Proposed short term projects
1: install additional trash cans
The pink triangles represent potential locations of additional trash cans to be located near existing bus stops, food service establishments, and generally at regular intervals along the most heavily trafficked portions of the site area. Currently, none of the bus stops have a trash can nearby and very few trash cans remain along South Broad Street.
One potential strategy to improve the functionality of the trash cans was to utilize a solar compacting type of a can. Philadelphia and New York City utilize these models which come at a considerably higher first cost but result in less garbage removal due to the internal compactor. Some models even feature wireless communications equipment to notify sanitation workers when the cans need to be emptied. This results in a more efficient trash removal process. Also, many compacting units have a self closing door flaps to help eliminate wind-blown trash debris from littering the streets.
One potential strategy to improve the functionality of the trash cans was to utilize a solar compacting type of a can. Philadelphia and New York City utilize these models which come at a considerably higher first cost but result in less garbage removal due to the internal compactor. Some models even feature wireless communications equipment to notify sanitation workers when the cans need to be emptied. This results in a more efficient trash removal process. Also, many compacting units have a self closing door flaps to help eliminate wind-blown trash debris from littering the streets.
Solar-Powered Compactors
- Showcase for Sustainability
- Fully Enclosed Design Eliminates Overflowing Cans
- Alerts Trash Collection Agency When Full (Remote Monitoring)
- Reduces Collection Frequency
- Purchase Could Coordinate with TDA Effort
2: street tree replenishment
The second recommended project is a street tree canopy replenishment project. This would include the consultation of a landscape architect to develop typical planting details, make recommendations on species and spacing for the various sites in the project area, and to advise on a plan for the initial first year of the planting to ensure the trees survive and are able to properly adapt to the site.
Based on previous experience, CCH recommends that street trees be planted between twenty and thirty feet on center along streets in the project area. Based on this spacing, the approximately 231 trees are proposed in the site area as follows:
Based on previous experience, CCH recommends that street trees be planted between twenty and thirty feet on center along streets in the project area. Based on this spacing, the approximately 231 trees are proposed in the site area as follows:
- 115 Trees on South Broad Street
- 33 Trees on Market Street (including proposed Islands)
- 31 Trees in the City Owned parking area behind the 200 Block of South Broad Street
- 27 Trees on Short Greenwood and Centre Streets
- 13 Trees on Assunpink Drive
- 12 Trees on Hamilton Avenue
The benefits of the additional trees and future tree canopy includes:
- lower localized air temperatures
- increased property values
- less stress on an aging drainage infrastructure
- mitigation of some airborne pollutants
3: Street Re-striping
The more complicated recommendation with the street re-striping is to make South Broad Street a two-way street for the throughout the project site. South Broad transitions to one way traffic currently at Livingston Street (going northbound). Traffic on Livingston Street is also currently one way between Broad Street and Warren Street. The existing road allows for enough space to provide full 11’ or 12’ wide lanes of traffic in each direction at both streets.
The diagram also indicates bike lanes in a shaded hatch along Livingston and South Broad Street and indicates a clarified on street parking space layout. The pedestrian crosswalks at this intersection should be re-striped as well because of the high intensity of pedestrian traffic in this intersection due to the County’s Civil Courthouse shown at the lower left corner.
At Centre Street and South Broad Street, it is recommended that the two bus stops be adjusted as shown so that the buses no longer have to drop off riders in active lanes of traffic. The diagram also indicates how Broad Street should remain as only two lanes of traffic at the Route 1 overpass so that cars no longer have to merge going Northbound on South Broad Street. The indicated curb changes are addressed in a later section.
The diagram also indicates bike lanes in a shaded hatch along Livingston and South Broad Street and indicates a clarified on street parking space layout. The pedestrian crosswalks at this intersection should be re-striped as well because of the high intensity of pedestrian traffic in this intersection due to the County’s Civil Courthouse shown at the lower left corner.
At Centre Street and South Broad Street, it is recommended that the two bus stops be adjusted as shown so that the buses no longer have to drop off riders in active lanes of traffic. The diagram also indicates how Broad Street should remain as only two lanes of traffic at the Route 1 overpass so that cars no longer have to merge going Northbound on South Broad Street. The indicated curb changes are addressed in a later section.
4: facade improvement program
The fourth proposed short term project is a facade improvement program. This program would be modelled on the Old Mill Society Grant program which has offered grants to properties within the historic district of Mill Hill. Portions of buildings visible from the public right of way would be eligible for grants.
The facade program would fund repairs to a variety of building elements as indicated in the diagram above. Facade elements including commercial building signage, window replacements, shutters, cladding removal or replacement, cornice repair or replacement, entry doors, stone or brick repointing, and painting would be eligible. All proposed grant elements would need the approval of the City of Trenton Landmarks Commission when the propoerty falls within the Historic District. Other elements would need to follow the same guidelines but would not be required to make a presentation to the Landmarks Commission.
For buildings constructed after 1945, the appropriateness of the replaced or repaired items must be on acse by case basis as most of these buildings do not follow the same conventions of the more traditional buildings within the site area.
The entity organizing this program will need to develop clear guidelines for eligibility as well as a transparent ranking program for the grant cycles.
The facade program would fund repairs to a variety of building elements as indicated in the diagram above. Facade elements including commercial building signage, window replacements, shutters, cladding removal or replacement, cornice repair or replacement, entry doors, stone or brick repointing, and painting would be eligible. All proposed grant elements would need the approval of the City of Trenton Landmarks Commission when the propoerty falls within the Historic District. Other elements would need to follow the same guidelines but would not be required to make a presentation to the Landmarks Commission.
For buildings constructed after 1945, the appropriateness of the replaced or repaired items must be on acse by case basis as most of these buildings do not follow the same conventions of the more traditional buildings within the site area.
The entity organizing this program will need to develop clear guidelines for eligibility as well as a transparent ranking program for the grant cycles.