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HomeMy Public PortalAboutEastern Gateway District StreetscapeDate of Meeting: October 15, 2020 TOWN OF LEESBURG PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Subject: Streetscape Plan Staff Contact: Richard Klusek, Senior Planner Susan Berry-Hill, Director Applicant: None - Town Council initiated plan. Proposal: The Streetscape Plan is one component of an ongoing implementation effort for the recently created Gateway Overlay District. The Streetscape Plan, when combined with other efforts will provide a holistic focus on site, building, and streetscape design within the overlay district. Planning Commission Critical Action Date: None Recommendation: Staff recommends the Planning Commission forward the Streetscape Plan to the Town Council with a recommendation of approval by incorporating the Plan into the Legacy Leesburg Town Plan Update. Staff further recommends the Planning Commission recommend further refinement of the Streetscape Plan for the Edwards Ferry Road Corridor [or alternate priority corridor as preferred by the Planning Commission]. Initiation Date: The Town Council considered and endorsed recommendations from the H-2 Work Group to develop a Streetscape Plan for the Gateway District in February, 2018. More recently, the Streetscape Plan and other elements of the Gateway District including Zoning ordinance Overlay and Design Standards and Design Guidelines were reaffirmed by the Town Council on October 15, 2019. Specific recommendations of the H-2 Work Group (H2WG) which recommended development of a Streetscape Plan were endorsed by the Town Council on December 9, 2019. Web Link: https://www.leesburgva.gov/government/departments/planning- zoning/current-planning-zoning-projects/gateway-project Suggested Motions: Approval I move that the Streetscape Plan be forwarded to the Town Council with a recommendation of approval and formal incorporation into the Legacy Leesburg Town Plan Update. I further move that the Planning Commission recommend the implementation actions contained in the Planning Commission’s October 15, 2020 staff report, including initiation of more detailed streetscape planning efforts for all five Gateway District Streetscape Plan Planning Commission Staff Report October 15, 2020 Page 2 of 5 corridors of the Gateway District starting with the Edwards Ferry Road Corridor [or alternate priority corridor as preferred by the Planning Commission]. Or Alternate Motion I move that ________________________________. Background Information The Planning Commission first received the Draft Streetscape Plan in its October 1, 2020 Meeting Packet. However, a meeting was not possible due to lack of a quorum. As such, the contents of this staff report are largely duplicated with the exception of some refinements to recommend specific action at the October 15, 2020 Planning Commission Meeting. To the extent that Planning Commissioners have specific comments or questions regarding the contents of the Streetscape Plan, they are encouraged to discuss them with Staff prior to the meeting to facilitate discussion and expedite the overall review process. Background of the Gateway District: In October, 2016 the Town Council initiated the H2Work Group (H2WG) to consider updating or replacing the H-2, Historic Corridor Architectural Control Overlay District. In February, 2018, after receiving the H-2 Work Group’s recommendations, Town Council initiated amendments to the Official Zoning Map and the Zoning Ordinance, including design guidelines, to establish the Gateway District as an overlay district on portions of the following five major corridors into town: 1. West Market Street 2. North King Street 3. South King Street 4. East Market Street 5. Edwards Ferry Road The main purpose of these amendments to the Official Zoning Map and the Zoning Ordinance is to establish the Gateway District with its upgraded requirements as soon as possible to give the Town more ability to demand a higher, more traditional level of architecture in these corridors to better protect these major entryways into Leesburg. For four of the corridors the Gateway District would replace the H-2, Historic Corridor Control Architectural Overlay District (“H-2 District”). On October 15, 2019, Council approved Resolution 2019-158 entitled “Initiation to amend zoning ordinance articles 7 and 18 to establish a new architectural design overlay district for areas within the Eastern Gateway District”. Gateway District Streetscape Plan Planning Commission Staff Report October 15, 2020 Page 3 of 5 On November 26, 2019, the H2WG and staff met to revisit earlier recommendations. As such, the Group reaffirmed the approach recommended in 2018 with the addition of #4 below: 1. Adopt Gateway overlay district in the Zoning Ordinance with new boundaries on East and West Market; North and South King Street; and Edwards Ferry Road east of Heritage Way. 2. Adopt a holistic approach to design in the corridor by focusing on site, building and streetscape design. 