Multiple factors must be carefully studied to design the best possible project that meets the community's transportation needs while respecting the concerns of neighboring residents and businesses. There are also environmental regulations, historic preservation guidelines, and other land-use issues to consider. For all of these reasons, the Tucson Department of Transportation (TDOT) works with the community to design each major transportation project - including Downtown Links – based on a step-by-step process.
A comprehensive land use plan for the Downtown Links corridor is one of the key opportunities – and results -- of extensive project planning and community input. In addition to working with the Downtown Links Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC), the project team kicked off a series of urban design workshops in 2006. Participants from five geographic locations encompassing several neighborhoods near and within the Downtown Links project gathered to discuss land use and urban design topics such as:
Connectivity
Safety
Land uses
Historic preservation
Environmental issues
Drainage
Schools
Redevelopment of buildings |
Community space, parks & open space
Neighborhood & community identity
Neighborhood & community identity
Vacant land development
Public right-of-way design
Green issues, sustainability, energy conservation
Green issues, sustainability, energy conservation
Traffic mitigation & traffic calming
Economic impact & opportunities
Other |
More neighborhood meetings held in 2007 brought this effort closer to its goal -- a comprehensive plan for land use, urban design and traffic mitigation for project-related areas.
The Links corridor land use plan and road alignment are integral to the future adoption of the Historic Warehouse Arts District Master Plan. Specifically, the Downtown Links CAC has been tasked with addressing an alternate alignment north of the railroad tracks that is compatible with the proposed Warehouse Arts District Master Plan. On June 23, 2008 the CAC voted to endorse such a 'north of the tracks' route to Mayor and Council -- the Curved 6th Street Alignment 3.d.
On July 8th, 2008, the Mayor and Council voted 6-0 to approve Alignment 3.d.
The next phase of the project is design and is expect to take 18 to 24 months. The CAC, neighborhoods and other stakeholders will participate in an extensive public process to identify and prioritize design and roadway elements such as bike lanes, the Ninth Avenue Deck, the 7th Street crossing, public art, pedestrian access, median width, water harvesting, and landscaping.
Geographic/Neighborhood presentation materials 2006
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Individual Geographic/Neighborhood Land Use presentations with feedback notes Phase I, Phase II, Phase III 2006-2007
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