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EMIL DINU POPA KATHY HRABOVSKY IYABO LAWAL SRNITHYA LAVU
VERONA = RIVERFRONT LOCATION
ENHANCING RIVERFRONT ACCESS AND RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES
can significantly contribute to
A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR THE BOROUGH OF VERONA.
• ESTABLISHED IN 1871
• 12 MILES FROM DOWNTOWN PITTSBURGH
• LOCATED ON THE BANKS OF THE ALLEGHENY
RIVER
• NAMED AFTER JAMES VERNER WHO OWNED
A 400 ACRE FARM IN THE AREA
• WAS A MAJOR REPAIR CENTER FOR THE
HISTORY and LOCATION
• WAS A MAJOR REPAIR CENTER FOR THE
STEAM LOCOMOTIVES OF THE ALLEGHENY
VALLEY RAILROAD AND THE PENNSYLVANIA
RAILROAD
Aerial view of Verona 1898
http://memory.loc.gov
People
Verona Pittsburgh
Over 65 years 17.6% 12.4%
White Population 98.5% 75.1%
African-American
Population
3.1% 12.3%
Hispanic Population 0.3% 12.5%
DEMOGRAPHICS 2000 CENSUS
Hispanic Population 0.3% 12.5%
16%
26%
20%
20%
20%
15%
27%
27%
27%
16%
9%
14%
Verona
Pittsburgh
US
Population by Occupation Professional
Occupations
Service
Sales + Office
Production, Trans
portation and
Material Moving
77%
55%
12%
11%
5%
20%
Verona
Pittsburgh
Means of Transport
Auto
Carpool
Mass Transit
STAKEHOLDER AGENDA ROLE
STATE FUNDING AGENCIESFISH & BOAT, DCNR, DEP
Confidence that Awarded Funding will
Further the State Goals – Conservation of
Natural Resources for all of PA
Technical Assistance/Matching Grants
Investigation of DEP Violations
Fundraising – PA FISH & BOAT
STATE GOVERNMENT Conservation of Natural Resources
Increase of Tax Revenue
Technical Assistance
Matching Grants
STATE & FEDERAL
REPRESENTATIVES
Conservation of Natural Resources
Increase of Tax Revenue
Re-election
Lobbying Assistance
with State & Federal Agencies
Communication in State & Community
LOCAL PARTNERS Furthering of Individual Visions Technical Assistance/Grant Writing ExpertiseLOCAL PARTNERSALT, FRIENDS of RIVERFRONT, WPC
Furthering of Individual Visions
Conservation of Natural Resources
Furthering of Member Needs
Technical Assistance/Grant Writing Expertise
Volunteer Support
Lobbying Assistance with Funding Agencies
COMMUNITY PARTNERSVIP, Garden Club, Historical Society, Scouts
Image Improvement
Increased Community Involvement
Increased Quality of Life
Volunteer Support
Communication within Community & State
Coordination with All Stakeholders
BOROUGH of VERONA
SCHOOL DISTRICT
Image Improvement
Increased Property Values & Tax Revenue
Education & Service Projects
Coordinate with All Stakeholders
INDUST & LARGE BUSINESSES Image to Boost Local Sales/Reputation
Increased Property Value
Funding for Image Associated Projects
Technical Assistance
SMALL BUSINESSES Image to Boost Local Sales/Reputation
Increased Property Value
Apply for Funding Programs
Communication within Community
GENERAL PUBLIC Increased Property Value
Increased Quality of Environment & Life
Volunteer Support
Communication within Community
• 3 distinct zones
• Split by use and topography
ZONING
• Split by use and topography
• Topography lopes towards the riverfront
1 2 3
• Located at the Northern edge of Verona
• Along Plum Creek
• Light industrial facilities
• The American Beverage Corporation and CXL
Warehouse are the biggest light industrial
facilities in the area
ZONE 1 - INDUSTRIAL
facilities in the area
• Serviced by the Allegheny Valley Railroad
• Located on the Eastern Side of Verona
• High elevation above the Allegheny River
• Predominantly residential use
• Wide streets
• Rare tree cover on the streets
• Single family homes
ZONE 2 - RESIDENTIAL
• Single family homes
• A big public playground in the middle of the area
• Stretches on the Western side of Verona
• Along the Allegheny River
• Low topography – direct access to the river
• Mixed use
• Commercial, residential and recreational character
ZONE 3 - RIVERFRONT
character
• Location of Verona Downtown Area
RIVERFRONT AREA
• The riverfront area has 4 clusters of uses by area
• The old downtown area is predominantly
commercial
• New Retail Park – Giant Eagle
• Residential area – along the river’s edge
• Light industrial facility of Bunting Graphic
CLUSTERS of USES
• Light industrial facility of Bunting Graphic
Old Downtown Area
• Allegheny Valley Railroad
• Low frequency traffic
• Freight traffic – mainly at night
• Splits the Riverfront area in two
• West – Rivefront
THE RAILROAD
• West – Rivefront
• East – Downtown
• A high proportion of automotive businesses
• Two commercial poles - old downtown
- new retail park
• A high proportion of automotive businesses
• Low number of restaurants
• Commercial activity concentrated along the Allegheny River Blvd.
