersections. Roosevelt could
develop an “Adopt-a-Stop” program in which sponsors install and care for
a particular shelter.
Lighting
Appropriate lighting is another essential element of the streetscape. Streets
that remain attractive at night have three common lighting elements. The
first combines pedestrian-scale and taller vehicle-scale luminaires. The
lower, pedestrian-scale lamps provide warm radiant light, creating
continuously lit corridors. The higher light poles provide more diffuse,
general area lighting.
The second element is theme lighting. Theme lighting often includes lights
focused on building edges, crowns, entryways or other locations celebrating
buildings and public space. Trees, landscaping and medians could also be lit.
Selected features could be complementary throughout the streetscape.
The upper photos show two
types of appropriate lighting.
They also show banners that
help build community
identity. The bottom photo
shows how interior shop
lighting can help illuminate
the street tastefully after dark.
The third lighting element is the warm, radiant glow of interior lighting
from ground level establishments. These lights can be set on timers and
could remain lit until a designated hour, such as midnight on week nights,
or 2:00 a.m. on weekends. The combination of these three sources of
light create welcoming, secure, night conditions inviting evening walks.
Increasing the presence of people making use of corridors for night walking
and gathering promotes social interaction, adding security and vitality to the
community.
The sketch at left shows
the green, open spaces
that will be added to
Roosevelt in the
community vision. The
sketch at right shows the
recommended new access
points to the Henry Street
Park
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Left, Sustainable LI team member Dan Burden shown here
with Deputy County Executive Peter Sylver, and Town of
Hempstead Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby chats with
community members.
Open Space
Parks and similar formal or informal open spaces
provide places for the community to gather,
interact, and participate in outdoor activities.
Roosevelt’s parks are St. Francis Park, Roosevelt
Park, Henry Street Park and Centennial Park.
The latter is adjacent to the center of the
community. Henry Street Park has especially
poor visual and physical access. The number and
visibility of access points to the park should be increased. A vacant lot at the southeast corner of the
park on Whitehouse is in the process of being acquired by the Town of Hempstead for formal
access via a small road. It is recommended that this property be used to create a small park entrance
road to connect Nassau Road and Whitehouse. This entrance road would allow a view of the entire
park, and convenient access parking and routine police patrols.
St. Francis Park has no playground or other park furnishings. A neighborhood group is developing
a plan to revitalize the park. It is recommended that the current fence be removed along those
portions of the park bordering Cumberland Avenue and be replaced split-rail or other appropriate
fencing.
The photo above shows one of the many chain link
fences in Roosevelt. They should be replaced with
more “friendly” fences, as shown in the bottom photo,
from a neighboring community.
A row of small, affordable cottages like the ones
shown above was proposed for a parcel adjacent to
Centennial Park. These residences, facing the park,
would help provide watchful “eyes” on the park.
This park in the
Town of
Hempstead is
very visible and
accessible. The
split rail fence
creates an edge
without being a
barrier.
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Structures
Post Office
The Post Office is envisioned with a new facade that incorporates classical
elements, as shown in the illustration. The connection between the Post
Office and the Senior Center can be improved by providing a high-visibility
crosswalk in an early implementation stage. Adding bulb outs and a median
refuge would enhance pedestrian safety. The chain link fence around the
Senior Center should be removed to improve connection with the
community.
Above is a sketch for a new Post
Office facade.
Youth and Recreation Areas
Roosevelt currently has two (2) established youth centers, I Support
Roosevelt and Roosevelt PAL, as well as the American Legion which
sponsors various youth programs. In addition, the Town of Hempstead
operates a summer youth recreational program at the Roosevelt Pool.
Schools
Roosevelt residents are eager for improvements to their school system. The
resolution of the residents’ concerns is as much a part of building a healthy
This sketch and photo illustrate community as the physical environment. However, it requires a more
an angled median crossing, like
in-depth analysis than was feasible within the visioning task of the charrette.
the one envisioned near the
Senior Center.
It is recommended that the concept of school grounds as public space be
incorporated as administrative changes to district policies and practices are
made. Comments from students at the Washington Rose School were
analyzed to create a concept plan for a playground that enhances public
space while providing children with an interactive learning environment. In
the concept plan, the fence on Rose Avenue is relocated to open up space
for a community flower garden with a flag pole in the center. The garden
could serve as the eastern terminating vista on Mansfield Avenue, and act as
a community link. The public space surrounding the school could also
contain basketball courts, a walking path, a multi-purpose reading circle, a
climbing structure, and an interactive, user-activated water fountain.
Babylon Turnpike and Nassau Road. Owners and developers of private
property have an incentive to partner with the community, because as
commerce in Roosevelt becomes more robust, their property will increase
in value. The design team included several recommendations for privately
owned property as well as, sites under public ownership. Private owners
could be included at the beginning of the planning process so that they can
see the benefits that community revitalization will bring them.
Youth Carrette participants
draw their vison of the
future of their community.
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Western Beef
The arrow shown on the plan at left
indicates the visual and walking link that
will reconnect the heart of downtown
Roosevelt. At the upper right of the plan is
the public garden envisioned at the school.
At the lower left is the plaza planned to
adjoin the Roosevelt Business Center. Being
able to see and walk between these points
will establish a vital connection.
