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CREATING MORE FLOOD RESILIENT COMMUNITIESRIVERFRONT MASTER PLANNING FOR SHICKSHINNY BOROUGH

RIVER TOWN

GREENWAY

Susquehanna Prepared By:

Susquehanna Greenway PartnershipLewisburg, PennsylvaniaJuly 2014

Brian Auman, RLACommunity and Greenway PlannerLewisburg, Pennsylvania

Acknowledgments

CREATING MORE FLOOD RESILIENT COMMUNITIES: RIVERFRONT MASTER PLANNING FOR SHICKSHINNY BOROUGH

PartnersShickshinny BoroughShickshinny ForwardLuzerne County Planning and GISPA Department of Community and Economic DevelopmentPA Department of Conservation and Natural ResourcesChesapeake Bay Commission

SEDA-Council of Governments Kathy Hannaford

Susquehanna Greenway Partnership Trish CarothersDale Freudenberger, Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage CorridorErin PierceZach Pyle

Student InternsTom KrajewskiRenee NollAmanda TaylorMichelle ZuckerTaylor Wolfe

Project CoordinatorBrian S. Auman / Landscape Architecture, LLC

The Preparation of this report was financed in part through a Municipal Assistance Program grant as administered by the Governor’s Center for Local Government Services, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

This project was financed in part by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, Environmental Stewardship Fund, under the administration of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.

Table of Contents

Executive Summary 7

Introduction 13

Community Participation 21

Site Analysis 25

Riverfront Master Plan 35

Phasing and Implementation 50 Project CD (Back Cover)

Executive Summary 1

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Executive SummaryIntroductionThe Susquehanna River and its towns are the foundation of our regional economy and places of enduring beauty and human activity. Towns along the Susquehanna played a significant role in building our nation as centers of manufacturing, industry and commerce. Today, however, many of our river towns are not as vibrant as they once were due to loss of industry and jobs from a migration to suburban, regional and offshore locations.

To revitalize our river towns and save our farms and forests from sprawl development, we need to attract people and business back into our core communities. The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership has developed the River Towns technical assistance program to help communities embrace the Susquehanna River and their historic downtowns as assets for sustainable economic development and healthy living. The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership has established the following goals and principles for the River Town technical assistance program:

Goals• Revitalize river towns by making them healthier, more

attractive places to live, work and play• Attract investment to river towns and promote sustainable

economic development• Protect and enhance our natural and cultural resources• Protect water quality

River Towns Program Principles• Respect and work with the nature of the Susquehanna River• Connect with the River (physically, visually, spiritually)• Involve people with the River and with their River Towns• Recognize that economic development favors River Towns

The River Town technical assistance program will provide communities with the following services to help organize, plan and implement projects and programs for community revitalization:

RIVER TOWN

GREENWAY

Susquehanna

8

Executive Summary

Technical Assistance • Community Organizing• Asset Mapping • Conducting River Town Assessments• Defining a Community Vision and Goals• Developing an Action Plan for Revitalization Projects• Conceptual Design of Green Infrastructure Project• Identifying Partners for Implementation• Collectively Promoting the River Towns of the Susquehanna

Greenway

Technical Assistance Focus Areas• Flood Mitigation Planning• Economic Development / Downtown Revitalization • Walkable – Bikeable Communities • Green Infrastructure / Stormwater Management Assistance• Water Quality Enhancements

While the Susquehanna Greenway River Towns program seeks to provide technical assistance addressing a broad range of community needs, the focus for this year’s outreach is on towns and rural communities struggling to recover from September 2011 flooding. The River Towns program has selected communities that are actively seeking assistance in redefining their community’s relationship with the river, and help in planning a healthy and sustainable future for their residents.

In the summer of 2011, the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership was working with the Borough of Shickshinny on community assessment and visioning. On September 7, 2011 the flooding from Tropical Storm Lee devastated the community, shutting down many businesses and irreparably damaging many homes. FEMA recognized Shickshinny’s situation by selecting it as a demonstration community for the agency’s Long-Term Recovery Assistance.

The FEMA process has been very successful in creating a Steering Committee and Sub-Committees focused on the various elements of community revitalization. SGP has been a participant in the FEMA-led process which has helped the community organize and establish priorities that include: riverfront recreation, economic

Public Meeting on River Town Designation in Montgomery

9

Executive Summary

development, beautification, and town marketing and branding. With FEMA’s Long-Term Recover Assistance growing to a close, the community has expressed a desire for continued assistance from the SGP River Town program – to further refine and advance these concepts into projects and programs to revitalize the community.

The River Town technical assistance program has achieved positive tangible results in Shickshinny. The community is organized and guided by a clear vision and the specific steps necessary to move enhancement projects toward implementation. Additional funding has been secured from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to perform an assessment of the of the Shickshinny floodplain and identify opportunities for improved stormwater management, streetscape improvements, and habitat enhancements.

Preliminary outcomes of the NFWF grant include the following priority projects: • Wells-Fargo Bank Site Improvements• Floodplain Improvement Projects• Creary Park Floodplain Restoration Demonstration Project• Green Infrastructure Stromwater Drainage Improvement• Hillside Neighborhood Drainage Assessment

Additional updates to priority projects and funding sources will come as the NFWF grant comes to a close in late 2014.

