The City of Hood River Urban Renewal Agency is launching a community-wide survey campaign to further refine community input for improvements to the commercial section of the Heights. A three-week online survey is part of the first phase of a 15 – 18 month effort to formalize a streetscape and urban design plan with with renewed emphasis on addressing traffic and pedestrian safety, walkability, and the area’s local businesses.
The goal is to establish a plan for the major arterials as well as side streets and intersections along the five-six block area that stretches along 12th and 13th streets, bounded by May Street and Belmont/Union streets. In addition to addressing pedestrian and traffic flow, the project is exploring how design strategies could support a stronger sense of community identity for the area.
The process will provide an opportunity for the community to provide input that will shape elements such as biking enhancements; intersection improvements and other street designs; parking; alley uses; adjacent development; and other possibilities. The process is being guided in conjunction with the community engagement and design firm, MIG. MIG is providing engineering and design support, and is developing a concept plan based on technical analysis and community input. Information about the project and links to the survey is available online at https://cityofhoodriver.gov/urban-renewal/the-heights-streetscape-plan/.
“We want to encourage residents to join us in this community-wide survey that will allow us to better define opportunities for improvements in the Heights. Community participation is key to ensuring that this project reflects the vision of the community as we work together to plan safer streets that support businesses and economic opportunities, embraces our history, and enhances the livability and image of the entire Hood River community,” said Dustin Nilsen, The City of Hood River’s Director of Planning and Zoning and Project Manager for the streetscape plan.
This project is funded through the Heights Urban Renewal District that was created by the City in 2011 to focus on improvements in the Heights, including those that address streetscape modifications to improve safety for bicycles and pedestrians along 12th and 13th Streets, which also serve as State Highway 281.
Establishing a stronger sense of community identity for the Heights District will also be explored as part of the survey and design process. The intent is to incorporate ways to reflect Hood River’s history and evolution as a reflection of the wider community