COMMERCIAL CENTER ACTIVITIES Most activity occurring during the daytime is part of the daily business operations, although there are a few restaurants, a 24-hour laundromat, and convenience and liquor stores that remain open late. Nearby residents reported loitering and public drinking in the park and on vacant properties nearby. There are one or two small events in the Golf Village Park each year. Very little pedestrian activity occurs. Negative activity includes drug use/sales and fights. REGULATORY CONDITIONS The current conditions of landscaping, signage, dumpster enclosures, and lighting suggests a need for better standards and enforcement. For the most part, the existing zoning is B-2 Community Business District. This does not allow for mixed-use projects which would help add residential uses to second or third floors facilitating infill development and re-use of some existing structures. As mentioned above, the commercial and residential incompatibility on NW 11th Street is an issue, therefore additional buffers and/or street trees should be required for any future redevelopment of these parcels. MOBILITY CONDITIONS Bus shelters and surrounding areas are dark at night and invite loitering. In addition, the bus shelters don’t appear to provide adequate protection from the elements which effect quality of life. New bike lanes and generally good sidewalk lighting promote walking/biking. Parking for many smaller sites is limited, and some businesses reported that this lack of parking is harming their operations and opportunities to grow. Additionally, there is a general lack of drive aisle connections between sites. IDENTITY & BRAND CONDITIONS The tired and deteriorated aesthetics are likely impacting community pride and creating a negative perception of the area in general. This impacts the real estate market potential on the vacant parcels, especially for real estate and market investors that need to believe their investment will be secure and successful. The condition of the commercial uses, the vacant buildings, lack of landscaping, and the vacant lot behind Walgreens, all contribute to the blighting image as one enters the neighborhood. Sunrise Golf Village Park also has a negative impact on the brand/ identity of the area. An immediate message needs to be defined for this portion of the city that repositions the area as an attractive place to invest.
S S NW 11th Street incompatibility between commercial and residential uses
58 | EAST SUNRISE IMPROVEMENTS MASTER PLAN
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