Shickshinny River Town Designation Celebration

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Introduction 2

13

Introduction

IntroductionIn September 2011, Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee brought heavy rainfall and flooding throughout eastern Pennsylvania. Shickshinny was one of the hardest hit towns along the Susquehanna River corridor. Over half of all the households and 94% of the downtown businesses district was damaged by flooding. One of the community’s historic landmarks, the First National Bank, was badly damaged in the flooding and was later demolished, leaving a large void at the community’s center. The town’s grocery store was closed for 8 months. And through it all – the flood damage, the clean-up, the long-term inconveniences - the residents of Shickshinny persisted.

The flood of 2011 changed the face of Shickshinny. With a significant loss in population and tax-base, the community needed a plan for the future that could be implemented incrementally. Shickshinny needed a plan that was practical given the community’s limited resources, but also a plan that would challenge residents to envision a better future that would attract reinvestment opportunities. The NeedRiver Towns were centers for economic activity from earliest times. The essentials needed for community life were within walking distance – home, work and play were conveniently woven together. Today, these community relationships are still valued. People choose to visit and live in communities with stable

economies, walkable and bike-friendly neighborhoods, nearby recreation, and with memorable town centers for business and social activity. The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP) holds a vision for a system-wide network of vibrant River Towns, actively connected to the Susquehanna and engaged with each other. SGP has initiated a River Town Technical Assistance program to make river towns more vibrant and appealing through the organization of River Town Teams’, community visioning, conceptual planning, project implementation, promotion and marketing.

One of the hardest jobs in the world is running a city or town – whether as mayor, a city councilperson, borough manager or township supervisor. Every day they must meet constituent needs,

Shickshinny after Tropical Storm Lee Photo Credit: Dennis Briggs

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Introduction

provide basic services, maintain aging infrastructure and, on top of that, find the resources to attract new investment and growth to reinvigorate their community. Amazingly, many do this as a part-time job.

The SGP River Towns Program will provide professional technical assistance to communities to address these diverse opportunities and challenges. The River Town (RT) Technical Assistance program will assist communities to appreciate and take full advantage of their community’s strategic location on the Susquehanna River. The RT program will address the priorities and recommendations established in the Pennsylvania’s “State Land Use and Growth Management” report. SGP understands the challenges facing these communities – and is implementing a multi-year RT program to help communities grappling with pressing needs, including:

• How to mitigate for future flood impacts • Economic redevelopment / revitalization strategies for

downtown and historic neighborhoods• Integration of greenways and green infrastructure • Innovative stormwater management solutions to improve

water quality and meet new requirements for Phase II Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs)

• Improving human health and quality of life by creating safe and walkable communities

The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership secured funding from the PA Department of Community and Economic Development and PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to expand the River Towns program to help communities that are struggling with flood recovery, by providing technical assistance in the areas of community organization, economic development, land use planning, community and neighborhood design, floodplain management, greenways and green infrastructure, river and stream dynamics, and park and recreation planning.

The Susquehanna’s 70 River Towns and 180 rural municipalities need various levels of assistance to realize their full potential as a Susquehanna Greenway River Town. SGP has begun the process of building municipal support and the financial partnerships to sustain the program in the long-term, but needs DCED funding and technical assistance to get River Towns program fully established and operational. SGP’s goal is to have the River Towns program self-sustaining in 3 years.

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Introduction

Flooding – A Global IssueAfter the flooding in the fall of 2011, the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP) organization thought long and hard about the best way to respond to the devastation. The SGP outlined an approach to provide technical assistance to two River Towns significantly impacted by the flooding and was successful in securing PA DCED. PA DCNR and Chesapeake Bay Commission funding for the effort. Creative minds around the world are currently working on the issue of flooding from sea level rise and the increased reoccurrence and severity of flooding events. The SGP is pleased to be part of this global effort – as it seeks to find pragmatic and functional local solutions to flood-prone communities along the Susquehanna River.

Flood Control SolutionsEngineers, architects, landscape architects and planners worldwide are grappling to find workable solutions to prevent and mitigate the impacts of flooding. The solutions being conceived range from the redesign and elevation of structures, to massive flood control levees and gates, to green infrastructure solutions that provide a buffer between water and the built environment.

Finding Local SolutionsIn service to the River Towns of the region, the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP) seeks to contribute to this global dialog on flood mitigation. The SGP advocates and promotes green infrastructure solutions for communities to mitigate future

flooding. The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership feels that by reinvesting in greenways, parks and natural areas, a town makes a powerful and positive statement about its belief in a prosperous and sustainable future. The SGP organizations wants to do what it can to help these River Towns to succeed.

