westport neighborhood annapolis road enhancement study

Neighborhood Design Center

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Final Draft - 06/03/2010

Project Ren Poulsen, NDC Program ManagerCoordinators: Douglas McCoach, RTKL Associates Inc.

Designers: Megan V. Maffeo, RLA, LEED AP Morris & Ritchie Associates, Inc. Claudia Barragan, APA, RTKL Associates Inc. Stephen C. Parsons, AIA, LEED AP, AECOM Mauricio Del Pozo, Assoc AIA, RTKL Associates Inc.

Transportation Planner: Gerald Neily, Traffic Planner

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Neighborhood Design Center2

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Introduction 3Community Development Timeline 4Location 5Objectives 6Pedestrian Connections 7Gateways and Connectivity 8Project Zones 9Southern Gateway 10Pedestrian Bridge- Reconnecting the Community 11Topography 12View Corridors and Vistas 13Connecting Tools- Landscape and Community Identity 14Maisel Street Park 28Westport Traffic Study Recommendations 31Waterview/Annapolis Road Intersection 32Annapolis Road Medians and Streetscape 33Detailed Streetscape Plans & Road Sections 37Streetscape Elements – Medians & Materials 39Streetscape Elements – Planting Beds & Outdoor Seating 40Streetscape Elements – Curb Bump-outs 41Streetscape Elements - Lighting 42Streetscape Elements – Hardscape and Furniture 43Pedestrian Underpath Existing Condition 44Pedestrian Underpath Future Vision 45Conclusion 46Appendix 1 - 2007 Traffic Study Recommendations 47Acknowledgments and Special Thanks 48

Table of Contents

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Introduction

IntroductionThe History of Westport mirrors that of many working class neighborhoods in Baltimore: settlement and worker homes in conjunction with industrial growth, prosperity, and then community decline with the loss of industry. What started as a cohesive waterfront neighborhood is now cut in two by the Baltimore Washington Expressway and surrounded by abandoned industrial sites. The main street, Annapolis Road, now serves primarily as access to the highway, and is no longer a center of community life.

Westport, just south of downtown and located on a natural harbor, the Middle Branch, an estuary of the Chesapeake Bay, is now in a position of opportunity. The Middle Branch Master Plan (by the Baltimore City Planning Department in partnership with the Baltimore Harbor Watershed Association), adopted September 20, 2007, introduced a framework for sustainable, environmentally responsible renewal. Westport Waterfront, a sweeping mixed use development is now slated for the vacant industrial lands. Proposed zoning and land use modifications will provide a much needed commercial corridor along the 2100 & 2200 blocks of Annapolis Road, fostering future economic growth for the community.

Neighborhood Design Center Project Overview In 2009, the Westport Neighborhood Association (WNA) requested assistance from the Neighborhood Design Center www.ndc-md.org to focus on restoration and enhancement of the Annapolis Road corridor and to provide conceptual design ideas to further benefit the community as parallel initiatives proceeded. A Team of Volunteers with skills and experience in planning, architecture, landscape architecture, transportation, mapping, and urban design worked directly with the WNA Board of Directors and residents. In a series of meetings, ideas and alternatives were presented and discussed with the community. This document summarizes and illustrates constraints, opportunities, and recommendations, as presented by the NDC Team in partnership with WNA.

Special Note: All drawings are conceptual only--they are not intended for, nor should they be used for, construction.

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Community Development Timeline

Community development timeline For an in-depth review of the Westport community history please see link below from the (Westport Community Partnerships website)http://www.westportpartnerships.org/www/docs/118/westport_waterfront_development_community_partnerships/

1675 First settler’s farms in area1733 Iron furnace set up at mouth of Gwynns Falls1850’s Continuous road and rail access first

introduced through area1889 Carr and Lowrey Glass Works opens1890’s District settlement of Westport develops

around glass works1900’s Industries and recreation develop

along waterfront1908 Massive Westport Power Station

begins operation1918 Westport annexed to Baltimore1918-1929 Rapid development of build-out of community:

(rowhouses, institutions, business)1920’s Waterfront zoned exclusively for

industrial development1920’s-50’s Height of Annapolis Road as a

commercial main street1952 Baltimore Washington parkway completed,

separating Westport into east and west1950’s-80’s Beginning of long, continuous decline of industry

and commerce in Westport1990’s Increasing vacancy and abandonment of

properties on Annapolis Road1992 Light Rail line established through Westport 2004 Carr Lowrey Glass, last factory in area, closes.2007 Middle Branch Master Plan

