Submitted by: Holly Simmons
Submitting Department: Community & Economic Development
Agenda Section: Presentation
Item Title:
title
The Spot Redesign Concept Plan
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Suggested Action:
recommendation
For presentation.
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Summary Background:
The City commissioned the Neighborhood Design Center (NDC) to assist the City in designing a site layout for ‘The Spot’, vacant land located at the east terminus of Hamilton Street, adjacent to the Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail. The Spot Redesign aims to transform this existing vacant land into a dynamic community hub in downtown Hyattsville, capitalizing on the completion of the final phase of the Trolley Trail, which is under construction and set to be completed by end of year.
NDC undertook robust community engagement (including in-person sessions at Trolley Trail Day on June 10 and record engagement on HelloHyattsville) to identify design principles, community priorities, and a vision for the space:
The Spot is an oasis in the City where families, friends, and individuals bump into neighbors and meet new people. The Hyattsville community gathers at The Spot for concerts and events or to enjoy an ice cream cone on a summer night. Through its design and programming, The Spot supports local businesses and welcomes residents of all ages and backgrounds.
Community engagement and analysis, along with technical considerations coordinated with City staff, resulted in a concept design that incorporates areas for multimodal parking and metered public parking; both passive and active recreation; stormwater management; greatly enhanced cooling/shade and lighting; a raised stage with storage; along with associated improvements.
This concept design will enable the City to proceed with engineering and design, along with any necessary permit applications for water/sewer and electrical services.
Next Steps:
This item is scheduled for the November 20 Consent Agenda, to enable Council to authorize The Spot Redesign project to move to design and construction.
Fiscal Impact:
The City has secured $681,000 in project funding from Maryland DHCD and has allocated $250,000 in APRA funds, primarily to cover the balance of site conditions and the entirety of the cost of site amenities.
City Administrator Comments:
For presentation and Council discussion.
Community Engagement:
A drop-in design workshop occurred on June 10, 2023, at Trolley Trail Day, followed by additional engagement through the online platform HelloHyattsville, both for initial design inspiration and to provide feedback on a draft concept design. Robust community engagement has driven and informed this project.
Strategic Goals:
Goal 3 - Promote a Safe and Vibrant Community
Legal Review Required?
N/A