3. Adopt general zoning text regulation to provide regulatory ‘teeth’ to basic design concepts. 4. Adopt general guidelines for the entire Gateway District (all five segments). 5. Based on the character of each segment, adopt specific guidelines for each of the five segments. 6. Develop Streetscape Plans for all segments of the Gateway District which would be implemented over time through private development as well as public sector improvements achieved through the Town’s Capital Improvements Plan. The Town Council endorsed this approach on December 9, 2019. Different parts of this effort are moving forward simultaneously and are being presented to the Planning Commission as they are completed. At this time, Staff is presenting the Draft Streetscape Plan which addresses item #6 of the Town Council Endorsed approach. The H2WG is currently continuing their efforts on development of building and site design guidelines and they will be presented to the Planning Commission at future date. The zoning ordinance amendments have already been adopted by the Town Council. Draft Streetscape Plan: The Draft Streetscape Plan is included as Attachment 1. The plan and its contents were developed with input from the H2WG based on comments, questionnaires, and surveys completed by the H2WG members. The H2WG has reviewed the draft plan and determined that the Planning Commission should take the lead in further refining the plan and developing an implementation approach. The H2WG generally felt that the Planning Commission and Town Staff would be the primary parties responsible for implementing the Streetscape Plan and ensure that future rezonings and Capital Projects adhere to its guidance. The Planning Commission should review the goals of the plan and the overall vision and recommend approval to the Town Council with any further edits deemed necessary. Based on direction received, the primary purpose of the Gateway District Streetscape Plan should be to promote a vision for preserving/enhancing more defined gateways into the Town. This involves improving the sense of arrival and identity and preserving the defining character elements of Leesburg. At the same time, the gateway Streetscape Plan presents an opportunity to improve the pedestrian experience and to enhance overall aesthetics. The Streetscape Plan represents a desired aesthetic and function to the corridors but it does not fully consider the range of engineering constraints of other obstacles that might prevent the Town from achieving the stated vision. Standards of outside agencies like VDOT and Dominion Power will also affect implementation of this plan. As such, the Gateway District Streetscape Plan Planning Commission Staff Report October 15, 2020 Page 4 of 5 vision in this plan should be the starting point for a conversation regarding the stated vision. The Streetscape Plan is only the first step in an overall effort to appropriately preserve or retrofit the streetscape conditions in the gateway corridors. Future efforts will be needed to determine how and if the vision can be achieved. Streetscape Plan Implementation: The Draft Streetscape Plan is a general plan and it has not been prepared to provide specific approaches to implement streetscape design. The Plan is only a first step in articulating and ultimately achieving a desired vision. It provides general guidance that applies to the five corridors located in the gateway district but specific details for each corridor will need to be considered at some point in the future to the achieve the stated vision. Currently, the Plan is intended to guide Capital Improvements (CIP) projects that might be developed in the future as well as to guide development of proffers for applications along the corridors. However, in the absence of a specific project or rezoning application, there is no plan for implementing the vision. As such, Staff recommends the Planning Commission recommend further work on the Streetscape Plan to the Town Council based on corridor priorities. The Planning Commission can develop appropriate criteria for prioritizing more detailed streetscape planning for each corridor. Such criteria could include such factors as: potential for redevelopment or development; need for safer pedestrian and/or vehicular environments; planned road improvements/CIP projects for which streetscaping can and should be a part of the plan; greatest need for aesthetic improvements; or other factors. Without overthinking this, Staff believes the corridor with the highest priority for additional streetscape planning is the Edwards Ferry Road corridor. This priority is based on factors that include potential redevelopment of the old Walmart site, a high number pedestrian/vehicle traffic conflicts, and the potential for the Streetscape Plan to influence the Edwards Ferry Road interchange