(sustainable redevelopment at its core)2008 Plans for mixed use redevelopment

“Westport waterfront”

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Future Westport Waterfront

Baltimore Downtown

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Location

Westport is a neighborhood in south Baltimore, Maryland. It borders the Middle Branch on the east, Cherry Hill neighborhood to the south, Hollins Ferry Road to the west, and Inter state 95 to the north. The Baltimore Washington Parkway (MD Route 295) runs through the middle of Westport and intersects with I-95.

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Objectives

Design Goals • Enhance the Overall Image of Annapolis

Road • Improve Walkability and reduce traffic

speed • Take Advantage of Natural Features • Reconnect to the Waterfront • Enhance Gateways & Promote

Community Identity • Incorporate Sustainability Practices

Design Recommendations • Pedestrian Connectivity• Gateways • Unique pedestrian bridge concepts• View corridors and Vistas• Green spaces• Pedestrian Bridge elements • Community Identity and Lighting • Streetscape elements, benches and bus

stops

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Pedestrian Connections

Pedestrian Connection Strategies Improve connection to both East Westport & Waterfront.

A. High quality sidewalk along Manokin Street, underneath BW Pkwy, linking east and west sides of community

B. Enhance community connection to light rail station, waterfront and reclaimed green areas and trails along the water

C. Maisel Street / Pedestrian Bridge to be come a “banner” or “identity” for the com munity, and softening the bridge with green space at both sides of the bridge

D. Traffic pattern, pedestrian, and signal tim-ing improvements at Waterview/Annapolis intersections on both sides of the bridge to enable construction of medians and wider sidewalks

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Gateways and Connectivity

Gateways Gateways are an opportunity to promote community identity and to welcome residents and visitors to the Westport community. Creating a sense of arrival is achieved through distinctive and consistent design elements that are positioned in key locations. Features and enhancements could include signage, sculptural forms, unique surfaces, and specialty plantings. Special elements can be created to reflect community themes that Westport residents desire to convey.

Westport identity signs would be appropriately sized and located at the major entry points: the MD 295 interchange and the Northern and Southern gateways on Annapolis Road. Additional signage could identify wayfinding elements for businesses and community buildings and to advertise community events. Gateways should also include exit signs that thank people for visiting as they leave. Landscaping should be low maintenance--native or other species that require little water, plants that do not need much pruning nor reproduce excessively, and mulching to conserve moisture and reduce the need to weed.

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Northern Gateway - 6

Underpaths - 5

Annapolis Road - 4

Pedestrian Bridge - 2 3 - Maisel Street Park

Southern Gateway - 1

Project Zones

Study Area Zones To provide a comprehensive analysis of the Westport community, six zones have been identified that will support the revitalization of Annapolis Road and the community.

1. Southern Gateway – Major vehicular and pedestrian entry and exit (Waterview Avenue vehicular Bridge)

2. Pedestrian Bridge – Connection between western and eastern Westport

3. Maisel Street Park (East) at the intersection with Annapolis Road, a neighborhood connecting green space

4. Annapolis Road Streetscape improvements5. Pedestrian Underpath –New safe route between

western and eastern Westport underneath the highway and along Manokin Street

6. Northern Gateway-- Major vehicular and pedestrian entry and exit on Annapolis Road between Putman Street and Clare Street. Gateway design will be in keeping with the sensitive natural area along the Gwynns Falls.

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Southern Gateway

Southern Gateway The intersection of Waterview Avenue and Annapolis Road is the main entry point to the Westport community from the south and southwest. The public green spaces (shown in the diagram above) offer ideal locations for entry elements. Residents would also like to see lighting improvements in these areas.

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Pedestrian Bridge- Reconnecting the Community

Essential Connection The existing pedestrian bridge is a major connection between two sections of Westport that have been separated for decades by the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. It provides an essential route for east-side students to get to the school and for pedestrians from the west side to reach Annapolis Road, the light rail station, and the proposed renovated waterfront. The importance of this connector will increase in the future as new commercial development along Annapolis Road occurs east of the highway. Replacement of this old pedestrian bridge will provide upgraded safety measures. But this also affords an opportunity to create an experiential crossing that celebrates community identity and a place that ties into water and green themes of the Westport harbor.

