| Working together to create and implement a vision for tomorrow’s Towson |
Tomorrow’s Towson is a recently formed, non-profit organization made up of your neighborhood association representatives, students, local Towson businesses, and the major public and private Towson area institutions. We are working hard to create and implement a vision for Tomorrow’s Towson. Learn about the Walkable Towson Plan, a follow up to the UDAT plan and process described below. Between June 7 and June 13, 2006, the much-anticipated visit by the Urban Design Assistance Team took place. The UDAT experience was exciting and uplifting for all who took part. Please find PDF documents below that present the team's findings and recommendations. These documents are portions of a 44-page booklet that is available, on a limited basis, in hard copy by request to jdoyle@baltimorecountymd.gov, 410-887-2483.
Here we offer a slightly edited version of the official June 13 press release that provides a concise description of the Team's key recommendations. Introduction
Months of planning for the UDAT’s weeklong visit culminated with their final presentation on Tuesday, June 13, 2006. Their new vision for Towson emphasizes the need for new housing, pedestrian pathways and highly accessible public spaces that celebrate the town’s rich cultural fabric. The presentation took place at the team’s design studio at Towson Commons on York Road. The UDAT’s Towson visit began on June 7 with a public forum at Towson University that attracted 150 area residents. The team’s primary goal was to make downtown Towson a more desirable place to visit and spend time. To achieve that, the team devised several intervention strategies built around the following themes: walkability, public space, living space, past & present, and process. “I’d like to thank the UDAT members, the Steering Committee, the citizens and County staff for the energy and passion they contributed to this process,” County Executive Jim Smith said. “This is a fresh start for Towson; now we need the entire Towson community - citizens, businesses and the Steering Committee - to work together to review, evaluate, and prioritize the UDAT recommendations and decide where we go from here.” Walkability & Transit
The team's recommendations placed a high priority on reducing and calming traffic in the downtown Towson core and promoting an interesting and friendly experience for pedestrians. Roadways approaching the circular roundabout would narrow to two lanes as they near the circle (one lane for each direction) and the circle itself would become one lane. Improvements to Towson's bypass system would be expected to handle the displaced traffic volume. York Road would narrow to two travel lanes with parallel parking on either side. A small-scale transit system has been proposed with an emphasis on the York and Dulaney Valley Road corridor between Towson University and Goucher College. To promote walkability, the team has proposed a network of pedestrian pathways that enhance connectivity within the core and help link Towson’s residential communities to downtown. Highlights of the network include a new system of travel to complement existing roads and sidewalks. Amenities such as paving, plantings and murals would beautify Towson’s unique array of informal walking routes among the alleys and surface lots behind the buildings of downtown. Public Spaces
The team suggested that the area encompassing the county’s two courthouses be given added prominence and accessibility. A key recommendation is extending Bankers Way to York Road, creating a new link between Towson’s main street and the Old Courthouse. A redesigned Bankers Way would feature a variety of symbolic representations of Towson’s culture and heritage. Also, the team suggested that the courthouse garden area be modified to become a more inviting, accessible plaza. One idea to open the space involved removing or relocating the wrought iron fence surrounding it. The team also developed a concept called “the canyon,” a lively, mixed-use venue that could feature festivals, art and entertainment while blending in with existing retail. “The canyon” would come alive for designated special occasions, transforming the surface parking lot now serving Trader Joe’s and the lower level of Barnes & Noble. A side of the Towson Town Center garage looming above the below-grade zone would become a large screen for visual presentations. Living Spaces
The team suggested a variety of locations for mixed-use development that would bring new housing to the downtown area. These are not specific plans for specific properties, but ideas for the private sector to consider as redevelopment opportunities unfold. A triangle parcel at York Road, Burke Ave. and Towsontown Blvd. could, over time, be redeveloped to feature a mixed-use project, blending retail with residential, fronting on York Road. This area has the potential to emerge as a dynamic link between Towson University and downtown. The team proposed that a formal park be built to enhance the parcel’s existing stream and open space. The team’s recommendation for an overlay district, to be discussed below, represents another tool for promoting mixed-use development with housing. The team examined an area it dubbed the “Joppa Wedge,” bounded by York Road, Washington Avenue and Joppa Road. This area would be a strong candidate for a mixed-use building, perhaps centered around a community theater. Process & Governance
The team recommended that Towson citizens explore establishing an overlay district that would identify and define the core of Towson. An overlay district could provide a mechanism to maintain and enhance the core, provide incentives for development and establish new design standards for buildings in the district. As part of this district, the team recommends that Towson consider adopting new standards sometimes referred to as form-based codes that essentially replace traditional zoning and focus more on the form of the building to be developed than the permitted use. These standards could establish parameters for such design elements as building materials, the size, height and relation of buildings to the street. “We are striving to bring a sense of character and cohesiveness to the downtown fabric,” said UDAT leader Steve Gaddis, explaining the team’s recommendation for design standards. “The community asked to see the strength of their identity reflected in the heart of their town. Establishing a design program for the core is one step toward achieving that meaningful goal.” Tomorrow’s Towson chair, Rhoda Dorsey, complimented the team’s work and thanked the Towson community for embracing the process. “Towson has the opportunity to mark a new beginning today,” Dorsey said. “Tomorrow’s Towson looks forward to sharing the team’s ideas with the community at large and taking steps toward implementation.” Revised February 21, 2008 | 
Courthouse 