design. In Staff’s assessment, other corridors in decreasing order of priority for further study are East Market Street, South King Street, North King Street, and West Market Street. In general this decreasing level of priority for further study is based on how dynamic these corridors are with respect to land use changes and the extent to which changes are deemed necessary in the corridors. A refined Streetscape Plan for each specific corridor would consider more detailed studies, a public input process, and specific engineering constraints that would lead to a more specific vision for each segment of the corridor. Another aspect to be considered in implementing the Streetscape Plan is how it will be officially adopted. At this time, Staff believes that the Town would be best served by having the Town Council formally endorse the contents of the Streetscape Plan at its earliest convenience and having the Streetscape Plan formally incorporated into the Town Plan by reference. To avoid the increased workload of completing a Town Plan Amendment in the near future, Staff recommends the Streetscape Plan be formally incorporated into the Legacy Leesburg Town Plan Update. This approach will minimize the need for additional public hearings necessary to amend the current Town Plan. Gateway District Streetscape Plan Planning Commission Staff Report October 15, 2020 Page 5 of 5 Recommended Streetscape Plan Implementation Steps: Staff believes that the Planning Commission should recommend the following implementation steps to the Town Council: 1. The Planning Commission should recommend approval of the Streetscape Plan to the Town Council. 2. The Town Council should endorse the contents of the Draft Streetscape Plan at its earliest convenience to confirm the overall direction and guidance in the draft. 3. The Town Council should initiate further efforts to refine the streetscape vision for each corridor, beginning with the Edwards Ferry Road Corridor. 4. The Streetscape Plan should be formally adopted by reference at the time of approval of the forthcoming Legacy Leesburg Town Plan Update. This formal adoption will come in the form of Legacy Leesburg references to the Streetscape Plan ________________________________________________________________________ Attachments: 1. Draft Streetscape Plan Streetscape Plan GATEWAY DISTRICT TOWN OF LEESBURG DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND ZONING PREPARED BY TOWN OF LEESBURG Purpose of the Streetscape Plan 01 SOUTH KING STREET NORTH KING STREET EAST MARKET STREET WEST MARKET STREET EDWARDS FERRY ROAD Improving Sense of Place1. 2 STONE WALLS STREET FURNITURE GATEWAY SIGNAGE CONSISTENT STREET LIGHTS LANDSCAPING EARTH TONED GUADRRAILS 2. Enhancing the Visual E x perience 3 STREET TREESLANDSCAPE AREAS SCREENING Backs of buildings can be screened by new street trees ART AND SCULPTURE 3. Creating a w elcoming e x perience 4 BRICK SIDEWALKSGATEWAY SIGNS LANDSCAPED MEDIANS ESIGN STREET FURNITURE 4. Preserving Character Defining Elements 5 HISTORIC STRUCTURESSTONE WALLS RURAL ROAD SECTIONS AGRICULTURAL HERRITAGE AND SCENIC VISTAS 6 East Market Street EXISTING CONDITIONS East Market Street 7 East Market Street EXISTING CONDITIONS The Primary Purpose of the re -imagined East Market Street Corridor streetscape is to create a prominent gateway and to improve the sense of arrival through improved aesthetics . East Market Street will serve as a visual transition between suburban areas to the east and downtown Leesburg . East Market Street will also serve a key role in helping to reinforce a sense of place for Leesburg in recognition of its importance . 8 STREETSCAPE GOAL East Market Street KEY THEMES FOR THE CORRIDOR 02 SENSE OF PLACE Enhancements to the sense of place will rely on consistent use of high quality materials and specific colors . New decorative light posts with distinctive patterns of street trees will also be part of the sence of place . ENHANCE THE VISUAL /AESTHETIC EXPERIENCE Improving the aesthetics of East Market Street involves new landscape treatments and a consistent design theme that differentiates the Town from points east . Since East Market Street is a highway , these aesthetics are largely about things that can be seen and appreciated from a moving vehicle . CREATE A BETTER GATEWAY Most people that enter the Town on East Market Street never know when they cross the Town Line . Given the number of people that travel on this road , it can play a major role in saying "welcome to Leesburg ". Leesburg ART AND SIGNAGE New and larger entry signs are clear ways to signify arrival into Leesburg . A large art installation such as a fountain or monument can also serve as a visual indicator that Leesburg is worth visiting . STREET TREES The East Market Street Corridor will have a consistent pattern of tree planting along both sides of the road and in the median that provide an enjoyable experience for motorists and better serve the road 's gateway function . Installation of new trees can also serve a traffic calming function . East Market Street CREATE A BOULEVARD CHARACTER A boulevard is a relatively wide landscaped road that gives the appearance of driving through a park . East Market Street can be transformed by making trees and landscaping a more dominant feature of the road . 