Vision for a new bridge• Gateway• Connection Eastern and Western

communities of Westport• Safe place for pedestrian• Family Oriented• Incorporation of Lighting• ADA accessible• Adequate walkable surface• Connection to Landscape• Sufficient width for two pedestrians and

Bicycle lane

Unique and Visionary Pedestrian Bridge Design Elements

• Bridge/towers create Gateway to Baltimore City

• Arched Bridge creates Views • Landmark/Iconic • Community pride • Signage/Banner Westport Community • Towers visual connection to the new

Waterfront development • Views to towers from Annapolis road

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Mid

dle

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Gwynn Falls

TOWERS/BANNERS

ARCHED BRIDGE

Topography

General Site TopographyThe team conducted a slope analysis using GIS (Geographic Information System) data provided by the City Of Baltimore to determine the highest el-evated areas throughout the site. The findings revealed that the Westport community slopes down from the highest elevation (110’) on the grounds of the Westport Elementary School to the lowest elevation (10’) on the Middle Branch shoreline.

Topography also has an effect on the vehicular and pedestrian traffic along Annapolis Road. The road slopes down from a 90’ elevation at the Indiana Street intersec tion to a 20’ elevation at the Manokin Street intersection near the rail road lines. Very often a drastic change in topography has an impact on vehicular speed along roads. The 70' drop in elevation along northbound Annapolis Road, coupled with an extra lane, encourages passing and speeding which are hazardous for pedestrians. The introduction of a road median, street crossing improvements such as bump-outs and denser parallel parking zones will significantly reduce vehicular speed and enhance pedes trian safety.

Topographic Opportunities The existing pedestrian bridge (shown in red) crosses I-295 (BW Pkwy.) at the 90’ elevation, from which views of both the water and the Baltimore skyline can be enjoyed. Topography also provides three main view corridors; (shown in yellow) Maisel Street and Indiana Street offering views towards the water, and Annapolis Road offering a view of the Baltimore skyline.

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View Corridors and Vistas

Views and City Skyline VistasThe community in Westport identified views and vistas as a major community asset. The topography analysis determined three main view corridors: northward along Annapolis Road, and eastward at the intersections of Annapolis Road and Indiana Street and Maisel Street. The team conducted a view shed analysis to illustrate potential visual impacts of the new waterfront development.

Maisel Street View CorridorThe images to the left compare the existing view corridor east of Maisel Street toward the Waterfront, with the potential Waterfront de velopment massing at 6-8 stories shown in yellow and blue. Due to a 60 feet drop in elevation the view corridor will not be significantly affected by the new development. Nonetheless, the team recommends streetscape enhancements along Maisel Street east of Annapolis Road. in the form of trees and lighting to provide a well suited frame for this important view corridor.

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yCommunity Towers

Lookout platforms

Arched Bridge createsViews to the city

Reuse of existingSupports

Connecting Tools- Landscape and Community Identity

Waterfront View along the bridgeOne of the visions of the area is to take advantage of views of the Westport harbor by reclaiming views and preserving others. Due to its location, a new pedestrian bridge has the potential to strengthen the visual connection between the community, the shoreline and the City of Baltimore as a whole. The bridge connection on the east side of the parkway should make it possible to see the waterfront through the Maisel Street view corridor. The elevation of the bridge connection on the east side of the parkway allows views of the surrounding community and waterfront.

Green Connections The new bridge provides an opportunity for an enhanced connection through landscape design. User-friendly green spaces and plantings flanking the entrances can link it to the surrounding neighborhood. Landscape design and elements can reflect the bridge architecture. Enhancement of areas around the bridge currently viewed as “leftover” areas can create a special place central to the divided commu nity, link into the greening initiatives that Westport has already begun, and reinforce the green harbor concept that is being promoted in redevelopment plans.

The Towers All three of the following bridge design concepts include towers at the entry point on either end of the bridge. The placement of the towers references the historical alignment of Maisel Street (before it was bisected by the parkway) and together establish an axis toward the east that calls attention to the view of the harbor. The form of the towers, reminiscent of smokestacks from the industrial past of the area, also serves as landmarks celebrating a new community identity. Their height makes them visible from various points within Westport. Together, the sculptural ensemble of bridge and towers create a vision ary gateway to Westport and Baltimore along BW parkway (I-295).

