Morrisville Land Use Plan 2009

5.3 Future Land Use Categories, cont’d 8. PUBLIC/INSTITUTIONAL A. Function

i. Accommodate such civic or institutional activities as governmental and public build- ings, schools, and places of worship and ensure that they are compatible with the overall character of the town and their surroundings. B. Preferred Uses i. This designation includes government-owned administration buildings and offices, fire stations, hospitals and health care facilities, utilities, day care centers, senior centers, community centers, community facilities, schools, colleges and educational research facilities. C. General Policies + Development Character i. Civic and institutional facilities are “focal points”, both visually and functionally, within the Town. Unlike other land uses, these facilities are often seen as landmarks that should visually stand apart from their surroundings while compatible with other uses in their set- ting. ii. When possible, locate facilities adjacent to or within publicly accessible open spaces. iii. Public entrances should be clearly defined and face the street. Porticoes, awnings and other entryway features that are integral to the building design are encouraged. iv. Service areas such as refuse containers, transformers, and loading docks should not be visible from public areas v. Access to civic and institutional facilities should provide for safe and convenient ac- cess by pedestrians, bicycles, automobiles and public transit. Pedestrians should be given the ability to safely cross at intersections near civic and institutional facilities. Spe- cial consideration should be made where high concentrations of youth, senior, and disabled persons exist. Marked crosswalks, medians, and pedestrian activated signals should be used to promote safe crossings. In addition, appropriate pedestrian ameni- ties should be provided, such as pedestrian scale lighting, seating, and trash recep- tacles. vi. Off-street parking should be provided primarily by parking lots located to the rear or other sides of buildings that face away from public streets. vii. Parking areas should be screened by buildings or landscaping. Long, unbroken rows of parking should be avoided. Large parking lots should be adequately landscaped. viii.Development should minimize impacts to sensitive natural resources, such as flood- plains and ponds. ix. Vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian links should extend into the surrounding develop- ment.

The Morrisville Town Hall is a good example of a landmark building that stands apart from its surroundings, but is compatible with neighboring uses.

encouraged discouraged

Safe and convenient crosswalks make a side- walk system usable and appealing, encourag- ing pedestrian activity. Pedestrian crossings should be designed to reduce the crossing distance and provide high visibility to both the pedestrian and oncoming vehicular traffic. This can be accomplished by changing pave- ment color or texture, and making use of white paint striping and/or reflective materials.

Civic and institutional facilities are “focal points”, both visually and functionally, within the Town. Unlike other land uses, these facili- ties are often seen as landmarks that should visually stand apart from their surroundings while compatible with other uses in their set- ting.

Parking, particularly surface parking lots, occupy an increasing percentage of developed land. Carefully considered landscaping, lighting, and paving can minimize the impact of parking lots on pedestrians, surrounding land uses, and the environment. Trees and landscaping may be used to break-up large expanses of surface parking, provide refuge for pe- destrians, shade vehicles, and collect stormwater runoff.

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5 Recommendations