9 10 STREETSCAPE ELEMENTS Approximately 200 to 215 ' Right of Way 3 travel lanes in each direction that are each 12 feet wide 12 foot reservation for future travel lanes 25 ' Landscape Area Wide landscaped center median Installation of curb and gutter where possible Leesburg East Market Street Trees in Center Median Trees  in 25 ' landscape area on either side of the road Trees spaced every 50 ' 150 ' natural buffer area between the road and buildings Larger  and more prominent gateway signage Limited use of banners Lighting is intended primarily as a decorative element but will serve the purpose of illuminating the road as well Lights poles should be spaced every 300 ' and be located on both sides of the road and in the median . Light Poles should be painted black . Buildings are set back approximately 150 ' from landscape area . WILD FLOWERS STREET TREES Trees at regularly space intervals GATEWAY SIGNS Prominant gateway signage Wild flowers to improve aesthetics STREET LIGHTS Decorative Street Lights East Market Street STREETSCAPE FEATURES FOR EAST MARKET STREET SENSE OF PLACE Improve sense of place MEDIAN PLANTING Trees at regularly space intervals ART AND SCULTPURE Art instalations appropriate for highway speeds PLANTING BEDS Landscaped areas with flowers and  other appropriate landscaping 11 CENTER MEDIAN East Market Street STREETSCAPE FEATURE DETAILS LIGHTING SENSE OF PLACE 12 TRAFFIC CALMING STREET TREES E A ST Market Street STREETSCAPE FEATURE DETAILS ART AND SCULPTURE LANDSCAPING GATEWAY SIGN 13 14 West Market Street EXISTING CONDITIONS West Market Street 15 West Market Street EXISTING CONDITIONS The Primary Purpose of the West Market Street Corridor streetscape is to preserve rural residential features and to improve the sense of arrival . 16 STREETSCAPE GOAL WEst Market Street KEY THEMES FOR THE CORRIDOR 02 SENSE OF PLACE West Market Street has a more organic rural character . Some existing elements along this corridor can be used in other corridors . To relate this corridor to others , common lighting features , street furniture , and landscape treatments can be incorporated into the design . ENHANCE THE VISUAL /AESTHETIC EXPERIENCE A key way to improve the visual experience along West Market Street is to improve the south side of the road . Under story trees and low lying vegetation can address this goal by providing a screen and and an attractive design . Other streetscape elements like street furniture and new pedestrian lighting can also be part of an attractive road design . CREATE A BETTER GATEWAY The character of West Market Street itself provides for a welcoming gateway as the character changes once entering into the Town . A gateway sign , improvements to the far western end of the corridor , and more consistent streetscape design can further improve the gateway . PRESERVE CHARACTER DEFINING ELEMENTS Stone walls , brick pavers , and hedge -grows , are key character defining elements along West Market Street that are not found along other corridors . These elements are consistent with some characteristics of the downtown area and should be preserved and further used where possible . Leesburg ART AND SIGNAGE Given the relatively small scale of West Market Street , opportunities for new art may be limited but a new gateway sign and entrance feature should be installed at the western town limit line or at Catoctin Cicrcle . STREET TREES Street trees on the south side of West Market Street have grown very large and do not necessarily match the scale of the road but provide excellent tree canopy coverage . These trees can be supplemented with additional new under story trees that better serve aesthetic and screening purposes at lower heights . West Market Street 17 STREETSCAPE ELEMENTS West Market Street 18 Approximately 60 ' Right of Way One 10 foot travel lane in each direction 4 foot brick sidewalk on north side of road 18 " Planting strip between sidewalk and curb on north side of road Leesburg Maintain existing tree cover Install new trees under story trees on south side to provide screening . New gateway sign 3 foot tall stone wall on north side where possible New Lighting for aesthetics and pedestrian safety . New lighting on 18 foot poles for aesthetics . New Light poles should be painted black . Flower Baskets mounted to light poles . Buildings should be set back approximately 50 ' from ROW line . TRAFFIC CALMING TREES Trees planted in natural pattern GATEWAY SIGN New Gateway Sign at Western Town Line Slow down vehicles coming from the highway STREET LIGHTS Decorative Street Lights West Market