Example of a Sustainable Recreation Area

Flooding in Colorado

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Introduction

Balancing Goals and ObjectivesIn producing the Master Plan – we sought to balance various goals and objectives. One challenge was to balance the rights of private land owners – with the needs of municipal leaders to ensure the health and safety of residents. Many rural emergency responders (Fire and EMS) are volunteers, who risk their lives protecting residents and their property. The master plan seeks to proactively identifying structures that, for public health and safety reasons, should be removed from the floodplain. The master plan also seeks to balance appropriate park and recreation design with the dynamic nature of a health river or stream. Flooding is a natural process and we want to propose facilities that are durable, compliment natural stream functions, and contribute a vibrancy and economic value to the community.

History of ShickshinnyShickshinny is one of those communities where it’s easy to play Monday morning quarterback and ask – what were they thinking locating most of their community in the floodplain? Part of the explanation is to understand history and the transportation systems that built the community. With the location of the canals and railroads, the riverfront was the community’s transportation and commerce hub.

The River was Shickshinny’s original highway. But a steamboat explosion in 1826 just down river, near the town of Berwick, set in motion drastic changes in transportation. The North Branch Pennsylvania Canal was built in the first half of the 1800’s and was later replaced by the railroad that was built on canal property.

History helps us understand how we got to where we are today. Historic maps show how the form of the town changed over time. A glimpse of historic photos show both dramatic and subtle changes over time. Understanding history also puts the community’s current struggles with flood recovery into perspective. Current challenges would likely have paled in comparison with the economic upheavals affecting the town when the coal mining industry declined. In a way it seems comforting that previous generations struggled with similar or greater challenges, and yet the town still remains and thrives. The riverfront master plan represents this generation’s effort for community re-invention.Vintage View of Shickshinny

17

Introduction

Demographics of ShickshinnyShickshinny Borough has a long and interesting history. The towns’ name is derived from the Native America name meaning either “Fine Stream” or “Five Mountains” depending on who you ask, the town and its strategic location at a break in the mountains – has served as a transportation crossroads and gathering place. A transportation hub for the North Branch Pennsylvania Canal

and later the railroad – Shickshinny was the destination for the areas agricultural and industrial products going to urban markets downriver.

Shickshinny is located at the lower end of the Wyoming Valley Coal Deposit and once supported a thriving mining industry. The Borough is 0.5 square miles in size and has been steadily losing population since the 1930’s.

In the decade between 1970 and 1980 – Shickshinny experienced nearly a 30% decline in population with much of that loss attributed to flooding from Hurricane Agnes. The full extent of the population and tax-base impacts for Shickshinny is not yet known from the flooding of 2011.

Vintage View of Union Street in Shickshinny

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Community Participation 3

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Community Participation

IntroductionThe Susquehanna Greenway Partnership – Technical Assistance program engaged Shickshinny residents in a participatory planning process for the development of the Riverfront Master Plan, and included the following:

Community Organization and Background Data Gathering• Meeting with Borough and Shickshinny Forward members to

form River Town Project Committee – describe the planning process, discuss expectations, and prepare for RT Workshop at Bloomsburg University

• Background Research and Data Gathering – compile existing plans and policy documents

• Compile existing and available GIS mapping data

Community Self- Assessment• GIS asset mapping and field assessment of Shickshinny

Borough’s Susquehanna River, Shickshinny Creek, and Little Shickshinny Creek corridors

• Existing Plans and Planning Policy Review and Evaluation• Project Committee meeting at Shickshinny Fire Hall –review

the “Shickshinny, Pennsylvania – Long-term Community Recovery Plan (April 2012); review community vision statement; list community needs / priorities for the riverfront area

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Site Analysis 4

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Site Analysis

IntroductionThe Shickshinny planning process evaluated a riverfront area nearly one mile in length – and included the neighborhoods north of Spruce Street, to the Route 239 / Mocanaqua Bridge. The master plan also considered Shickshinny’s downtown area focusing on the intersections of Main (Route 11) and Union streets and the Shickshinny Creek corridor which is approximately 0.5 miles in length through the center of town. Much of Shickshinny Borough is located within the floodplain of the North Branch Susquehanna River. Outside of the floodplain – many homes are built on steep hillsides which are impacted by stormwater runoff issues.

GIS MappingThe following section contains ArcGIS based site analysis maps created by Bloomsburg University student interns under the supervision and instruction of Brian Auman, Kathy Hannaford and Erin Peirce. The following maps cover the following analysis areas: Shickshinny’s regional context, land use, property ownership/parcels, and geology.

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Site Analysis

Shickshinny Creek WatershedL u z e r n eL u z e r n e

±0 52.5 Miles

Susquehanna River

Shickshinny CreekWatershed

Little

Shick

shinny

Creek

Shickshinny Creek

Shickshinny Lake

Date Source: Pennsylvania Spatial Data Access, ESRI

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Site Analysis

Su

sq

ue

ha

nn

aR

ive

r

Shickshinny Borough

0 ½¼ Miles ±

L u z e r n eL u z e r n e

Shickshinny

US Highway

PA State Road

Local Roads

Shickshinny Creek

Shickshinny Creek

Æþ11

Æþ11

Data Source: Pennsylvania Spatial Data Access, ESRI

(

239

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Site Analysis

±0 ½¼ Miles

Transitional

Land Use in Shickshinny Borough

Su

sq

ue

ha

nn

aR

ive

r

Data Source: 2007 PennsylvaniaSpatial Data Access

Developed

Forest

33%

45%

22%

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Site Analysis

Parcels: Shickshinny Borough

Data Source: 2007 Pennsylvania Spatial Data Access, Luzerne County GIS±0 ½¼ Miles

