POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

DESIGN GUIDELINES

Secand Public Presen ta 1?1'011
April 11, 2019

Project Team:

Town of Groton, Planning & Development:
Jon Reiner, AICP, Director
Deb Jones, Assistant Director
Diane Glemboski, Planner II - Land Use

Union Studio Architecture and Community Design:
Don Powers, AIA, LEED-AP, CNU, Founding Principal
Jeremy Lake, AIA, LEED-AP, CNU, Senior Associate

Horsley Witten Group:
Nathan Kelly, AICP, Associate Principal
Jeff Davis, AICP, Project Planner

TEAM INTRODUCTIONS

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Agenda:
• Team Introductions
• Process/Schedule
• Recap of First Presentation
• Project Location
• Project Background
• Draft Design District
• Visual Preference Survey
• Zoning Regulations Update
• Draft Design Guidelines
• Illustrative Examples
• Discussion

AGENDA

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Task 1: Pre‐Design

November – December 2017

Task 2: Inventory of Existing Conditions

January – March 2018

Task 3: Design District Boundary

Ongoing

Task 4: First Public Presentation

April 30, 2018

(Hiatus for rezoning efforts)

Task 5: Analysis of Inventory and Conceptual Diagrams

November 2018 – January 2019

Task 6: Draft Design Guidelines

February – March 2019

Task 7: Second Public Presentation

Today, April 11, 2019

Task 8: Final Design Guidelines

April – May 2019

PROCESS/SCHEDULE

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Project Location

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PROJECT LOCATION POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 

Groton
Utilities

Senior Citizens Center

North Road

Claude
Chester
School

Baptist
Church

Groton Public Library

Poquonnock
Bridge
Town
Hall
Groton
Community
Center
(formerly Fitch
Middle School)

P R O J E C T L O C AT I O N

Fort Hill
Neighborhood

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 


  
  
     




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CURRENT ZONING POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 

Project Background

ntation:

Background Materials:
Historic & Architectural Resources Survey Report, Town of Groton, CT, Phase I – Volumes 1‐4, 
May 1992
Fort Hill Area Neighborhood Revitalization Zone (NRZ) Strategic Plan,
March 2000
Groton Plan of Conservation & Development
2016

Southeastern Connecticut Regional Resilience Vision Project, Guidebook
March 2017
Southeastern Connecticut Regional Resilience Vision Project, Summary of Findings
March 2017

PROJECT BACKGROUND

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Groton Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD):
•

Plan of Conservation and Development sets 
priorities, goals and plans for the physical, 
economic and social future of the Town of Groton

•

Poquonnock Bridge identified as historic village 
center where sense of place should be enhanced 
(protect historic, foster connectivity, mixed‐use, 
pedestrian friendly, etc.) as it is the civic and 
governmental center of Groton

PROJECT BACKGROUND

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Historic Resources Survey:

 

 

 

 

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HISTORIC RESOURCES SURVEY
Phase I

Poquonnock Bridge

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PROJECT BACKGROUND

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

Groton Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD):
•

Plan of Conservation and Development sets 
priorities, goals and plans for the physical, 
economic and social future of the Town of Groton

•

Poquonnock Bridge identified as historic village 
center where sense of place should be enhanced 
(protect historic, foster connectivity, mixed‐use, 
pedestrian friendly, etc.) as it is the civic and 
governmental center of Groton

•

Poquonnock Bridge Village District identified as a 
“Special Focus Area”

PROJECT BACKGROUND

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Groton Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD):

PROJECT BACKGROUND

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Groton Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD):
•

Plan of Conservation and Development sets 
priorities, goals and plans for the physical, 
economic and social future of the Town of Groton

•

Poquonnock Bridge identified as historic village 
center where sense of place should be enhanced 
(protect historic, foster connectivity, mixed‐use, 
pedestrian friendly, etc.) as it is the civic and 
governmental center of Groton

•

Poquonnock Bridge Village District identified as a 
“Special Focus Area”

•

District should develop in a village pattern with 
historical styles and massing, mixed‐use, 
pedestrian‐friendly

PROJECT BACKGROUND

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 PROJECT BACKGROUND POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 

PROJECT BACKGROUND

 

 

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PROJECT BACKGROUND POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 

 

PROJECT BACKGROUND POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

PROJECT BACKGROUND POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 

Groton Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD):
•

Plan of Conservation and Development sets 
priorities, goals and plans for the physical, 
economic and social future of the Town of Groton