DOWNTOWN AREA
• Verona Borough Building is located in the old dowtown area
7.8%
1.9% 5.2%
1.9%
7.1%
1.9%
3.9%
12.3%
15.6%1.9%
10.4%
29.9%
• Mainly residential
• A cluster of recreational facilities to the
south, along the riverbank
• Boat clubs give a strong character to the area
• The riverbank park – public access to the river
• A large stretch of floodable, public land to the
north-west
RIVERFRONT AREA
north-west
0.6% 1.9% 1.9%2.5%
3.1%
5.6%
3.7%
80.9%
PROPOSALS
• The River’s Edge of Oakmont – new
development under construction
• Borough Building Park – public space used for
activities during the summer
• Riverbank Park – public space – low accessibility
due to remote location
• River Flood Plain – public green space - unused
EXISTING SITE CONDITIONS
River’s Edge of Oakmont Verona Riverbank Park
Verona Borough Building Park
OVERVIEW OF OUR PROPOSALS
TRAILS and CONNECTIONS
MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES (VIP):
• Development of a Multi-Purpose Walkway
• Development of the Riverbank
• Revitalization of Verona’s Riverbank Park
• Procurement and Clean-up of the Borough Brothers Scrap Metal Yard
• Relocation of the Borough Salt Pile and Vehicle Storage Area.
GREENSPACE BENEFITS
7 Attributes
•DIRECT INCOME
•Increased Property Value = Increased Tax
Revenue
•Increased Tourism = Increased Sales Tax &
Wealth of Local Business
•DIRECT SAVINGS•DIRECT SAVINGS
•Free Use of Recreational Facilities
•Increased Health = Less Medical $$$
•Increased Social Capital = Decreased
Crime & Related Services
•ENVIRONMENTAL SAVINGS
•Reduced Water Pollution
•Reduced Infrastructure $$$
•Reduced Air Pollution
•Reduced Health & Building $$$
The Trust for Public Land – Measuring the Economic Value of a City Park
System
INCREASED PROPERTY
VALUE
Distance from a Park•Value can be Measured up to 2,000 feet from Park
•Most Value within first 500 feet
Type of ParkType of Park•High Quality Parks can add 15% to Property Value
•Low Quality Parks can subtract 5% from Property Value
•A 5% Average is used in the Trust for Public Land Study
The Trust for Public Land – Measuring the Economic Value of a City Park System
INCREASED TOURISMGreat Allegheny Passage – Boston to Garrett Trail – 93 Miles
•347,053 Visitors in 2002
•3,731 Visitors/Mile
•26% Overnight = $98/Day in 2007-2008
•74% Daytime = $13/Day in 2007-2008
Verona Trail = Approx 1 Mile60000
80000
100000
120000
140000
Verona Trail = Approx 1 Mile
•26% Overnight = 970 Visitors
• $95,060 Spending
•74% Daytime = 2,761 Visitors
• $35,893 Spending
SPENDING IN VERONA
$130,953/Year
Studies by The Progress Fund and The University of Pittsburgh Center for Social and Urban Research – 2002-2009
The Trust for Public Land – Measuring the Economic Value of a City Park System
0
20000
40000
60000
Ove
rnig
ht
Vis
ito
rs
Ove
rnig
ht
Spe
nd
ing
Da
ytim
e V
isit
ors
Da
ytim
e S
pe
nd
ing
To
tal V
isit
ors
To
tal S
pe
nd
ing
General Park Use - $1.91/Visit
•Playgrounds, Walking, Picnicing
Sports Facility Use - $3.05/Visit
•Tennis, Team
FREE RECREATIONAL
FACILITIES
•Tennis, Team
Sports, Bicycling, Swimming, Running, I
ce Skating
Special Uses - $9.33/Visit
•Golfing, Gardening, Festivals, Concert
s, Attractions
The Trust for Public Land – Measuring the Economic Value of a City Park
System
Average Medical Cost Difference Between Active and Inactive Persons
•Adult Active Users < 65 Years
• $250/Year
HEALTH VALUE
• $250/Year
•Adult Active Users ≥ 65 Years
• $500/Year
Active use defined as moderate, vigorous or strenuous activity for 30 minutes, 3 times/week
The Trust for Public Land – Measuring the Economic Value of a City Park System
Webs of Human Relationship =
Strong, Successful
Neighborhood
•Communication