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Service Layer Credits:

Catskill Formation

Llewellyn Formation

Mauch Chunk Formation

Pocono Formation

Pottsville Formation

±

Shickshinny Borough: Geology by Rock Type

Su

sq

ue

ha

nn

aR

ive

r

0 ½¼ Miles Data Source: 2007 Pennsylvania Spatial Data Access, ESRI

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Site Analysis

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Site Analysis

Shickshinny Borough Flood Hazard Area

±0 ½¼ Miles

Shickshinny

Creek

Su

sq

ue

ha

nn

aR

i ve

r

Little

Creek

Blac k

Creek

TurtleCree k

100 Year Floodplain

500 Year Floodplain

Floodway

Shickshinny

Susquehanna River

Shickshinny CreekShicksh in ny

Data Source: 2007 Pennsylvania Spatial Data Access, Luzerne County GIS, Kathi Hannaford

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Riverfront Master Plan 5

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Riverfront Master Planning

IntroductionThere has been a major shift in focus in flood control in planning and design publications. In decades past the focus was on engineering flood control structures such as flood walls and levees. While structures are still the preferred choice for many densely developed urban areas – we have begun to recognize the limitations of engineering solutions. The effect of a new flood wall or levee simply transfers the flooding problem downstream. There is a growing interest in more natural flood control/ flood mitigation methods. Park, recreation and natural areas are being designed to create aesthetic and functional park space that provides a buffer between the river and the community. The new generation of riverfront parks do a good job at both protecting life and property during floods, while physically connecting people to the river for recreation and enjoyment.

Compatible Uses and Themes – Community Wish ListIn developing the Shickshinny Riverfront Master Plan – a lengthy community ‘wish list’ was compiled.

• River Access• Athletic/Sport Fields• Natural Areas• Water Quality Projects• Regional Trail Hub• Riverfront Trails (i.e. Warrior Trail & Mocanaqua Loop)• Multi-use Pavilion• Community Gardens• Dog Park• Camping Area• Public Restrooms• Picnic Tables and Grills• Adult Exercise Equipment• Passive Recreation i.e. benches and gathering spots• Canoe and Kayak Area• Scenic River Overlooks

The wish list’ items were clustered into groups of compatible or complimentary items, and targeted to specific areas of the community riverfront. The various ‘areas’ were defined as Creary Park, Central Riverfront (area at E. Union Street and McClintock Streets), Oak Street Area and North Gateway Area (Ash Street and north).

Shickshinny – Vision

A safe, vibrant, attractive River Town community, an area hub of recreation, culture, business and community activity, Shickshinny

welcomes all to live, work, and play.

(From the Shickshinny Long Term Recover Plan, April 2012)

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Riverfront Master Planning Creating ConnectionsGreenways create connections within the community of Shickshinny and connect Shickshinny with the larger region. The Susquehanna Warrior Trail is the primary trail through the town and connects all of the areas of the Riverfront – North Gateway, Oak Street Recreation Area, Central Riverfront and Creary Park. There are opportunities to develop an entire trail network in the Shickshinny area, including: the conversion of Canal Street to a pedestrian / bicycle trail; nature trails to connect with the river; improved streetscapes and sidewalks that encourage walking in the downtown and to link the neighborhoods to the riverfront, and; hiking trails on the hillside that interpret the community’s industrial heritage and connect to the State Gamelands.

Marketing ThemesShickshinny has several possible themes it could develop to market and promote the community. One of the marketable attractions of the community is the small town and neighborly character of Shickshinny. The town also has many resources to market it as a recreational hub, including its location on the North Branch Water Trail, new fishing access, proximity to the Mocanaqua Trail and location on the Warrior Trail, proximity to rock climbing and mountain biking trails. The community also has the potential to develop an Art Town marketing theme – by promoting a wide range of the arts including culinary arts (restaurants and cafes), performing arts (plays, music and art festivals) and public display of art in the downtown and on the riverfront.

Creating ConnectionsCentral Riverfront Area Town Green / Event Lawn Heritage Park Amphitheater Picnic Area Adult Exercise Area Restroom Facilities Benches and Seating

North Gateway Area Community Gardens Private Gardens / Plots Trees & Woodlots Native Grass /

Wildflower Meadows Natural Area Stream Daylighting

Fam

ily

Com

mun

ity

Teen

s

Greenway Trails Nat

ure

Creary Park River Access Primitive Camping Dog Park Natural Areas Scenic River Overlooks Picnic Area

Oak Street Recreation Area Athletic / Sport Fields Event Lawn Basketball Court Playground Skate Park Outdoor Classroom

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Riverfront Master Planning Riverfront Master PlanThe Shickshinny Riverfront Master Plan organizes the features, themes and user groups, locating them in areas best suited to accommodate them. The Master Plan is meant to represent an expansive vision to challenge Shickshinny Borough, the Shickshinny Forward organization, and residents, to take action and work towards incremental improvement to the town. The time frame for implementation could be decades, but timing is less important than steady progress towards a better community.

