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1 Choose at least 3 topics or issues covered in class this semester that you have not previously reflected on. For at least 1 topic/issue, you must discuss how it relates to the public place you selected to study. For the remaining topics/issues, discuss how each one either relates to the public place you selected to study OR to a recent news story. You also must critically reflect on each topic/issue you choose (e.g., explain what you like, what you find interesting or promising, maybe what you disagree with, etc.)
One Topic we covered in class was Climate Change and Annapolis will be and is being significantly affected by climate change. Global warming and increasing water levels have caused the downtown area to frequently. 39 times a year on average.A proper flood mitigation plan is needed for the area to continiue making it a viable place. Another aspect we talked about is affordable housing my project does not cover for affordable housing and may in fact drive up housing prices in the area. This is a concern of mine but I think the benefits far outweigh it’s downfalls. This increased economic activity will surely benefit the less advantaged in the area. Affordable housing needs to be located within a commutable distance in order to benefit from the project. Another topic I failed to utilize was Historic Preservation. Which is certainly a relevant topic for downtown Annapolis considering the very old age of most of the buildings in Annapolis. I also believe that historic preservation sometime fails to allow for economic development and evolution.
2 Review the reflections you posted to your blog for Parts 1, 2, and 3 of the project. Choose at least 1 class topic/issue that you have already reflected on, but would like to discuss further. Explain how your view on this topic/issue has changed or evolved since your initial reflection and specify what caused this transformation (e.g., working on your project, feedback received from peers/faculty, lectures, in-class activities, online discussions, etc.)
One topic that my view has evolved on is revitalization. At first whenever I thought of revitilazation I thought of something great for the community that benefits everyone. Instead I now realize it is a concept that does have it’s fair share of downfalls and pushes people out of their homes. So revitalization needs to be done with those downfalls in mind.
3)Assume you have the power to ensure that “everyone has the right to live in a sustainable community – not just some people”. Review the topics covered in class this semester - What is the most effective thing you can do to make this happen? Explain your answer (make sure your solution addresses each of the 3 components of sustainability). What challenges will you likely face and how will you address these challenges?
The most important thing you can do is promote economic development and environmental protection. That balance is very difficult as often economic development sacrifices economic development. You have to allow for repurposing while protecting history and the environment. You have to incentive the use of sustainable development practices.
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I envision my place after the addition of a trolley system and discontinuance of motor vehicles on main street to be a bustling unique place with outdoor cafes highlighting the areas beauty. Most of my feedback was regarding minor details I needed to correct. One peer did mention that I should focus on solving the flooding problem which has recently been addressed by the city completely renovating city dock and I do not believe I could do much more except for solving global warming. Annapolis will be a not just be doing well. It will be thriving and people will be flocking in large numbers to this remade place.
There will be a efficient trolley system shuttling people from a parking lot just outside the city. And a unique outdoor dining and sitting area that is resemblent of the outdoor cafes in Europe.
I would implement this by having mock artwork of the project drawn up. Taking that mock drawing and giving it to the newspapers. Use it to set up a social media campaign to bring about public support motivating the city to be supportive of the project. Getting proper funding and zoning changes. I would tie in other benefits to the project such as improving by improving the environment benefits. Succh as making main street into a pervious surface to reduce run off into the bay. Also increasing tree planting and green space in the area. Some of the work would have to be done by the city such as shutting down mainstreet but I could apply for a Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund grant by showing the economic benefit of the project. The project will take minimal additional upkeep.
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Annapolis would benefit from making their main street something like that of Charlotessville with plenty of seating and greenspace.
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Right now Annapolis shuts down west street every Wednesday during the year. I think they would benefit significantly if they closed main street from car traffic pernmanetly and having more outdoor seating and space for concerts and fairs and other outdoor activites.
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One way that the space could be improved would be a trolley system that could help alleviate the parking problems. The city could have people park at a location just outside the city and trolley them in.
Overall these changes would allow for increased capacity of people visiting the city. More greenspace helping the environment and providing an enchanced outdoor space through shade and visual improvement.