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Bridge Concept Pentagon

Bridge Concept - PentagonThe strong shape of the pentagon inspires this concept. To create an expanded spatial sense the pen tagon is slightly stretched horizontally and through construction materials one side appears to have been left open. To reduce sun exposure on the south façade and create shade for pedestrians the skin is composed of 6” slots separated by 4” gaps. To accommodate views toward the north and permit addi tional light into the bridge interior, the north face utilizes a mesh material instead of wood. To complete the composition, the towers at the bridge entries reflect the bridge design, employ similar materials, and incorporate lighting.

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Community towers and signage for Westport and Westport Waterfront development

Arched bridge and community towers create a sense of Gateway and connection to the Community.

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birdseye view

View from Annapolis Road

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Night rendering from parkway going south

Day rendering from east entrance Night rendering from east entrance

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Night rendering south facade

Day rendering north facade

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Bridge Concept Bubbles

Bridge Concept - BubblesThis concept creates an experience of openness balanced with a feeling of shelter through placement and size of circular openings on the bridge walls. Larger openings located on the north façade allow natural illumination and smaller (four inch) openings on the south face act as a sun shade. The tow ers incorporate a similar pattern. Night lighting produces two different exterior bridge effects: from the north the larger circular openings are illuminated from within; from the south, the larger openings are visible behind the perforated south facade. The design promotes user interaction through vantage points, and recognizes human diversity through the distribu tion of viewing positions. Openings spread along the north façade of the bridge which range from small to four feet diameter serve as lookouts. These are posi tioned at lower levels to allow children to view the surroundings and at higher positions for those who are taller. The bubbles concept engenders a sense of playfulness, however, the mesh over the openings will prevent falling or the throwing of objects.

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Sectional scheme

Community towers bubble concept

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Interior view bridge

Night rendering north facade

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Exterior north facade view bridge

North facade night rendering

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Bridge Concept Torso

Sectional diagram

Longitudinal section diagram

Bridge Concept - TorsoThe approach to the torso concept is rotation of square and triangular geometry. The sides of the walls and ceiling of the bridge are designed to create a kinetic experience as they seemingly “move” from one bridge entry point to the other. As seen in the con ceptual diagrams, beginning at the bridge entry on the west side, the south wall of the bridge transitions to become the roof at the entry on the east. Light sourc es rotate in a similar way: a series of triangular-shaped openings begin on the roof at the west side and transi tion to offer views of downtown as they become the north facade at the east bridge entry. The configura-tion of these triangles also creates a unique exterior pattern on the bridge. An overall bridge transparency and lightness is achieved through design and materials selection. To decrease sun and heat from the south, the bridge façade is enclosed by a series of slots 6” in width that are spaced 4” apart. The towers at either side of the bridge reflect the torso motion, and illumi nation from within creates a lantern effect.

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Perspective south facade

Perspective north facade

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Interior view bridge

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North side night rendering

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Maisel Street Park

Reclaiming Left over Spaces, Connecting Pedestrian PathsThe existing space, located between the Pedestrian Bridge and Annapolis Road, presents itself as a left over and underutilized space. This series of sketches proposes ideas for reclaiming the missing links in the pedestrian circulation network. The proposed park would emphasize the importance of the pedestrian bridge and connection between east and west sides of Westport and can be a central gathering place for residents. This location also offers significant view corridors toward the waterfront and the Baltimore skyline.

General design elements include curvilinear pedestrian walkways with special surface benches, tower sign, murals, and landscaping.

Option A – Proposes closing a small length of Maisel Street, designating the alley as one-way, and a new connection to Annapolis Road through vacant lots. Angled parking is also included along the alley.

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Option B - Incorporates new walkways, seating, greening, and closes Maisel Street to vehicles between Annapolis Road and the pedestrian bridge.

Maisel Street Park

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Option C - Incorporates new walkways, seating, and greening, closes Maisel Street to vehicles between Annapolis Road and the pedestrian bridge, and incorporates alley parking.