See Page 47 for complete Riverfront Master Plan

River ConnectionsThe Shickshinny Riverfront Master Plan seeks to create many ways for people to connect to the Susquehanna River. The plan includes primitive walking trails to access the water, overlooks to view the scenic river landscape, and canoe and kayak landing areas to make the town easily accessible by those using the North Branch Water Trail.

Creary Park – Family Recreation Area• Build Upon the New River Access and Children’s Playground• Primitive Camping Area• Family Picnic Area / Pavilion• Dog Park• Horseshoes and Courts (Tennis or Basketball Courts)• River Access / Nature Trails / Scenic River Overlook• Greenway Trail Extension (Warrior Trail) to PPL Riverlands• Softball and Field Hockey – full size fields*

Creary Park – Family Recreation AreaCreary Park is the location of a new river access and playground – and the master plan seeks to build upon these successes by suggesting other family-oriented park uses and features. The Shickshinny Master Plan proposes Creary Park as the best location for a dog park, picnic pavilion, rehabilitated tennis or basketball courts, hiking trails, canoe and kayak soft-launch, primitive camping area, and enhancements to the existing little league baseball field. The master plan also identifies Creary Park as the town’s best location for a full size softball and field hockey field, but this will require expansion into the forested area south of town, which could pose some permitting and regulatory challenges.

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Creary Park River Access Area

Creary Park Inset Map from Riverfront Master Plan

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Riverfront Master Planning Downtown & Central RiverfrontShickshinny’s Main and Union Street intersection and the Central Riverfront are strategic areas for the town’s revitalization effort. The intersection is the community’s most visible site and enhancements made there will be seen by thousands of people each day. The Central Riverfront – with its proximity to Route 11 and Shickshinny’s downtown – is also a visibly area for strategic reinvestment. A list of potential enhancements for each area is listed on the following page.

Downtown & Central Riverfront• Street Tree Plantings / Landscaping• Streetscape Enhancements (lighting, trees, crosswalks)• Main & Union Street Corner Design Competition• Public Art Displays• Community Green / Event Space• Community Gardens / Ag. Education Area• Amphitheater / Scenic Overlook• Heritage Park• Adult Recreation Area

Intersection and Streetscape EnhancementShickshinny’s signalized intersection contains an empty lot and a parking lot where the Wells-Fargo bank was previously located. The lots make an excellent location for a highly visibly community beautification project. The former Wells-Fargo Bank lot is 0.55 Acres in size, containing an ATM machine, landscaping and 35

parking spaces. The open lawn area at the corner is 0.07 acres in size and could be improved with art and landscaping without impacting the remainder of the site. The other vacant lot, located southeast of the signalized intersection is 0.16 acres in size and is suitable for new construction or art and landscaping.

Central Riverfront AreaThe Riverfront Area at the end of East Union Street – is a very strategic location for Shickshinny’s economic revitalization. The area’s high visibility and direct connection to downtown, coupled with a scenic and historic significance make it a logical place to begin the community’s revitalization effort. This area of the riverfront is well suited for larger community events such as the auto show, carnivals and possible future activities.

Town Green / Community Event SpaceNorth Canal Street and the Warrior Trail define an area well suited for a Town Green – an area capable of hosting a wide range of community activities including the car show, arts festivals, carnivals and outdoor music concerts. Enhancements suited for this area may include landscaping, walking paths, amphitheater, outdoor skating area – uses that would attract a wide range of users and 4 seasons of activity.

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Central riverfront area near Shickshinny’s central downtown area

Main intersection area in Shickshinny but former site of Wells Fargo Bank - Ideal site for streetscape improvements and intersection enhancements

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Riverfront Master Planning Heritage ParkThe privately owned land at the river’s end of North Union Street was the location of a Native American village. The master plan calls for the creation of a heritage park to interpret the town’s rich Native American and European settlement history, mining heritage, and canal and railroad history.

Community Gardens / Agricultural EducationThe riverfront open space and fertile soils of the Shickshinny riverfront are ideally suited for community gardens. The Interest from the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) in establishing an agricultural education center in the community – can help to incrementally build community gardens and agricultural education programming in Shickshinny.

If the idea of community gardens takes off and the area develops a certain threshold of farmers/ producers – Shickshinny could become the location of a farmers / growers market. The master plan seeks to accommodate that future potential by identifying a highly visible highway location for a farm stand, parking and gardens to support the market.

Adult RecreationShickshinny is home to a county-owned senior housing facility. The new riverfront park offers an opportunity to create facilities to get these senior and other adults active and involved in the downtown park. Opportunities for community gardens, walking trails, dog park, passive recreation seating areas, scenic river overlooks, and sport facilities such as bocce and basketball.