Because the Western Beef shopping center serves as the retail
center of Roosevelt, incentives could be offered to improve the
site in a way that would make it valuable, both to the owner
and the community at large. In the event Washington Place is
reopened, a private developer could be identified to construct a
new 2-3 story building, approximately 15,000 square feet per
floor, at the southwest corner of the parcel, at the corner of
Nassau Road.
A multi-story mixed-use building is envisioned at the site of
the deli at the corner of Nassau Road and Lakewood Avenue,
north of Western Beef. It could be located on the corner,
separated from the streets only by a wide sidewalk, with a
facade that would compliment the other facades in the town
center. The ground floor of this building might contain shops
and a restaurant, with a possible sidewalk cafe.
Above is shown the blind alley created
when Mansfield Avenue was closed
when the shopping center was built.
Many participants wished this road
could be reopened.
A critical component of Roosevelt’s vision
plan is the reopening of Mansfield Avenue,
as shown in the sketch above. The retail
space lost in the process would be replaced
by a new building on the corner, shown at
the bottom of the drawing.
The photo above, to the left, shows existing conditions at the site of the
plaza serving as the western terminating vista. The photo at right
demonstrates the principle of a terminating vista. Note how the eye is
drawn to the distance.
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The sketch shows a conceptual treatment of the corner
shown in the photo to the right.
380 Nassau Road
380 Nassau Road is known by residents as “The Pink Elephant.” Plans are
underway to utilize this building. The community vision calls for
developing side yard parking and potentially reworking the existing facade
to make a better connection to the street. The parking on the side could be
screened by a low wall or hedge. The area in front of the building could be
designated a semi-public space such as a plaza and fountain.
Charrette participants also
envisioned other changes for
the shopping center.They
The photo below shows the
wanted to demolish the police existing deli, while the sketch
substation and establish a
shows how a multi-story
community policing presence
mixed-use building on the
in one of the storefronts
same corner would look. Note
instead.
how the bulb out expands the
sidewalk space.
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The design team recommends adding additional space to the building at 380 Nassau
Road. This addition would bring the front of the building closer to the street, as
shown at the far left. The proximity creates a stronger connection between the
building and the street. The photo shows how moving parking away from the front of
the building provides attractive public space for enjoyment by the whole community.
The mid-block crossing at
the shopping center could
look like this.
Roosevelt Business Center
Accross Nassau Road from Western Beef is a vacant lot owned by the
Town of Hempstead. The vision plan calls for another 2-3 story mixed-use
building, with retail on the ground floor and office space above. A third
story could include some form of housing. This building might be named
the Roosevelt Business Center, and would be seen as a potential incubator
for community entrepreneurs. On the south side of the building, a plaza
with a fountain is envisioned. To the north, across Whitehouse, is an
existing one story building. Another multi-story mixed-use building could
be built on this site in conjunction with the proposed Roosevelt Business
Center.
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This diagram shows a section of Babylon Turnpike.
Babylon Turnpike
Many people pointed out that the Babylon Turnpike needs improvement, even though this
corridor was outside the main scope of the event. As a gateway to Roosevelt, this road could
eventually be important to consider. Elements of future improvements along Babylon
Turnpike could include installing curbs and gutters to further define roadway edges, planter
strips with trees, and sidewalks. The right-of-way appears to be wide enough to provide two
travel lanes, bike lanes and on-street parking on both sides, and still have ample room for
sidewalks and planter strips.
Existing conditions on Babylon Turnpike are shown above. The lower
photo of an avenue from another community shows hows how Babylon
Turnpike could be dramatically transformed.
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Roosevelt:
The Final
Vision
The vision plan below shows how the design team incorporated the community’s ideas into a
picture of the future, perhaps two decades from now. Nassau Road has a landscaped median, and
the downtown streets are tree-lined. As buildings become obsolete, new ones are placed close to the
street, with their facades aligned. Parking has been relocated to the rear of the buildings. New
plazas, crosswalks, and pedestrian links invite walking, shopping, and relaxsing. Civic buildings
are clustered to the southeast, while the business district stretches north along Nassau Road.
Washington Rose
School
Link to Henry
Street Park.
Public buildings
are shown in
purple.
Babylon
Turnpike,
realigned at the
intersection.
Private buildings
are shown in red.
Continuous facades along both
sides of Nassau Road, defining
a beautiful boulevard that is a
Main Street Roosevelt can be
proud of.
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Conclusion
The Vision Plan is only one step in the process to heal a community, making it whole, alive,
vibrant and complete. The themes and design elements presented here are flexible, and serve as a
general frame for final design. These type of street designs, mixed use building types, public space,
mixes of housing for everyone, and other options, although based on long felt needs of the heart,
have many challenges. Pro-active planning is much more complex and involving than reactive
planning. Details are importatnt. Vigilence requires many short term and long term players.
Many stakeholders took part in these sessions, and learned the common vocabulary, the
inter-relationships and importance of each part to the whole. But many, many more people must
now become engaged in this ongoing process. Follow-up work sessions, meetings, events, and
efforts are needed. Phasing and early wins are essential.
The quest for a vision changes the way we manage. Instead of power and control for secruity, the
community seeks beauty, pride and passion for accomplishment, people and place. It is a long,
hard road. The communities we most often visit and return to were won the same way, one day
at a time.
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