City-set requirements are what we need - I believe they’re on track to start the zoning process pretty soon, which includes:
Apply Urban Frontage Standards that generate an active and engaging street edge
Require additional standards for direct access and street-facing entrances to enhance pedestrian connectivity between the sidewalk and the building (TOD block sizes, block perimeter that supports walkability)
It should have been done by now, but staffing, local government, etc.
I believe I also heard something about preventing car-centric uses such as auto shops or drive-thrus, but looking for that now I can’t find that - it’s possible that’s more for the Western/Middle stations.
I recall seeing that about drive thrus and auto shops being prevented as well within the TOD rezoning. I assume existing establishments will be grandfathered in.
Extremely underwhelmed. This is just a glow up of an existing car-oriented strip mall directly on the BRT corridor. Very ripe for a mixed-use development or something a little more inspired.
Momentum needs to start somewhere, I suspect mixed-use developments are much more likely to start closer to downtown in the beginning. A relatively cheap refurbishment and upgrade of a strip mall like this is a great first step. It’s also better for residential developments to come late enough so that no one moves in before the BRT is running.
This was tough site as part of previous development went under Hargett Oaks. Work arounds were done to make this possible. Amazing 20 years ago this area was in serious need and not look at it.
It is but seems like it’s developed at a glacial pace… .still quite a few empty storefronts, and relatively dead any time I’ve been over there. I really want Gateway to blow up, because Union Special, Fine Folk, and Mordecai Beverage are all fantastic IMO
This will be HUGE improvement over what is there currently…& will motivate other property owners on New Bern…that “it’s time” to start cleaning up the commercial corridor…
so true…is that sad? or are we just like European soccer fanatics? We just get excited over concrete, steel…& dumpsters? kind of the equivalent of a hat trick…right?