Street STREETSCAPE FEATURES FOR WEST MARKET STREET SENSE OF PLACE Use design elements to improve sense of place STONE WALLS Encourage Stone Walls where possible Street furniture in limited locations FLOWER BASKETS Flower Baskets mounted on lights poles STREET FURNITURE 19 STREET TREES WEst Market Street STREETSCAPE FEATURE DETAILS SCREENING PLANTING BEDS AND FLOWER BASKETS GATEWAY SIGN 20 SIDEWALKS West Market Street STREETSCAPE FEATURE DETAILS LIGHTING BANNERS SENSE OF PLACE 21 22 South King Street EXISTING CONDITIONS South King Street 23 South King Street EXISTING CONDITIONS The Primary Purpose of the South King Street Corridor streetscape is to improve the sense of arrival . This corridor is envisioned to be retrofitted with improved plantings , new street furniture , artwork , and sculptures . Another key part of the long -term vision is improved transit service and an improved pedestrian and bicycle experience including sidewalks on both sides of the roadway . 5 STREETSCAPE GOAL South King Street 24 KEY THEMES FOR THE CORRIDOR The primary elements to contribute to sense of place in this corridor will be street trees , decorative lighting , and signage . New street furniture and lighting fixtures should be painted black to help create a consistent theme . There are several opportunities to enhance the visual and aesthetic experience along South King Street . Art installation , improved plantings , street furniture , and decorative lighting will all play a role in improving aesthetics . This corridor is envisioned to provide a transition between rural and urban areas by creating a "boulevard " feel along the corridor . South King Street has the building blocks of a great gateway corridor . The road changes from 2 lanes to 4 lanes with a median when entering town and there are distinct changes in the overall character . Additional improvements can help make it clear that Leesburg is a special place . The  South King Street Corridor is lined by mowed and cleared areas that lend themselves to street trees . New trees will contribute to sense of place while also serving to provide screening of many of the backs of buildings that line the roadway . SENSE OF PLACE ENHANCE THE VISUAL /AESTHETIC EXPERIENCE CREATE A BETTER GATEWAY 02 Leesburg ART AND SIGNAGE STREET TREES South King Street South King Street is lined by several residential neighborhoods . A shared use path on the west side of South King Street is well used for recreation and by people walking into the downtown area . Neighborhoods on the east side of the roadway do not have a sidewalk or trail . Several opportunities to improve safety and the overall experience for pedestrians exist . IMPROVE THE PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE EXPERIENCE The entry sign at the southern town limit line can be enhanced with another sign in the median to clearly signify arrival into Leesburg . This corridor also provides opportunities for a large art installation such as a fountain , monument , or sculpture that can also serve as a visual indicator that Leesburg is worth visiting . CREATE A BOULEVARD CHARACTER South King Street can be transformed into a Boulevard by making trees and landscaping a more dominant feature of the road . A combination of large canopy trees and neatly manicured landscaping will contribute to the enhanced character and transition to downtown Leesburg . 25 5 STREETSCAPE ELEMENTS 2 travel lanes in each direction (One 12 and one 11 feet ). 10 foot wide shared use path on west side of road . New 5 foot wide sidewalk on east side of road . 30 foot wide landscaped center median . 12 foot wide planting strips on either side of road . Curb and Gutter for drainage . Leesburg South King Street Street trees in median and on either side of the road to provide boulevard character . Utilize existing median plantings where present . Incorporate existing trees into street tree pattern where possible and where they can contribute to the desired character . Trees for landscape screening where appropriate . Consider use of wildflowers in certain areas . Additional gateway sign in center median at southern town line . "Now  Leaving Leesburg " sign at southern town line . New decorative lighting on either side of road . New decorative lighting in median . Lighting should emphasize pedestrian and decorative functions . Lighting fixtures and poles should be painted black . 