A Brief Editorial and thoughts on 1700 S and Main Street in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is proposing to redesign 1700 S from 300 W to State Street this year. See: http://www.cyclingutah.com/advocacy/road-advocacy/salt-lake-citys-1700-s-may-get-overhaul-for-better-biking-and-walking/
for details.
The following are some brief thoughts on the area.
Create a new neighborhood hub at 1700 S and Main Street
- It could be similar to 9th and 9th or 15th and 15th, or The Granary
- It needs proper branding. What could you call it? Is there a historic neighborhood name?
- Penna Powers, an advertising and marketing agency, is nearby, perhaps they could help with this.
- Coalescing around a neighborhood hub concept
- With the 1700 S street redesign, which received CIP funding:
- The goal needs to be a walkable, bikeable, transit accessible low stress neighborhood that fosters community interaction and business success.
- The bike lane should be parking protected, similar perhaps to 300 E. And run from 300 W to just east of State Street.
- This would have the effect of slowing down traffic, and making the street safer and more pleasant for everyone.
- It would help the businesses in the area both by adding parking, and by making the area a destination.
- It would be safer for bikes, cars, and pedestrians by slowing down speeds and reducing stress.
- Crosswalks need to be added, for example at Richards Street.
- A Greenbike station could be planned.
- A protected bike lane on Main Street should be added, as well as improvements at the intersection of Main and 1700 S.
- The project should extend just to the east of State Street, since there will no longer be the need for 4 lanes here.
- The neighborhood has many of the key features needed already – good restaurants and social clubs, a market, the People’s Freeway Park, bike lanes and sidewalks. A concept/brand to rally around would give life and a larger purpose to the 1700 S redesign.
Note: 1700 S will be discussed at the Ballpark Community Council Meeting on March 7, 2019 at 7 pm. at Taylor Springs Apartments, 1812 S. West Temple. Cyclists are encouraged to attend and share their thoughts.
