The West End Small Area Draft Plan is set to go to the Planning Commission in October. The plan calls for the assessment of how to best reconnect West End neighborhoods to each other, conserve historic assets, integrate new buildings and coordinate new developments. The draft of the plan says, as commercial uses expand along Pendelton and Academy Streets, residential uses to continue to increase, and there are concerns about the character and scale of new development.
The plan calls for the creation of new trails and parks and the transformation of Field St to District 356. The plan would enhance open space in the West End. Open spaces and the environment are major goals of “GVL 2040”. A linear park is planned for Perry Ave, as well as enhanced connections to the Swamp Rabbit Trail and a pedestrian connection to the east side of the rail line.
Intersection improvements to increase pedestrian safety are also in the plan. Those include South Academy Street’s intersections with Pendelton St., Markley St., Perry Ave. and Wardlaw. Other intersections in the plan include Pendelton St. and South Main among others. A protected bike path on Pendelton St. is planned, as well as bolstered pedestrian connectivity to Swamp Rabbit Trail along South Academy and North Markley Streets.
The plan must be approved by the Planning Commission. After approval then more details such as a target start date for the project, target completion date(s), estimated total costs and funding sources could then be determined.