Concepts for a revitalization of the downtown area of the City of Plymouth were presented to several interested residents in a public forum held Tuesday, March 26 at the REES Theatre.
Bob Heiden from engineering firm Jones Petrie and Rafinski (JPR) explained two different concepts for streetscape designs on Michigan Street that stretches from Jefferson Street to Laporte Street in downtown Plymouth.
Heiden said a study found that there is a goal to incorporate greater accessibility through safe pedestrian crossings, visual cues, compliant ADA ramps, and improved street lighting along that corridor. The analysis of parking options was also a goal in order to provide sufficient parking while creating vibrant pedestrian spaces and corridors.
The existing conditions show aged lighting, older and dying trees, outdated trash receptacles, and sidewalk issues. Proposed concepts show updated lighting, a different type of trees, more modern trash receptacles to consider, bike racks, seating areas, as well as a renovation of sidewalks for outdoor dining and sidewalk sales. Bumpouts could be considered at intersections to allow for more foliage and aesthetic options to show a sense of identity and to assist with drainage. It also creates a safer way for pedestrians and bicyclists to maneuver in the downtown area as traffic tends to slow when approaching a bumpout.
One concept presents an option with parallel parking on Michigan Street as opposed to angle parking. That would create a turning lane downtown. Heiden noted that design would subtract about 60 percent available spaces. The other concept kept the angle parking without the turn lane with an update in sidewalk usage and bumpouts.
REES Theatre officials have stated that they would like to create a bumpout intersection adjacent to the property to host outdoor opportunities there, which spurred the work by JPR to construct the proposals for public view and opinion to include the entire downtown space.
Additionally, Garro Street could be transformed into a gathering space where bollards would be installed for a day where food trucks could come in and park for an event, or some sort of small festival or artistic event. It would give a boost to define a unique, welcoming area in the city. It would also be suitable for everyday traffic.
Heiden stressed that these are simply concepts and nothing is set in stone. City of Plymouth Mayor Robert Listenberger would like comments about what the community would like to see downtown. Mayor Listenberger said the process will take a lot of planning before anything comes to the construction phase which may be a few years from now.
Whatever is eventually decided down the road will go into a Master Plan to be presented to the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) for approval as Michigan Street is a state highway (State Road 17).