Maisel Street Park

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Westport Traffic Study Recommendations

Westport Traffic Study RecommendationsAt the request of the City of Baltimore Transportation department Sabra Wang and Associates conducted a traffic impact study in October 2007 which concluded that virtually all of the new traffic for the Westport waterfront development would arrive from Interstate 95, the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD 295), Russell Street and Hanover Street (Table 8, Page 18 of the SWA study). This means that the new traffic would not want to use Annapolis Road through the com munity, creating the opportunity to make Annapolis Road a truly community-oriented thoroughfare.

The Sabra Wang & Associates study also demonstrated the lack of a direct route from Westport onto southbound I-95, which forces traffic to use circuitous routes such as Waterview Avenue to Hollins Ferry Road to Washington Boulevard. This can be rectified by a short extension of Annapolis Road northward to: (a) Warner Street to reach Bayard to Russell to I-95, and/or (b) the intersection of Russell and Bush Street.

Extending Annapolis Road slightly northward would also greatly help to:

• Improve the urban orientation between Westport, Camden Yards, South Baltimore and Downtown.

• Unify the entire Middle Branch area as a truly urban district in a way that cannot be achieved from Russell Street.

• Encourage the use of Clare Street at the north end of Westport to access the new waterfront development.

• Enhance the access opportunities for truly regional attractions in this area such as a new soccer stadium.

Proposed connection between Annapolis Road/Westport and Warner Street/South Baltimore (in blue)

Proposed connection from Annapolis Road to Bush to Russell to southbound Interstate 95 (in yellow)

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Waterview/Annapolis Road Intersection

Existing Constraints• Traffic backs up through the

intersections on either side of the bridge.

• Eastbound on the bridge, the second left turn lane is not justified by current or projected traffic volumes (as shown in the Sabra Wang traffic analyses), but only by the current inefficient traffic operations between the traffic signals (for example, traffic waiting to turn left from the right lane blocks traffic turning right).

• Sidewalks on the bridge are too narrow for safe pedestrian use.

Three Possible Solutions1. Reducing the traffic signal durations and improving synchronization

2. Realigning Annapolis Road southwest of the bridge to increase the distance between the two intersections

3. Installing a traffic roundabout on the west side of the bridge to eliminate the need for the second traffic signal and second westbound lane on the bridge, and reduce conflicts and delays

With any of these three options:• The second eastbound left turn lane on the bridge should be converted to a right turn lane• The median on the bridge should be eliminated• The lanes should be narrowed to normal width standards (11 feet)• The sidewalk on the north side of the bridge should be widened

Note: Additional analysis of the NDC team’s current and future recommendations, submitted to City of Baltimore Transportation department, can be found on the “Westport Traffic Study Recommendation Memorandum” (see appendix 1)

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Annapolis Road Medians and Streetscape

Medians on Annapolis RoadThe existing two north bound lanes on Annapolis Road between Waterview Avenue and Wenburn Street is not necessary for the current or projected traffic volumes. In addition, the second lane encourages passing and vehicles tend to speed on the downhill slope.

Construction of a median is recommended to:

• Slow-flow traffic speed • Provide a refuge for pedestrian

crossing• Reduce the large expanses of

pavement

The medians will also increase greening opportunities along Annapolis Road. However, medians should not be present where left-turn lanes are not necessary (at Waterview Avenue, Manokin and Wenburn streets).

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yMedians along 2400 and 2500 block of Annapolis Road.

The 2400 and 2500 blocks of Annapolis Road are residential in character with the majority of the row homes intact. Two northbound lanes on Annapolis Road between Waterview Avenue and Wenburn Street are not necessary for the current or projected future traffic volumes. In addition, the second lane encourages passing and vehicles tend to speed on the downhill slope.

In order to facilitate pedestrian crossings curb bump-outs should be provided at two critical locations in this section of Annapolis Road:

• North of the Indiana Street intersection - to help define the transition between the center median and the approaches to the Annapolis/Waterview intersec tion where no parking is allowed.

• Mid-block between Maisel and Kent Streets - to provide an additional pedestrian crossing in this very long block.

However, bump-outs are not recommended at the Maisel and Kent intersections so that conflicts be tween turning and through vehicles can be better resolved.


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Curb bump out at Wenburn Street

Medians along 2100 and 2200 block of Annapolis Road. The 2100, 2200, and 2300 blocks of Annapolis Road have a neighborhood retail character with an active pedestrian urban realm.Providing very short median islands in this area should be sufficient to accommodate the left turn lanes into Wenburn and Manokin, while still providing a visual interruption and relief from the street pavement.