•Learning
SOCIAL CAPITAL
•Learning
•Growing
•Benefit of Volunteer Hours
•Less Crime
•Less Fire/Police Service
•Less Counseling/Rehabilitation
The Trust for Public Land – Measuring the Economic Value of a City Park
System
Pervious Surfaces of Parks
Contribute to
•Water Treatment through
Percolation
REDUCED WATER
POLLUTION
Percolation
•Reduction of Polluted Run-off
in River Ecosystem
•Reduction of Cost of Plant
Treatment
•Reduction of Combined
Overflow to River Ecosystem
The Trust for Public Land – Measuring the Economic Value of a City Park
System
Air Pollution Damages:
•Human Health
• Medical Costs
•Environmental Health
REDUCED AIR
POLLUTION
•Environmental Health
• Global Warming
• Ozone Depletion
•Built Environment
• Increased Repair of Buildings
and Infrastructure
The Trust for Public Land – Measuring the Economic Value of a City Park
System
FRAMING THE PROCESS
CU
RR
EN
T
PR
OJE
CT
S
Allegheny Together
Storefront RevitalizationGTECH Urban
Agriculture
Tree Education Program
Arts Council/Newsletter
Allegheny Valley Railroad
Involvement
IMAGEECONOMIC
VIABILITY
REGIONAL
CONNECTIVITYCOMMUNITY
CONNECTIVIT
Y
Storefront Revitalization Agriculture
ProgramHistorical Society
Involvement
Riverfront Revitalization Develop Verona Bike
Trail System
Regional Trail
Connections
SU
STA
INA
BLE
VE
RO
NA
GO
ALS
Increase Community Support
Increase Community Support
Develop a Website
Contact religious organizations and schools
Identify additional GTECH sites
Trail Way Development
1-Ye
ar
PROJECT TIME-LINE
Develop Verona
Trail System
Riverfront
Revitalization
Regional Trail
Connections
Trail Way Development
Develop River-Park Bike Trail from
Borough building to Riverfront
Additional Trail/Bike Routes
Create a Bike Trail connecting
Oakmont to Verona
5-Ye
ars
10
-Yea
rs
Develop Verona
Trail System
1-Ye
ar
PROJECT TIME-LINE
Promote riverfront as an Attraction
Destination
Making it safer - Fix Railing
Enhanced Signage
Increase community activities along river
Making the Riverfront an Attraction Destination
Regional Trail
Connections
5-Ye
ars
10
-Yea
rs
Build additional public docks
Relocate salt pile to create
additional river access point
Promote façade restorations
Build Green Space Along RiverLandscape redesign of park space along the riverfront
Riverfront
Revitalization
Develop Verona
Trail System
PROJECT TIME-LINEConnecting to other Communities
1-Ye
ar
5-Ye
ars
10
-Yea
rs
Commuter Rail Stops in Verona
Continued AVR development discussions
Additional Trail/Bike Routes
Arch street trail way to Pittsburgh
Increase Regional AccessScrap-yard removal forPark n’ RideVerona Train Stop for commuters
Riverfront
Revitalization
Regional Trail
Connections
CURRENT PROGRAMS
PRIORITY AREAS
•Central Business Districts
•Commercial Businesses with Street Level
Entry
ALLEGHENY RESTORES
13 Verona Businesses Have Applied
Entry
ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES
•Architectural Services
•Façade Restoration
RELATED PROGRAMS
•GTECH – Urban Agriculture
Allegheny Together Website
TREEVITALIZE
PROGRAMS
•TreeTender Training Programs
•Reimburse $1/Tree in Riparian Buffers
•Plant up to 100 FREE Trees
TREE BENEFITS
National Tree Benefit CalculatorOne 6 Inch Maple - $33/year
At Maturity - $72/year
TREE BENEFITS
•Increase Property Values = 10%-15%
•Increase Business = 11%
•Decrease Utility Costs = 8%-12%
•Reduce Patient Recovery Time = 1 Day
•Improve Focus in ADHD Children
•Increase Social Capital
TreeVitalize, Western PA Conservancy, Friends of the Urban Forest and National Tree Benefit Calculator Websites
MID-TERM PROGRAMS
• Rail Trails are converted railway easements into multi-use paths. Shorter trails are called greenways and linear parks.
