Our plan addresses an integrated list of issues: traffic, quality of life, and environmental concerns. By orienting the town fabric toward the river, we reestablish a link to the existing landscape as well as
Traffic:
The most obvious problem in West Lebanon is heavy traffic backed up on route
12A around the I-89 intersection. By eliminating the left-hand turns using
roundabouts and one-way loop roads, our plan will keep traffic flowing rather
than stagnating at stoplights.
Problem: Heavy traffic at the 12A-I89 interchange, backed up all along Route 12A.
Source: Left-hand turns onto I-89 and surpurflous road intersections.
Solution: Eliminate left-hand turns with large- and small-scale changes.
" Large scale: eliminate unnecessary intersections and construct a road
plan that acknowledges natural topography and environment while creating loop
roads to accommodate emergency vehicles and commuter thru traffic.
" Small scale: traffic circles at intersections and interior loop roads
facilitate transportation within the town without clogging up the main thoroughfares.
Case Study: Roundabouts
US Dept. of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration publication Roundabouts:
A Direct Way to Safer Highways (Autumn 1995) by Leif Ourston and Joe G. Bared.
Online: http://www.tfhrc.gov/pubrds/fall05/p95a41.htm
Sustainability:
Problem: Currently West Lebanon is environmentally unsustainable.
Source: High traffic and large pavement expanses create hazardous runoff.
Massive stores constructed on a temporary, reactionary basis neglect environmental
conditions, lack cooperative design elements and don't fully utilize natural
resources.
Solution: Incorporate LEED principles, address ecological concerns for river
safety in future development changes for West Lebanon, utilizing the guideline
documents published by LEED and the Connecticut River Corridor Management
Plan.
Case Study: Green Roofs
http://www.hadj.net/green-roofs/photos.html
Green roofs are an environmental compromise with expasnsive commericial rooftops.
Case Study: Sugar Bush
http://www.elmvalemaplesyrup.ca/
A sugarbush farm provides a beautiful town center while making West-Lebanon
as a destination.
Case Study: Mixed-use
http://www.ci.burlington.vt.us/planning/
Mixed-use Zoning is crucial for the positive development of West-Lebanon and
needs to be facilitated in the city zoning document. The Burlington Zoning
documents can be used as an example.
Quality of Life
Problem: West Lebanon appeals as a place of consumption, not as a destination. The area has the least living appeal in an area with the greatest need for affordable housing.
Source: High residential price tags drive away residents who can't afford them (many of which are empoyed in the Upper Valley region), which contributes to commuter traffic, a large factor in the un-ambience of the 12A area
Solution: Add Commercially subsidized employee housing and add educational, community, and cultural facilities to increase the quality of life and residential value.
Case Study: Afordable housing
Workforce Housing Coalition, New Hampshire Seacoast/Southern Maine (Portsmouth,
NH)
Affordable housing
Burlington, VT zoning ordinance for residential and mixed use development
Article 11: Planned Residential Development
Summary:
Through a new road system, our plan will ease traffic problems to redesign the town fabric, enhancing the visitor experience with reverence for the natural landscape. This infrastructure will stimulate a more conscientious, sustainable form of development in the future - adding to the city's economic and aesthetic value to place West Lebanon as a destination, not a passageway. Natural open spaces, views, and community areas spring naturally from this setting to help diversify and improve the atmosphere and appeal of the area.
Phasing:
1. Loop roads through existing pavement - will enable greater accessibility
and ease traffic flow
2. Parking structures - to replace existing paved parking areas
3. river developments - pedestrian paths, east side follows with community
organization
4. residential
5. mixed used development throughout the phasing - gradual and natural development
|
| Scheme III |
 |