•

Poquonnock Bridge identified as historic village 
center where sense of place should be enhanced 
(protect historic, foster connectivity, mixed‐use, 
pedestrian friendly, etc.) as it is the civic and 
governmental center of Groton

•

Poquonnock Bridge Village District identified as a 
“Special Focus Area”

•

District should develop in a village pattern with 
historical styles and massing, mixed‐use, 
pedestrian‐friendly

•

Design guidelines are great tool for promoting 
appropriate development

PROJECT BACKGROUND

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Recap of First Public Presentation:
Draft Design District

To I-95

Institutional
Uses

Mixed Uses
along Route 1

To Mystic

To Groton

Fort Hill,
Newtown and
South Roads

Multifamily
Parcels
To Airport

Potential Mixed Use
along South Road

DESIGN DISTRICT - DRAFT

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 DESIGN DISTRICT -

DRAFT

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 

                         



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- Industrial

Farmland

- Com mercial/ Office

- Auto Repair&Fuel Sale - Institutional

 



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Single and Two-family Residences 4

Multi-Family Residences
- Vacant, Cemetery

 

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Visual Preference

SurV

Visual Preference Survey:
• To help inform design
guidelines, as last step would
like your help with a visual
preference survey.
• Each board contains two
images – place a single dot on
the image you find preferable.
There are no wrong answers.
• If you’d like, please leave a
note on an index card sharing
your thoughts.
• The team will also be around if
you want to ask questions or
discuss.

V I S U A L P R E F E R E N C E S U RV E Y

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 35 – 1 – 2
(38 Total Votes)

V I S U A L P R E F E R E N C E S U RV E Y

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 16 – 3 – 18
(37 Total Votes)

V I S U A L P R E F E R E N C E S U RV E Y

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 19 – 1 – 12
(32 Total Votes)

V I S U A L P R E F E R E N C E S U RV E Y

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 10 – 10 – 19
(39 Total Votes)

V I S U A L P R E F E R E N C E S U RV E Y

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 2 – 3 – 27
(32 Total Votes)

V I S U A L P R E F E R E N C E S U RV E Y

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 12 – 3 – 23
(38 Total Votes)

V I S U A L P R E F E R E N C E S U RV E Y

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 10 – 6 – 20
(36 Total Votes)

V I S U A L P R E F E R E N C E S U RV E Y

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 32 – 2 – 4
(38 Total Votes)

V I S U A L P R E F E R E N C E S U RV E Y

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 27 – 0 – 9
(36 Total Votes)

V I S U A L P R E F E R E N C E S U RV E Y

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 3 – 2 – 23
(28 Total Votes)

V I S U A L P R E F E R E N C E S U RV E Y

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Groton Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD):
•

Plan of Conservation and Development sets 
priorities, goals and plans for the physical, 
economic and social future of the Town of Groton

•

Poquonnock Bridge identified as historic village 
center where sense of place should be enhanced 
(protect historic, foster connectivity, mixed‐use, 
pedestrian friendly, etc.) as it is the civic and 
governmental center of Groton

•

Poquonnock Bridge Village District identified as a 
“Special Focus Area”

•

District should develop in a village pattern with 
historical styles and massing, mixed‐use, 
pedestrian‐friendly

PROJECT BACKGROUND

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Village Pattern vs. Sprawl
As evidenced by A1/A2 comparison and to a lesser degree C1/C2, there seems to be a preference for the village
pattern of development – walkable streets with incremental development. This is the direction promoted by the
POCD and the community was generally supportive of this in comments and discussion.

V I S U A L P R E F E R E N C E S U RV E Y

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Main Street vs. Rural Village
As evidence by D1/D2, F1/F2, H1/H2, and I1/I2, there is a clear preference for the more informal character of a rural
village than the more formal character of a traditional main street. There were also several comments relative to
not wanting to be another Mystic. Poquonnock Bridge Village historically was a rural village, so this more informal
form is more appropriate to continue that tradition.

V I S U A L P R E F E R E N C E S U RV E Y

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Traditional vs. Contemporary Architecture
As evidenced by A1/A2, E1/E2, I1/I2, and to a lesser degree C1/C2, there is a clear preference for more traditional
styles and forms of architecture. Given the existing building fabric of Poquonnock Bridge, this also seems like the
appropriate direction to assure future development fits in with the local context.