• Rail banking- preserving railroad rights-of way for future use.
• Federal rail banking (Trails act of 1983)- rail carrier can lease, rent or donate to a capable public/ private entity willing to assume financial responsibility for management of the
Rail Trail/ Greenways/ Linear ParksBRINGING TRAILS TO VERONA
Feasibility for Verona
• Usage of existing rail- average 1 per day to
light commercial industry.
• Available Cross sectional width of trail
• Willingness of railroad company to share
usage.
financial responsibility for management of the right of way.
• Available funding for shared use paths ISTEA and TEA-21
Rail Corridor in Oakmont, PA
Benefit Analysis
Possible Benefits
Community •Increased property value,
•Green corridors that provide improved
access, health and wellbeing
•Future development t of public
transportation
•revenue from tourism
can contribute to significantly improve image
BRINGING TRAILS TO VERONA
•can contribute to significantly improve image
of the community.
Railroad
companies
•For a leased trail- not assume responsibility
for liability, land development, decrease
trespassing activity
Railroad
customers
Businesses- state government may have
interest in funding new services
Adjacent land
owners
Improved property value, reduce in crime
Trail user group Recreation, social activity
Environment Control of floods by absorbing water.
Air quality improvement by presence of trees.
General Practices and Lessons Learned
Development Challenges
• In cases of rails with rails-
assume liability based on state
enacted use statutes (RUS)
• Aspects of design
• Set back
Burke GilmanTrail
Extension, 1996
Washington
Five Star Trail
Southwestern
Pennsylvania Railroad
corridor.
Three Rivers heritage
Trail- Baldwin Borough
Segment
Pennsylvania
• City of Seattle owns and
manages the right-of-way
• Setback from centre of rail
track by 10-12 ft.
• Physical separation
• 3- 4 ft from active rail road
• Parking on same side of
tracks as trail (to avoiding
crossing at track)
• Shared Use – CSX rail road
company- built access road
separate from trail
• Rail use- one train per day a
40-50 miles per hour
BRINGING TRAILS TO VERONA
Source:
1. Rails to trails Conservancy.2005. Railbanking And Rails-Trails: A Legacy for the future.
2. Rails to trails Conservancy.2002. Rails-with-Trails: Lessons Learned.
• Set back
• Topography
• Fencing/ separation techniques
• Surface finish
• Visibility- line of sight and
night time lighting
• Traffic signals/ crossings
• Landscaping
• Drainage
• Physical separation
depending on conditions
• Freight train operates at 1o
mi/h, two to three times a
week.
40-50 miles per hour
• Chain Link fence 6 ft high
A bigger Picture
• Three River Heritage Trail- Connecting trails in Pittsburgh region
for water and land associated recreation and greenways.
• Continuous effort to connect to the existing network of trails.