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Field Report
1 Provide the date, time, and location of your 30-minute observation period.
2 3/30/2017 2:00 PM at the end of ego alley on the Pier.
3 What were the weather conditions during your observation period?
4 Overcast and in the 50s
5 What sensory impressions did you experience while observing your place? For example - sights, sounds, textures, smells, etc.
I heard people laughing and talking in small groups. I can see the water and boats throughout. The waterway.
6 Provide specific numbers and details of what happened in the space during your observation period. For example - How many people did you see? What types of activities were happening? How much time did people spend in the space? Where did people sit? etc.
I saw too many people to count precisely. But about 25 people walked by me during my 30 minute observation period. People were sitting on tables out front of resturants or benches sporadically places on the sidewalks. People teneded to spend quite I bit of time in their location if seated as I didn’t see many people get up during my 30 minute observation period
7 How did people interact with other people in the space?
People interacted over food. They interacted happily and respectfully.
8 What do you think this space was designed for? Is this how the space is currently being used?
I think this space was designed for exactly what is being used for. For people to have a place to sit and enjoy there surrounding. Whether they are just sitting for a place to rest, eat, or simply to enjoy the scenery.
9 What draws people to this place?
There are many reasons people are drawn to downtown Annapolis. The views of the water and historic architecture. The good restaurants and shops that line the streets. Annapolis is also home to many jobs bringing a large number of people there everyday.
Identify problems you see with your space and how it is used, and highlight the areas you would like to focus on improving.
Overall the city of Annapolis has few problems and the space is being used rather efficiently. But the city lacks sufficient parking for the number of people that want to go their. It also is very susceptible to flooding.Also given the surrounding (being on the water) it would be nice if there was more outdoor space for dining.
One of the main issues that Annapolis faces that we specifically discussed in class was the frequent flooding of the downtown area. Downtown Annapolis businesses now flood quite regularly even with the most mild of storms. And with rising sea levels the flooding will continue to worsen. The City of Annapolis will have to eventually decide at what point will rebuilding be impractical. One strength of Annapolis was its planning during construction. The entire mainstreet area faces the water from top to bottom making it scenic and promoting outdoor activities. They have seating throughout making people not only walk on the streets but stay on the streets increasing economic activity and foot traffic.
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Reflection
In designing a place for people. It is important to encourage foot traffic in commercial areas. Downtown Annapolis being a commercial area is a high traffic area. But one of the most important aspects is missing: good public transit. I believe this is evidence that Downtown Annapolis foot traffic could be even better. Annapolis needs to find a way to make it easier to get into the actual downtown area especially with it taking away parking spots. This problem can be solved by building a street car. A street car would make the city more accessible for less meaning less money spent on transportation and more on local businesses. Also when developing an area it is important to consider the environment. Even more so in an area located as close to water as Downtown Annapolis is. With the increase of renovations in the area. The city must ensure that developers are using environmentally safe materials and minimizing run off. In doing so the city will protect its most valuable natural feature (the Chesapeake Bay) and the health of the people that visit.
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1)Describe the public place you selected -- What type of place is it? (e.g. - park, plaza, street, trail, etc.) Where is it located and what is it adjacent to? What are the physical features of the space? How is this place currently being used and what type of condition is it in?
I selected Downtown Annapolis which includes both West Street and Main Street. The physical features of this space are high density historic buildings located by the Chesapeake Bay. The place is currently being used as commercial/residential high foot traffic area and is kept in excellent condition.
2)Explain why you chose this place -- What makes the place unique or important? Do you visit or pass by this space often? Do you feel it is underutilized? If you have a personal connection to the place - Why is it special to you? What are your memories of this place?
This place is unique because it is a high density historic area by the water with plenty of activity but not so much that it limits accessibility. It has beautiful architecture and views of the water. I visit Annapolis often for both work and to eat and hang out with friends. I feel as though this space is perfectly utilized as it promotes foot traffic while maintaining the integrity of the historic area. This area is special to me because of all the good memories I have with friends there whether its bringing your boat up to the dock on a Summer day or meeting up with friends at one of the many restaurants Annapolis is always fun to visit.
