A TOOL FOR NEIGHBORHOOD NODES OPPORTUNITY FOR WALKABLE URBANISM The best opportunity to implement a walkable environment may not necessarily be along a busy commercial arterial, but within existing commercially zoned properties that occur on secondary arterials and collector streets, and that are typically more embedded in existing residential neighborhoods. These properties tend to be zone E/ER, Neighborhood Commercial/ Neighborhood Commercial Restricted. Because they are embedded in the neighborhoods, they are in closer proximity to residents, and in terms of walkability, proximity is everything. With this objective, two approaches are offered which could be used to transform these existing commercial areas into walkable Neighborhood Nodes: Create a new zoning district that would allow similar uses to the E/ER district and add residential entitlements, or; Amend the current E/ER zoning district city-wide to add the residential entitlement and modify metrics to allow more urban, walk friendly, development. If the City elects to create a new zoning district, it is recommended that property owners be able to request a zone change to the new district. However, if substantial public investment is made to improve walkability (sidewalks, parking etc.), it may warrant a city-initiated zone change.
Figure 70. Aerial view of one of the proposed Neighborhood Nodes at the intersection of Eastland and Miller Avenue
154 | East Berry Corridor Study
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