Remnants of Shickshinny’s industrial past Example of an adult oriented recreation program

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Oak Street – Teen Recreation AreaTeens are the primary user of the existing riverfront. The Oak Street playground and basketball courts are a favorite gathering place for teens and ‘tweens. The master plan seeks to build upon and enhance these existing assets and proposes enhanced basketball / multi-use courts, a skate park, and an outdoor classroom built around the daylighting of the underground stream / stormwater pipe currently under Oak Street.

To the south side of Oak Street and east of the Warrior Trail is an open grass area. While too small for full size football or field hockey fields – this area is ideal for youth soccer and practice fields for football and field hockey. The side of the field adjacent to the Warrior Trail could be terraced for spectator seating and planted with trees to provide a nice shaded seating area. The open sports fields could also function as an event lawn – oriented towards a performance stage suitable for concerts and performances.

Oak Street - Teen Recreation Area• Replace or Rehab Basketball Courts• Practice Athletic Fields – youth soccer, football, field hockey• Teen Playground• Outdoor Classroom – with Day-Lighted Stream (under Oak

Street)• Skate park• Event Lawn / Stage Area

Existing park area in Shickshinny near proposed teen recreation area

Example of an enhanced basketball court with lighting and modern amenities

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North Gateway – Land Management OptionsMany communities that acquire flood prone properties typically restore a level grade and plant grass. The following information is to encourage different practices that could benefit the environment, encourage growing of food and crops on the land, and reduce maintenance costs for the municipality. The municipality should consider leasing the use of some parcels to adjacent landowners for the establishment of specific uses such as: gardens, planting of crops, establishment of fruit tree orchards, berry vines or vineyards. The agreement, such as an MOU, will have to define a time-frame agreeable by the municipality and landowner and define the expected level of upkeep and maintenance. This type of legal agreement would relieve the burden of maintenance of the site and encourage productive use of the land.

North Gateway - Land Management Options• Land Management Options – Beyond Lawn• Walking Trails – Infrastructure Removal• Community Gardens / Private Gardens• Community Gateway – Route 11 and Warrior Trail• Floodplain Restoration

Natural LandscapingShickshinny Borough should encourage the productive use for all the acquired FEMA properties. Not all the land is needed for current or future recreational needs, so a list of potential land management options are outlined here. As an alternative to planting turf grass – Shickshinny Borough should consider planting trees along the river corridor, native grass and wildflower meadows in upland areas, and establish wet meadows / wetlands in low lying or poorly drained sites. The benefit of this natural landscaping would be to enhance wildlife habitat, reduce maintenance costs associated with weekly or bi-weekly mowing, and create a habitat area that would attract residents and visitors to the riverfront.

Example of a naturalized landscape - recreated wetland

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Stream DaylightingWater flows through the underground stormwater drain, located under Oak Street, even during summer months. The underground pipe is capturing water from the hillside to the west of Route 11 (Main Street). Stream Daylighting is the process of bringing an underground stream back to the surface, to create a park amenity and improve the aquatic health of the stream. Oak Street appears to be the most likely location to attempt stream daylighting – because of what appear to be a perennial water flow. A daylighted stream fits nicely with the Teen-Recreation Area, and can be used as an outdoor classroom by the Northwest Area School District.

Neighborhood / Private GardensDifferent than community gardens – these are smaller scale garden plots typically managed by 1 or 2 families. On smaller plots at the north end of town – the Borough should provide interested adjacent homeowners the opportunity to garden or farm small pieces of land. The proper use and maintenance of the land will be defined in a use agreement between the Borough and homeowner.

Fruit and Nut Trees / Grape and Berry VinesThe planting of trees is a long-term commitment and will require long-term agreements between the borough and the ‘grower.’ Trees and vines give physical form to the site and have the potential to generate significant income. The growing of fruit and nut trees, berries and grapes would fit with the National Center for Appropriate Technologies plans to establish an agricultural education center inShickshinny – and serve as a demonstration project for cooperative extension and master gardener programs.

Example of a daylighted stream

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Walking Trail / Infrastructure RemovalAs flood prone homes are removed and additional homes may be removed in the future – Shickshinny Borough should evaluate if streets, curbs, sidewalks, sewer, water, electric and other infrastructure could be removed from the riverfront. North Canal Street, which ranges from 20’ – 28’ wide, could be reduced to an 8-10’ wide walking path – designed for pedestrians and bicyclists and to accommodate the car show and other community festivals and events. The removal of the pavement will reduce runoff and encourage stormwater infiltration, while adding additional greenery to the riverfront.

Reconnect FloodplainIn areas where more contiguous land has been acquired – there is an opportunity to reconnect the Susquehanna River with its historic floodplain. The benefit will be to dissipate the energy of future flooding and mitigate flooding damage. North Gateway and Central Riverfront areas offer the best potential for reconnecting the floodplain. With the removal of homes, streets and other infrastructure, riverside properties can be re-graded lower and planted in native trees, shrubs and herbaceous plant materials. The excess soils can be hauled off-site or used for fill material outside of the existing floodplain. The form of the proposed Amphitheater, with its various terrace levels – could serve as an environmental education area depicting the various water levels, such as base flow, bank full, and floodplain elevations.

