It's really true. Stores like Walgreen's etc are capable and willing to design stores with urban site layouts if we are wise enough to require it. We need to enact legislation that guides development to meet our master plan.
Imagine this sitting at West Ave and S Transit instead of large parking lot. Opportunities were missed with Rite Aid, Walgreen's and most recently Family Video. Let's make sure we do not miss anymore.
Here's what we got:
4 comments:
You have to be sure, however, that your local government is willing to stand up to Walgreen's, etc. to make sure they get what they want. I heard in one city here they kept insisting on Walgreen's making something nicer and more thought out than the typical store, and Walgreen's actually threatened to pack up and walk away from the project altogether. The city ended up going with what Walgreen's wanted despite being able to point to other examples where Walgreen's had made a more concerted effort to fit in.
Thanks for the comment.
I hear you. For one no one wants to have to pay more than thier competition. Hence the need for unified codes that create an even playing field. Not picking and choosing who to "push".
These big pharmacy chains are willing to pay if you make them, more so than other buisnesses. Look at the one on Sheridan drive that moved a few blocks away and willing to pay both the old and new leases to do it. Their buisness model is being in a certain location. Chances of them walking away are slim. But it is larger if they then choose to move elsewhere. It's best we are left with a higher quality building if and when they choose too. One that is up to the street an capable of being broken into smaller stores etc.
And I am not asking for gold leaf and marble on the outside. Brick facades are now very common again and putting the asphalt out back or on the side does not cost much more.
I've been frustrated by this topic myself. Just a couple blocks up Transit is a Rite-Aid that is a short walk from my home.
There is a Rite-Aid everywhere you turn in Lockport, so they clearly want to be a neighborhood business.
So what do I get when I walk there? A rail all around the lot, with the only entrances through the driveways. I jump the rail and walk across the grass, but it's still not a very pedestrian-friendly situation.
Why do they put a store every mile or two, yet discourage pedestrian traffic? If I have to drive, it doesn't much matter if I go 2 blocks or 20. Why not have one bigger central store, if they don't want pedestrian traffic?
The one at High and Transit? That's near me also. It's fun to imitate olympic hurdling over the woodedn rail after crossing the intersection.
It was before my time in Lockport so am not sure if it is all code based or just sloppiness by the planning board. The 1999 Master plan spells out the need for urban site plans to strengthen the city. Unfortunately development since then has tilted toward the same-old same-old building behind too-much parking. Family Video snuck by me. I guess we can only speak up during the planning approval process for now and continue to push for updated codes. Especially in the DT area.
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