Curb Bump-outs Curb bump-outs would facilitate pedestrian crossings at these intersections in the absence of medians. One major intersection in this section of Annapolis Road is the Wenburn Street intersection. Curb bump outs would improve the cross walks areas in this intersection.


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Medians along Annapolis Road

Medians along the 2000 block of Annapolis Road. Continuous medians are proposed within this section of Annapolis Road. There are no left turn movements between the railroad crossings and Clare Street. A landscaped median can be a compli mentary element to the open green space on the west side of Annapolis Road and to the community’s north gateway at Clare Street.

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Detailed Streetscape Plans & Road Sections

Streetscape Detailed PlansAnnapolis Road is the major spine of the Westport community and is an active corridor that links adjacent neighborhoods. Annapolis Road functions as the main street of the Westport community. The proposed design for Annapolis Road described on previous pages provides a structure and framework that responds to both vehicular and pedestrian circulation needs. Along its length, Annapolis Road transitions from a residential character to a neighborhood retail character.

The streetscape design elements work to enhance these characteristics. Detailed proposed plans have been identified to further define the streetscape and should be considered by the Westport community residents at the time of final design.

Neighborhood residential character streetscape (2400 – 2500 blocks).

Neighborhood retail character streetscape (2200 – 2300 blocks).

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Streetscape – Detailed Streetscape Plans & Road SectionsNeighborhood Residential Character StreetscapeA landscape median along the full length is recommended for the blocks with a residential character (2400 – 2500 blocks). Within the pedestrian sidewalk on either side of the street, it is recommended that planter beds be incorporated which will increase opportunities for greening and help to provide a sense of separation from traffic flow.

Neighborhood Retail Character Streetscape A median with a smaller greening area and edging of an alternative material and rolled curb is recommended for blocks with a neighborhood retail character (2200 – 2300 blocks). Within the pedestrian sidewalk on either side of the street, it is recommended that only tree pits be provided rather than larger planter beds in order to reduce conflicts with increased pedestrian activity and street crossings.

Westport community residents should also consider incorporating at regular intervals lighting and benches for gathering and moments of rest for the entire length of Annapolis Road. As well as provisions for businesses and restaurants to spill out onto the sidewalk further enlivening the space.

Detailed Road Cross-section AlternativesRoad Section 1 – Residential character landscaped medianRoad Section 2 – Retail character partially Landscaped medianRoad Section 3 – Bio-swale median (similar to the Westport Waterfront Development)

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Streetscape Elements – Medians & Materials

Median and Streetscape visionIncorporate alternative materials – a change in materials helps to create neighborhood identity and designates pedestrian circulation routes. Utilize Rolled Curbs – providing rolled curbs on medians will allow easier navigation for vehicles requiring wider turning radii. Tree pits and planting beds - create separation between pedestrian and vehicular travel lanes, and soften the built environment.

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Streetscape Elements – Planting Beds & Outdoor Seating

Sidewalk Greening & Infiltration Planters Residents favor places to sit in along Annapolis Road. Locations for these social and resting areas would be determined in conjunction with a finalized streetscape design.

The existing grade of Annapolis Road is conducive to retrofit for infiltration planter beds in side walk areas on both sides of the street or in intersection bump outs. The State of Maryland promotes water quality management at the source of storm water runoff as a means to improve streams and waterways and cites infiltration as a beneficial technique.

Medians of 10’ width can accommodate trees or other plantings and also feature special paving that tie into other streetscape elements.

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Streetscape Elements – Curb Bump-outs

Sidewalk bump outs The NDC volunteer design team recommends bump-outs at several locations along Annapolis Road to shorten the crosswalk length for pedestrians. These also will help calm vehicular traffic by effectively narrowing the street at key intersections.

Curb bump-outs present an opportunity for additional greening. The existing grade of Annapolis Road is conducive to retrofit for infiltration planter beds in the bump-outs or in sidewalk areas on both sides of the street.

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yExisting Street Lighting fixture inWestport

samples of streetscape - lighting

Combination lamp post for pedestrians and road traffic on same pole

Pedestrian-scaled lighting

Banners attached to light poles

Light poles can accommodate hanging flower baskets

Streetscape Elements - Lighting

Street Lighting The images below are samples of lighting elements that can be incorporated along Annapolis Road and other streets.