Green infrastructure example - curb bump out

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Stormwater ManagementThe problem of flooding is not limited to the Shickshinny Riverfront. Because much of the town is built on the hillside – many homes are impacted by stormwater runoff. Green Infrastructure demonstration projects should be considered for application in hillside areas affected by flooding and possible projects include use of pervious pavement, tree plantings, rain gardens, bio-filtration swales, rain barrels, and cisterns. A potential partner for these types of projects is the County Conservation District.

Engaging the CommunityThe Borough and Shickshinny Forward need to find ways to engage all residents in the revitalization of their community. Collaborative opportunities exist to development Business Retention and Creation strategies; incentives for flood proofing homes; policies that encourage infill development, and; residential stormwater management programs.

Engaging the Community• Engage Hillside Residents – Involved in the Downtown and the

Riverfront• Business Retention & Creation• Flood Proofing / Home Reinvestments• Infill Development• Residential Stormwater Management Programs

Stormwater management example - rain water garden

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Phasing and Implementation 6

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Phasing and ImplementationIntroductionThe master plan sought to accommodate all the community’s wish list items. The plan will serve as a general guide for community enhancement and revitalization. Shickshinny Borough leaders and the Shickshinny Forward organization have evaluated the various components of the plan and proposed the following priorities:

1. Downtown Streetscape2. Central Riverfront3. Public – Private Investments

Priority 1: Downtown StreetscapeFollowing the flooding in the fall of 2011, the loss of the Wells Fargo Bank was a significant blow to the community. The demolition of the bank left a major void in the heart of the downtown. For many this space represents a constant reminder of what was lost. It also represents a highly visible and symbolic location for a demonstration of community revitalization. The enhancement of the downtown streetscape and an art and landscaping enhancement to the Wells Fargo site has been determined to be the community’s top priority.

Streetscape EnhancementsThis illustration depicts improvements to Main and Union Street that includes: street trees, street lights, benches, landscaping, and crosswalks. It also depicts an installation of sculptural pieces and landscaping on the former Wells-Fargo bank location.

Street Corner Design CompetitionA project that would express the ‘Art Town’ theme, would be a design competition for the former Wells-Fargo Bank site. A competition would attract interest and attention to Shickshinny. The design competition would be open to local and regional designers – challenging them to create buildable solution that physically ‘holds the street,’ while creating visual interest and improves aesthetics. The art display can capture the spirit of the new Shickshinny. The parking area also offers the opportunity for innovative stormwater management – to reduce impervious surface area and treat stormwater runoff from the site. An example of ‘artful’ stormwater management can easily be incorporated into the site design.

Conceptual rendering of streetscape enhancements along Main and Union Streets

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Phasing and Implementation

Priority 2: Central Riverfront The Shickshinny Riverfront Area offers beautiful river views with a forested ridge as backdrop. The area is a focal point from Union Street and downtown and is a natural gathering / meeting location. The site has mature trees in a natural bowl-shaped lawn – sloping towards the river. The area is a mix of public and private land. The private landowner has spent significant money to improve the site including the removal of trash from illegal dumping and flood debris and planting and maintain the grass lawn.

Central Riverfront – AmphitheaterThis conceptual illustration of a riverfront amphitheater seeks to have a light hand on the site. Working with the existing topography, a terraced amphitheater is built into the existing grade. Views of the river are framed and accentuated by the canopy of large trees. In areas not used for access and seating, the lawn is converted to native shrub plantings and grass and wildflower meadows to minimize maintenance costs associated with mowing. The amphitheater will not be overly large and its more human scale will make it a unique venue for more intimate music concerts or other performances. The organic form of the amphitheater is more appropriate for its location on the river and in nature. The stage could be designed to be flooded in winter, to provide an ice-skating venue and to encourage 4-season use of the riverfront.

Conceptual rendering of proposed design competition at former Wells Fargo site

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Reconnecting the Floodplain and Environmental EducationThe form of the amphitheater could help to educate residents and visitors about the river and the form of the river landscape. The various amphitheater levels could define such floodplain features as base flow, bank full and flood elevations, and be graded in a way to illustrate how to reconnect the river with the floodplain. The use of native plants for the forested river buffer and natural landscaping will enhance wildlife habitats and improve water quality, while keeping down maintenance costs.

Use of Durable and Flood Resilient MaterialsThe amphitheater and all riverfront park features will need to be designed to withstand the impacts of flooding. The terraced amphitheater can be designed using pragmatic materials such as rock gabions that are ideally suited for riverbank stabilization project. Gabions – wire baskets of rock – can be fit into the existing riverbanks and be artistically designed using local river rock or cut stone. The gabions can be capped with slate or concrete to produce an amphitheater that is durable, visually aesthetic, comfortable, and ‘green’ using local materials.

Conceptual rendering of amphitheater area

Flood resilient material ideas

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Phasing and ImplementationPriority 3: Public – Private InvestmentThe goal for public investment in the Shickshinny Riverfront – is to encourage private reinvestment back into the community. Shickshinny’s Central Riverfront near Union Street seems a strategic place for public investment due to its easy access to downtown, high visibility and potential to enhance the economic redevelopment potential of the Old Opera House.