26 PEDESTRIAN IMPROMENTS TREES Trees at regularly space intervals in planting strips on either side of the road and in the median. GATEWAY SIGNS Additional gateway sign Improve bicycle and pedestrian safety and amenities STREET LIGHTS Decorative Street Lights STREETSCAPE FEATURES FOR SOUTH KING STREET SENSE OF PLACE Enhanced Sense of Arrival ENHANCED MEDIAN PLANTING Additional trees, flowers, and ornamental grasses to complement and enhance existing plantings. ART AND SCULTPURE Art installations appropriate for motorists and pedestrians PLANTING BEDS Landscaped areas with flowers South King Street 27 STREET TREES STREETSCAPE FEATURE DETAILS ART AND SCULPTURE PLANTING AREAS GATEWAY SIGN South King Street 28 CENTER MEDIAN STREETSCAPE FEATURE DETAILS LIGHTING PEDESSTRIAN IMPROVMENTS SENSE OF PLACE South King Street 29 30 North King Street EXISTING CONDITIONS North King Street 31 North King Street EXISTING CONDITIONS The Primary Purpose of the North King Street streetscape vision is to preserve and enhance the rural open space character and vistas of the roadway . Some enhancements to improve the gateway function , pedestrian experience , and sense of place are also envisioned . 5 STREETSCAPE VISION North King Street 32 KEY THEMES FOR THE CORRIDOR The open space and scenic vistas that already exist on North King Street contribute to a desired sense of place . New lighting , street furniture , and landscaping that respects the existing organic character can also be incorporated . North King Street is not just for cars . The shared use path on the east side of North King Street is heavily used for recreation and by people walking into the downtown area . The pedestrian experience also needs improvements for safer crossing of the roadway . The experience for pedestrians and cyclists should be improved where possible . When traveling south , into Leesburg , a gateway sign exists but there is little else to distinguish Leesburg from points north or to create a defined boundary . PRESERVE CHARACTER DEFINING ELEMENTS North King Street is characterized by open space . In some respects it has a rural character . This character should be preserved , maintained , and enhanced where possible . Providing an additional gateway sign on the east side of North King Street can help welcome people . In this unique corridor , nature and open space will serve as the majority of the art . Trees will be placed on the east side of the road . The primary intent of new trees is to create a visual screen between the road and homes and to promote an open space character . 02 SENSE OF PLACE IMPROVE THE PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE EXPERIENCE CREATE A BETTER GATEWAY Leesburg ART AND SIGNAGE STREET TREES North King Street 33 5 STREETSCAPE ELEMENTS Leesburg Thick vegetation or open space as appropriate to maintain open space character Street  trees on east side of the road Thick vegetation for screening on east side of shared use path Consider appropriate landscaping to preserve open space character along the parcel north of Ida Lee North King Street Additional gateway sign on east side of road to welcome inbound traffic New decorative lighting to serve pedestrians on east side of the road New lighting should be painted black 11 foot wide travel lanes in either direction 28 foot planting strip on east side of road 10 foot wide shared use path on east side of the road 8 foot wide shoulder on west side of road Safer crossings of the roadway 34 PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS TREES Trees planted in a natural pattern GATEWAY SIGNS Improve pedestrian amenities and safety STREET LIGHTS Decorative Street Lights STREETSCAPE FEATURES FOR NORTH KING STREET SENSE OF PLACE Enhanced sense of arrival SHARED USE PATH 10 foot paved path for pedestrians and cyclists STREET FURNITURE Install consistent black street furniture PLANTING BEDS Landscaped areas with flowers North King Street 35 STREET TREES STREETSCAPE FEATURE DETAILS STREET FURNITURE PLANTING BEDS GATEWAY SIGN North King Street 36 OPEN SPACE STREETSCAPE FEATURE DETAILS LIGHTING PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS SENSE OF PLACE North King Street 37 38 Ed w ards Ferr y Road EXISTING CONDITIONS Ed w ards Ferr y Road 39 Ed w ards Ferr y Road EXISTING CONDITIONS 5 STREETSCAPE GOAL Ed w ards Ferr y Road he Primary Purpose of the re -imagined Edwards Ferry Road streetscape will depend on the location in the corridor . Existing conditions and physical variations make a consistent right -of -way design difficult to achieve but a key part of the goal is enhancing the link across the bypass . At the eastern end , the primary goal is to enhance the pedestrian experience and improve the aesthetics of the corridor . Street trees and pedestrian scale lighting are integral to the long -term vision and represent important unifying elements . Aesthetic improvements including improved landscaping , street furniture , artwork , and sculptures will be incorporated where possible to create a valued aesthetic experience and encourage pedestrian activity in this area which does and will continue to serve as both a neighborhood and regional destination . The primary goal for the western end of the corridor approaching downtown Leesburg is to preserve key elements of the existing streetscape and small town feel while seizing opportunities to reinforce Leesburg 's sense of place and improve aesthetics . Improved transit service and bicycle accommodations will also need to be addressed in the streetscape design for both ends of the corridor . 