3)Describe the community surrounding your place -- What are the demographics of the area? (from the most recent census or maybe your community’s website) What are the transit options and types of housing available? Does the community have any important natural features? What are the top 3 industries/businesses in the area? What is this community known for?
Annapolis as a whole is inhabited by 38,000. Of which 60% is White followed by 26% African American. Annapolis has a bus service with eight routes that will take you to various rec areas, shopping centers, educational and medical facilities, and employment hubs. Annapolis also has a shuttle service that will loop you through the downtown area. Downtown Annapolis offers small row homes, condominiums, and single family homes with small lot sizes. The most important natural feature Annapolis has is being located on the Chesapeake Bay. The top 3 employers in the area are the Anne Arundel Medical Center employing 2,800, the US Naval Academy employing 2,052, and Aeronuetical Radio Incorporated which employs 1,100. The area is known for its location to the Chesepeake Bay, the US Naval Academy, and being the Capitol of Maryland.
4)What is the history of your community? Is the history of the community reflected in the local architecture? Are there any historic structures in or near your place? If so, can you tell if they have been restored?
Annapolis is very historic being the temporary capital of the United States and the Location of General Washington’s resignation as commander in chief of the Continental Army. This history is reflected in the colonial architecture seen throughout Annapolis. While there are numerous examples of restored historic structures one in particular that I find interesting is the Hammond-Harwood House. It was build in 1774 and is on the the premier colonial houses remaining in America from the British colonial period.
5)Does this community currently face any special issues or problems? (e.g. - limited affordable housing, environmental concerns, lack of transit, poor recreational options for citizens, etc.)
The community does currently face a lot of environmental concerns. One be that rising see levels and the low area nature of Downtown Annapolis make it very susceptible to flooding. As can be seen when I heavy rain causes substantial flooding in the area. Another environmental problem is that anytime there is high density development in an area close to the water there is grave concern for runoff and water pollution in general.
7)Does the community have a plan for your public place? How could you assess what the community wants to do with this place?
The plan for Annapolis is to make it a destination city. With the decrease in parking spots in favor of foot traffic accommodations. Future plans seem to be built around the idea of making people use public transit to get to Annapolis in order to build a city made for foot traffic rather than vehicle traffic.
8)What are some of your initial thoughts on how your public place can be improved?
My initial thoughts for how Annapolis can be improved is to build a more reliable and efficient public transit system into Annapolis especially for those who rely on driving into the city. My thought would be to build a expansive parking lot a mile or so offsite and have a fast and efficient trolley car bring people back and forth to the downtown area.
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In the three types of outdoor activities Life Between Buildings it speaks about the level of outdoor activity being dependent on the quality of streets and city spaces. This speaks to the quality of both Downtown Annapolis and Capitol Hill as both have a huge number of people constantly walking the streets and partaking in social activities. As you walk around both places you see people sitting, eating, playing, and working. So both places in my mind would fall under the category of a living city as both places are places of low, closely spaced building, that accommodate foot traffic. Another testament to the quality of exterior conditions effecting the level of activity is West Street in Downtown Annapolis. In Downtown Annapolis West Street was run down and crime ridden less then 10 years ago. The city then began revitalizing and providing funds to improve the façade of the buildings there. West Street today is a bustling and safe area.
"Three Types of Outdoor Activities" & "Outdoor Activities and Quality of Outdoor Space" pp. 11-16 and pp. 32-39 in Life Between Buildings
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One of my favorite places is Washington DC. In particularly Capital Hill. I like Capital Hill because of the rich history associated with the power center of the United States. The national mall is also is host to beautiful green landscaping, beautiful intricately designed buildings, and a wide variety of interesting people.
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Another one of my favorite places is Downtown Annapolis. Downtown Annapolis is a place full of beautiful historic row homes and commercial spaces. It has great food, shops, and the Naval Academy. Year round there is activity and things to do. Downtown Annapolis is also right on the Chesapeake Bay making this a great place for boating.
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