BRINGING TRAILS TO VERONA
• Possible avenues to develop
Trail in Verona-
• Along Arch Street
• Along existing Rail Line
• Along Public Road
Trail Proposals
Identifying potential locations for biking path
Bringing Trails to Verona
West rail Road East rail Road
Based on measurements taken at Grant
street Intersection
Scenario 2
(9’ wide trail)
Scenario 1
Along west
rail road
Scenario 3
(8’-9’ wide trail
Along East rail road)
LONG-TERM PROGRAMS
COMMUTER RAIL STUDY
•Daily Ridership
• Norfolk Southern – 1,500
• Alleghney Valley RR – 2,700
Allegheny Valley Railroad and Norfolk
Southern connected by Brilliant Branch
• Alleghney Valley RR – 2,700
• Total – 4,200
•AVR Stops
• Park’N’Ride in Verona
• 500-1,000 Cars
• Study Suggests Oakmont Residents
Walk to Verona
• Future Oakmont Stop in CBD
• We recommend a Second Verona Stop
• Concern over Park’N’Ride
Negatively Effecting CBD
Westomoreland County Transit Authority Summary - 2009
TRAIL TOWNS
GREAT
ALLEGHENY
PASSAGE
Studies of 6 Trail Towns showed Studies of 6 Trail Towns showed
increase of trail related revenue
from 2002 – 2008
•2002 - $7.26 million
•2007 - $32.6 million
•2008 - $40.7 million
Studies by The Progress Fund and The University of Pittsburgh Center
for Social and Urban Research – 2002-2009
TRAIL
TOWN
PROGRAM
GOALSGOALS
•Expand & Increase Existing
Business Revenue for Stability
•Attract Sustainable New
Businesses
•Incorporate Vision of Visitor
Friendly Environment in
Community Planning
Trail Town Program Website
TOP 5 TRAIL USES
•EXERCISE HEALTH
•EXPERIENCE the OUTDOORS
•TIME with FRIENDS and FAMILY
•RELAXATION
•NATURE OBSERVATION
TOP 5 INTERESTS of TRAIL USERS
•BIKING
•HIKING
•PICNICING
•CAMPING
•CONOEING/KAYAKING
Studies by The Progress Fund and The University of Pittsburgh Center for Social
and Urban Research – 2002-2009
TOP 5 REQUESTED SERVICES-2002
•POTABLE WATER
•PUBLIC TOILETS
•SNACK SHOPS
•RESTAURANTS
•PICNIC AREAS0000
5555
10101010
15151515
20202020
25252525
30303030
Potable Water
Potable Water
Potable Water
Potable Water
Public Toilets
Public Toilets
Public Toilets
Public Toilets
Snack Shops
Snack Shops
Snack Shops
Snack Shops
Restaurants
Restaurants
Restaurants
Restaurants
Picnic Areas
Picnic Areas
Picnic Areas
Picnic Areas
Bike Repair
Bike Repair
Bike Repair
Bike Repair
Lodging
Lodging
Lodging
Lodging
Shoppping
Shoppping
Shoppping
Shoppping
TOP 5 REQUESTED SERVICES-2008
•RESTAURANTS and CAFES
•BIKE SHOPS and REPAIR SHOPS
•GROCERY STORES
•LOCAL ARTS and CRAFTS
•TRAIN SERVICE
Studies by The Progress Fund and The University of Pittsburgh Center for Social
and Urban Research – 2002-2009
0000
10101010
20202020
30303030
40404040
50505050
60606060
70707070
80808080
Restaurnat/Café
Restaurnat/Café
Restaurnat/Café
Restaurnat/Café
Bike Sales/Repair Shops
Bike Sales/Repair Shops
Bike Sales/Repair Shops
Bike Sales/Repair Shops
Grocery Stores
Grocery Stores
Grocery Stores
Grocery Stores
Local Arts/Crafts
Local Arts/Crafts
Local Arts/Crafts
Local Arts/Crafts
Train Service
Train Service
Train Service
Train Service
Bar/Tavern
Bar/Tavern
Bar/Tavern
Bar/Tavern
Gift Shops
Gift Shops
Gift Shops
Gift Shops
Galleries/Antiques
Galleries/Antiques
Galleries/Antiques
Galleries/Antiques
Potable Water
Potable Water
Potable Water
Potable Water
Public Toilets
Public Toilets
Public Toilets
Public Toilets
Snack Shops
Snack Shops
Snack Shops
Snack Shops
Restaurants
Restaurants
Restaurants
Restaurants
Picnic Areas