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Streetscape Elements – Hardscape and Furniture

Street furniture elements There is a wide variety of seating types, pavement surfaces, and planting enhancements that could be incorporated into the new streetscape along Annapolis Road. These elements include pavers, tree grates, benches and specialty lighting. Use of pervious paving can help address runoff and stormwater issues. Design choices affect the final atmosphere and feeling of the street environment-- a sense of history or more modern times, subdued or vibrant, or more natural or urban. The community may choose elements that reflect the special identity of their traditional neighborhood or visually tie the longstanding neighborhood and new waterfront development together by incorporating similar design elements.

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Existing Path conditions

Existing Path conditions

Pedestrian Underpath Existing Condition

Underpath – existing conditionsGeneral observation of the areas under neath I-295 along Manokin Street between the east and west portion of the study area finds that pedestrians are using dirt paths as alternative surface routes to cross from the east to west of the Westport community. This is hazardous for both pedestrians and vehicles because people are crossing highway entrance and exit ramps, and drivers are not expecting them to be present nor able to see them.

Construction of an underpath is recommended to provide a separate and safe route for pedestrians and bicycles.

This new and safe route will also enhance the development potential of the large vacant site west of the Parkway.

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Proposed Path conditions

Pedestrian Underpath Future Vision

Underpath and pedestrian safety improvements The underpath should be planned for various users, pedestrians, wheelchairs, and bicycles. Safety features and design considerations should include:

• Provide railing barriers to prevent pedestri-ans from crossing the on/off ramps and to discourage crossings at locations other than the adjacent signals.

• Provide pavement markings and signs to designate safe crossings.

• Pave the dirt path surface for pedestrian and cyclist.

• Provide lighting features to increase visibility and safety, consider using LED lights.

• Improve Community Safety by enhancing visibility by using bright colorful railing ele-ments at the entrances to the underpath.

• Enhance the area as an amenity by incorporating] artistic design elements, such as art installations or murals, thus discouraging graffiti.

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Annapolis Road - Before Annapolis Road - After

Conclusion

ConclusionThe Neighborhood Design Center Team hopes that our collaboration with WNA will assist the Westport community in reaching their own physical improvement goals and in deriving full benefits from initiatives underway, planned, and yet to be conceived for the future.

Next StepsThese recommendations are provided for the Westport Community to use in their future discussions and endeavors. The Westport Neighborhood Association (WNA) has already begun identifying priorities, discussing these with partners, and considering actions that will enable them to achieve the goals of residents in Westport.

Concepts for an innovative design replacement for the pedestrian bridge should be considered by the Baltimore City Department of Transportation as a part of its current plans. A new pedestrian bridge would practically and symbolically connect the highway that separate the neighborhood while creating a unique and vibrant gateway element.

Options presented for improvements along Annapolis Road should be considered by the Baltimore City Department Planning and the Department of Transportation as they develop design guidelines and rezoning recommendations. Recommendations regarding traffic and circulation should be shared with the consultants conducting the new transportation study that is currently underway.

Staff from Westport Community Partnerships http://www.westportpartnerships.org/www/docs/100/westport_waterfront_development_community_partnerships/] and Turner Development http://www.turnerdevelopment.com/ have participated in the project process and discussions. Turner Development has already welcomed input from residents as a part of this planning effort relative to the forthcoming Waterfront Development http://www.westportwaterfront.com.

The NDC volunteer’s design intent is to help tie the old and new areas together in a lasting way, while reinforcing the individual identity of the original Westport community. Our collaboration with WNA can assist the Westport community in reaching the neighborhood physical improvement goals by gaining full benefit of present and future private and public initiatives in the area. Furthermore, the proposed vehicular and circulation improvements and a defined streetscape character along Annapolis Road can foster the community’s economic development and the future success for Annapolis Road as a vibrant commercial corridor.

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Appendix 1 – Westport 2007 Traffic Study Recommendation Memorandum

Recommendations to the City of Baltimore Transportation department & Sabra Wang and Associates (2007) Traffic Study

The overall traffic goals are: • To make the neighborhood safer and more attractive.• To reduce the impact of future traffic growth on the community.• To make the neighborhood less isolated and a more integral part of the surrounding city.