Old Opera HouseThe Old Opera House may be the most recognizable building in Shickshinny. The building’s historic significance, size, and strategic location, a block from downtown and a block from the Riverfront, make it an intriguing economic redevelopment opportunity. The Old Opera House’s location on the Warrior Trail adds to the location’s assets - providing additional foot and bike traffic past the site.

Public Investments Enhance Private RedevelopmentThere are several possible uses for the Old Opera House including a recreational outfitter, café, or microbrewery / brew pub. The café and microbrewery idea fits well with resident input that identified a need for more places to eat in town and an attraction that will bring people in from out of town. When setting priorities for public investments – the community should prioritize areas where redevelopment opportunities exist – such as the Old Opera House. Possible public investments may include parking and streetscape enhancements; development of the riverfront amphitheater; landscaping, and; access to land for landscaping or the planting of hops and vineyards.

Shickshinny’s old opera house - economic redevelopment opportunity Conceptual rendering of enhanced downtown area

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Phasing and Implementation Shickshinny Master Plan – Other Potential Projects / Estimated Costs

• Main & Union Street Corner Design Competition• Shickshinny Riverfront Amphitheater• Basketball and Multi-Use Court Resurfacing• Oak Street – Multi-Use Athletic Fields and Event Lawn • Community Gardens / SIFT Farm Educational Center• Dog Park

Project: Main & Union Street Corner Design CompetitionSchedule: • Design Competition (3 Months)• Funding Procurement (1 Year)• Final Design and Permitting (6 Months)• Construction (6 Months – 1 Year)

Costs:• Design Award – $3,000 - $5,000• Construction Budget - $25,000 - $100,000

Partners: • Shickshinny Borough• Shickshinny Forward• Susquehanna Greenway Partnership• Commonwealth Financing Authority / Act 13• Luzerne Foundation• Central Susquehanna Community Foundation• PPL and UGI Utilities• PA Department of Community and Economic Development• PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources• TreeVitalize Program• Wells Fargo• Private Donors

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Phasing and ImplementationProject: Shickshinny Riverfront AmphitheaterSchedule: • Feasibility Assessment (3 Months)• Funding Procurement (1 Year)• Engineering Design and Permitting (6 Months)• Construction (6 Months – 1 Year)

Costs: • Site Survey - $2,500 - $3,500• Feasibility Study - $5,000• Final Design - $45,000 – $75,000• Parking - $25,000 - $35,000• Amphitheater - $ 200,000 - $400,000• Landscaping - $ 30,000• ADA Access / Walkway - $20,000 - $40,000

Partners: • Shickshinny Borough• Shickshinny Forward• Susquehanna Greenway Partnership• Commonwealth Financing Authority / Act 13• Luzerne County Foundation• Central Susquehanna Community Foundation• PPL and UGI Utilities• PA Department of Community and Economic Development• PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources• TreeVitalize Program

Project: Basketball and Multi-Use CourtSchedule: • Engineering Design and Permitting (6 Months)• Funding Procurement (1 Year)• Construction (6 Months)

Costs: • Final Design $5,000 - $10,000• Construction $35,000 - $60,000

Partners: • Shickshinny Borough• Shickshinny Forward• Susquehanna Greenway Partnership• Commonwealth Financing Authority / Act 13• Luzerne County Foundation• Central Susquehanna Community Foundation• Geisinger Health System• PPL and UGI Utilities• PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources• Private Donors• Luzerne County

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Project: Oak Street Multi-Use Athletic Fields and Event LawnSchedule: • Funding Procurement (3 Months - 1 Year)• Final Design and Permitting (6 Months)• Construction (6 Months)

Costs: • Design - $7,500 - $15,000• Field, Terraced Seating Wall and Landscaping - $50,000 -

$100,000

Partners: • Shickshinny Borough• Shickshinny Forward• NorthWest School District• Youth Sport Leagues• Susquehanna Greenway Partnership• Commonwealth Financing Authority / Act 13• Luzerne Foundation• Geisinger Health System• PPL and UGI Utilities• Central Susquehanna Community Foundation• PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources• TreeVitalize Program• Private Donors• Luzerne County

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Shickshinny - Action Strategies

CollaborationEstablish a Collaborative and Mutually Beneficial Relationship between Shickshinny Borough andShickshinny Forward

VisionAdopt the Master Plan as a shared Vision for a Better Future

PrioritiesDefine Priority Actions and Priority Projects

LeadershipIdentify a lead person for each priority initiative, produce a schedule for implementation, and clearly define the support needed from various partners to guarantee success

PartnershipEstablish new relationships with agencies, organizations, and individuals that support and share your vision for Shickshinny

StrategyMatch all local money with other funding sources to achieve maximum benefits from the community’s limited resources

CelebrateWith the completion of each milestone – celebrate the accomplishment

SustainMake slow but steady progress towards the betterment of Shickshinny, led by a strong and dedicated municipal government and Shickshinny Forward organization

Phasing and Implementa-tion

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Project CD 7

creating more flood resilient communities riverfront ... · community needs, the focus for this...

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