40 KEY THEMES FOR THE CORRIDOR Sense of place for the Edwards Ferry Road Corridor is a critical component of the Streetscape considering that so many people from throughout the region visit the corridor for retail needs . Design elements can reinforce to visitors that they are within the corporate limits . Specific elements in this corridor should include street trees , decorative lighting , and signage . New street furniture and lighting fixtures should be painted black to help create a consistent theme . There are several opportunities to enhance the visual and aesthetic experience on the east end of the corridor with additional trees , landscaping , art , lighting , and street furniture . Opportunities are more limited closer to the downtown due to space constraints . There are a variety of conditions found in the Edwards Ferry Road Corridor and not all areas can accommodate new street trees . However , to the extent there is space for trees along the sides of the road or in medians , they should be planted to reinforce Leesburg as a Tree City USA and to provide shade and improve the pedestrian experience . SENSE OF PLACE ENHANCE THE VISUAL /AESTHETIC EXPERIENCE 02 Leesburg ART AND SIGNAGE STREET TREES The Town of Leesburg corporate limits for the Edwards Ferry Road Corridor generally begin at the intersection of Edwards Ferry Road and Battlefield Parkway . However , all of Battlefield Parkway is already included in the Town limits and most travelers from the east will have been within Town limits for some time before getting to Edwards Ferry Road . This results in a lesser need for gateway signage and instead on a greater need for art and themed directional signage . Ed w ards Ferr y Road 41 The Edwards Ferry Road corridor is lined by a mix of residential neighborhoods and commercial uses . These areas have relatively high amount of pedestrian traffic but an inconsistent bicycle and pedestrian network . A safe , complete , and enjoyable pedestrian network to connect residents with businesses should be a top priority for this corridor . IMPROVE THE PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE EXPERIENCE PRESERVE CHARACTER DEFINING ELEMENTS There are several elements contributing to a small town character in the western end of the corridor that should be preserved . They include stone walls , brick pavers , hedge -grows , and large trees . In many instances , these elements are consistent with some characteristics of the downtown area and should be preserved . The number and width of travel lanes will vary throughout the corridor . A landscaped center median should be provided where possible . Sidewalks should be provided on both sides of the road where possible . Area should be reserved for wider sidewalks along the eastern end of the corridor for future commercial activity . Planting strips for street trees should be provided between vehicle lanes and sidewalks where possible . Curb and Gutter for drainage should be provided where possible . Enhanced crosswalks and pedestrian safety elements should be installed . Thoughtful consideration of preferred colors and materials for the future interchange 5 STREETSCAPE ELEMENTS Street trees should be provided in center medians when possible . Street trees should be provided along both sides of the road where possible . Street trees be placed betwwen vehicle travel lanes and sidewalks where ever possible . New decorative lighting on either side of road in eastern end of the corridor . Take advantage of limited opportunities for pedestrian scaled light fixtures in western end of corridor . Lighting should emphasize pedestrian and decorative functions . Lighting fixtures and poles should be painted black . Ed w ards Ferr y Road 42 Black street furniture including benches , trash receptacles , and bicycle racks should be located throughout the corridor . Bus shelters should be located adjacent to retail uses and near key intersections throughout the corridor . These bus shelters should maintain consistency with other design elements . TRAFFIC CALMING TREES Trees at regularly space intervals in planting strips on either side of the road and in the median. INTERPRETIVE SIGNAGE Highlight Leesburg's History Traffic Calming techniques STREET LIGHTS Decorative Street Lights STREETSCAPE FEATURES FOR EDWARDS FERRY ROAD SENSE OF PLACE Encourage consistent design elements PEDESTRIAN SAFETY FEATURES Improve pedestrian mobility and safety. ART AND SCULTPURE Art installations appropriate for motorists and pedestrians PLANTING BEDS Landscaped areas with flowers Ed w ards Ferr y Road 43 STREET TREES STREETSCAPE FEATURE DETAILS ART AND SCULPTURE PLANTING AREAS PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS Ed w ards Ferr y Road 44 CENTER MEDIAN STREETSCAPE FEATURE DETAILS LIGHTING TRAFFIC CALMING SENSE OF PLACE Ed w ards Ferr y Road 45