1. A median should be constructed on Annapolis Road in all locations where left turn lanes are not needed. The existing left-turn lanes required at the Wenburn and Manokin intersections prevent a median from being accommodated at these locations.

2. The current second northbound through lane on Annapolis Road is not justifiable or warranted by present or future traffic volumes. It should be eliminated in favor of the median because it is: (a) an unsafe downhill passing lane which encourages excessive speed, and (b) an unsafe transition into the left turn lane at Wenburn which causes unsafe traffic weaving.

3. In order to accommodate the median on Annapolis Road, the double left turn lane designation from the Waterview Avenue bridge eastbound onto Annapolis Road northbound must be eliminated, and re-designated for only one left turn lane. The current and projected traffic volumes do not justify the double left turn lanes, and cause the intersection to operate much less efficiently by allowing left turns in the right lane of the bridge to block right turns.

4. The fundamental cause of the traffic problem on the Waterview bridge is not too much traffic, but insufficient distance between the intersections on either end of the bridge. This problem can be solved by one or more of the following: (a) improved traffic signal timing and coordination with shorter cycle lengths to reduce queue lengths, (b) realigning Annapolis Road south of Waterview Avenue (west of the bridge) slightly to the west, just north of the cemetery, (c) constructing a roundabout at the Waterview/Annapolis intersection at the west end of the bridge, which would efficiently solve the traffic signal queuing problem.

5. Since there is insufficient width on Annapolis Road for a median in locations where left turn lanes are necessary (Wenburn and Manokin), curb bump-outs should be provided at these locations to better accommodate pedestrian crossing. Where left turn lanes are not provided (Kent, Maisel and Indiana), curb bump outs are not necessary.

6. A mid-block pedestrian crosswalk should be provided in the very long block between Kent and Maisel, enhanced by the median, curb bump-outs and pedestrian signs.

7. A new sidewalk should be constructed along the Manokin Street underpass of the Baltimore-Washington Parkway to accommodate this well-used pedestrian link. This could be coupled with a westward extension and realignment of Manokin Street into the vacant redevelopment site, which could be a strong asset for its redevelopment plan and also help link Westport to the surrounding area to the west.

8. Manokin and Wenburn should remain two-way as long as possible, and should not be converted to one-way operation until it can be justified by sufficient traffic growth. Continued two-way operation of these streets will greatly reduce the volume of turning traffic on and off of Annapolis Road, which will reduce pedestrian conflicts, as well as smooth out fluctuations in heavy traffic volumes during peak periods so that neither street carries more than its rightful share at any time.

9. Improved access is needed from Westport onto southbound Interstate 95, in order to reduce traffic demand though the heart of Westport on Manokin and Waterview Avenues, as well as enhance the attractiveness to new development. This can be efficiently provided by extending Annapolis Road slightly northward to (a) create an east approach to the intersection of Russell and Bush Streets, and/or (b) link into Warner Street to gain access to Bayard Street. A connection from Annapolis Road to Warner Street would also greatly enhance Westport's linkage to the Camden Yards, Gateway South and Federal Hill areas, and greatly increase the urban orientation of all of the redevelopment sites.

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Acknowledgments and Special Thanks

Westport Neighborhood Association (WNA) including the Board of Directors (BOD)Michael Eanes, PresidentKeisha Allen, Vice PresidentDeborah Eanes, SecretaryStacey McCracken-Jones, TreasurerDeborah Guest, Board Member At-Large

Westport Community PartnershipBonnie Crockett - Director of Community Partnershipshttp://www.westportpartnerships.org

Turner Developmenthttp://www.westportwaterfront.com

BCDOT (Baltimore City Department of Transportationhttp://www.baltimorecity.gov/Government/AgenciesDepartments/Transportation

Baltimore City Department of Planninghttp://www.baltimorecity.gov/Government/AgenciesDepartments/Planning/Divisions

Parks and People Foundation http://www.parksandpeople.org

Printing and audio video support:RTKL Associates Inc.AECOMMorris & Ritchie Associates, Inc.

westport neighborhood annapolis road enhancement study

Documents

westport community history

annapolis road medians

annapolis road corridor

blocks of annapolis

operation1918 westport

separating westport

community decline

s height of annapolis