Picnic Areas
Picnic Areas
Picnic Areas
Bike Repair
Bike Repair
Bike Repair
Bike Repair
Lodging
Lodging
Lodging
Lodging
Shoppping
Shoppping
Shoppping
Shoppping
RECOMMENDED TRAIL VISION for VERONA•Stress “Exercise for Health” Use
• Stress Health Benefits of Biking/Hiking/Boating
• Stress Benefits of GreenSpaces/Parks
•Stress “Experience the Outdoors” Use
• Partner with the Allegheny Land Trust in Sycamore Island Development
• Partner with Friends of the Riverfront to Develop Heritage Trail• Partner with Friends of the Riverfront to Develop Heritage Trail
•Expand Central Business District to Cater to the Needs of Trail Users
•Continue to Work with Stakeholders involved in AVR Light Rail Development
Trail Town Program Website
PARTNERS
ALLEGHENY LAND TRUSTwww.alleghenylandtrust.org
MISSION
•Biodiversity
•Landscape Character
•Water Management
SYCAMORE ISLAND EMBODIES ALL 3SYCAMORE ISLAND EMBODIES ALL 3
•One of Last Undeveloped Islands in the
Allegheny River
•Close to Urban Area
•Educational Opportunities
•Rare Vegetation & Wildlife
•Threatened by Erosion & Invasive Species
VERONA CAN PROVIDE A “PUT-IN” POINT
FOR ISLAND ACCESS
Allegheny Land Trust Publication, Presentation on Sycamore Island and Website
FRIENDS of the RIVERFRONTwww.friendsoftheriver.org
MISSION
•Rivers and Riverfront Activities
•Expansion of Land and Water Trails
•Reclaim City’s Riverfronts for All
SIGNIFICANT WORKSIGNIFICANT WORK
•Three Rivers Heritage Trail
•2003 - Allegheny River Boulevard Rail Trail Feasibility Study for
•Negotiation – Verona Shared Rail/Trail Use
•Builds Partnerships with All Stakeholders
Friends of the Riverfront Website
FUNDING
PA FISH AND BOAT COMMISSIONwww.fishandboat.com
BOATING FACILITY GRANTS•Planning, Acquisition, Development, Expansio
n & Rehabilitation of Public Boating Facilities
SEWICKLEY
PUMP OUT GRANTS•Construction, Renovation & Maintenance of
Pumpout & Dumpout Stations
FUNDRAISING PROGRAMS
PA Fish & Boat Commission Website
SHARPSBURG
PA DCNRwww.dcnr.state.pa.us
WILD RESOURCE CONSERVATION
•Sycamore Island is Unique Ecosystem - ALT
•Define the same Characteristics in Verona along
the Riverfront or along Plum Creek
•Deadline – June 30, 2010
GREAT ALLEGHENY PASSAGE
•Deadline – June 30, 2010
[email protected] – 814-359-5113
C2P2 – Comm Recreation & Conservation
•Keystone
•Recreational Trails
•Land & Water Conservation
•Growing Greener
•Deadline – April 21, 2010 – Get Ready for Next
Year
[email protected] – 412-800-0486
PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Website
SEWICKLEY
PA DEP www.ahs2.dep.state.pa.us
STORMWATER MGMT [email protected] – 717-772-5661
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE & COMPOSTING [email protected] – 717-787-7382
PHILADELPHIA AREA
ENVIRONMENTAL [email protected] – 717-772-1828
GROWING GREENER – reg for [email protected]
PEDA – register for [email protected] – 717-772-8945
NON-POINT SOURCE [email protected] – 717-772-5802
PA Department of Environmental Protection WebsitePITTSBURGH
A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR VERONA
CASH IN ON RIVERFRONT
+
PARTNERSHIPS
+
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Thank You !
Members of Verona in Progress
Rhoda Worf
Don Worf
Denise Gemellas
Maryanne Brayer
Bob Brayer
Sandi Drabicki-Bell
Contacts:
Emil Dinu Popa [email protected]
Kathy Hrabovsky [email protected]
Iyabo Lawal [email protected]
Srinithya Lavu [email protected]