V I S U A L P R E F E R E N C E S U RV E Y

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Scale and Character of Architecture
In general images that include 1.5-2.5 story, mixed-use precedents were preferred to single story, commercial uses.
This can be seen in A1/A2, and C1/C2. The split vote for B1/B2 suggests no strong preference in the 1.5 – 3 story
range, or in terms of how varied or cohesive the materials and colors of the individual buildings are.

V I S U A L P R E F E R E N C E S U RV E Y

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Impact of Automobiles
As evidenced by A1/A2, several comments received and possibly the results of C1/C2 (where the bias for traditional
style might have suggested a stronger vote otherwise) and H1/H2 (where the strong bias towards one image may
have been driven by the lack of cars), it is clear that the community has a preference for minimizing visual impacts
and pedestrian safety concerns of vehicles within the village. That said, several comments also showed an
understanding that vehicular circulation and adequate parking are “necessary evils” that just need to be tamed
and/or located so as not to detract from the goal of a pedestrian friendly village.

V I S U A L P R E F E R E N C E S U RV E Y

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Poquonnock Village Zoning: The Must Haves
Zoning sets the standards for development that must be met

Proposed zoning for Poquonnock Village:
Mixed-Use Village Center (MVC)
Z O N I N G R E G U L AT I O N S U P D AT E

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 From a confusing mix of residential, commercial and
industrial zones to a single, cohesive district
Poquonnock Area Zoning Today

Proposed Poquonnock Area Zoning

Different standards from zone to zone

Single set of standards for a mix of uses

Z O N I N G R E G U L AT I O N S U P D AT E

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 MVC Zoning District:
What it Manages
Z O N I N G R E G U L AT I O N S U P D AT E

• Dimensional
Standards (Lot size,
setbacks, height,
public space, etc.)
• Circulation
• Property Frontage
• Landscaping
• Parking & Loading
• Fencing &
Screening
• Lighting
• Utility Lines
• Building Form
• Building
Entranceways

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Dimensional Standards
Minimum AND maximum front
yard setbacks help make sure
buildings are safe from the road,
but not TOO far back

Lot Size
Minimum Lot Area: 5,000 SF
Minimum Lot Width: 80 feet
Setbacks
Different standards for . . .
• Properties on arterial roads (Route 1)
• Properties abutting residential districts
or non-MVC districts
• Properties internal to the MVC district

Buildings can be attached at their sides
with a Common Lot Line Agreement

Z O N I N G R E G U L AT I O N S U P D AT E

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Dimensional Standards
(continued)
Maximum Building . . .
Height: 35 feet
Coverage: 80%
Minimum Lot Area per Dwelling
None – if parking, height, etc. are met, the number
of dwelling units are not artificially capped
Public Space
For sites of 2+ acres only, 10% set aside for publicly
accessible space

Z O N I N G R E G U L AT I O N S U P D AT E

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Applicability
When do these standards apply?

Any new development where a site plan is
reviewed by the Planning & Zoning Commission
(does not apply to single family homes)
Minor additions (over threshold TBD)
If you aren’t making any such changes, these
standards do NOT apply to you.

Z O N I N G R E G U L AT I O N S U P D AT E

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Circulation
Pedestrian and Bikeways must be
clearly marked between sidewalks
and buildings.

Frontage
Areas in front of buildings must be
designed for pedestrian and bicycle
access. Along Route 1, 10-foot wide

sidewalks required

Z O N I N G R E G U L AT I O N S U P D AT E

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Parking & Loading
Located behind or to the side. Use
5-foot wide landscape area or 3foot high decorative wall between
sidewalks and existing parking
areas.

Fencing & Screening
Chain link is prohibited in front
and side yards, unless necessary
for security and screened with
evergreens.

Z O N I N G R E G U L AT I O N S U P D AT E

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Lighting & Utilities

Light poles no higher
than 20 feet.
Utility lines and
cables laid
underground

Building
Entranceways
Main entry must face a street or a
10-foot wide sidewalk. Entrance
must be architecturally obvious.
Buildings on Route 1 must have a
primary entrance facing Route 1.

Z O N I N G R E G U L AT I O N S U P D AT E

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Building Form
For new buildings:
Base, middle, and top of the
building must be obvious. First
floor must be 11 feet tall, and
the front of the building must
look like the front.

Buildings with façades longer than
40 feet must add architectural
features so that you don’t have long,
blank walls.

Z O N I N G R E G U L AT I O N S U P D AT E

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Draft Design Guidelines

Poquonnock Village Zoning: The Must Haves
Zoning sets the standards for development that must be met

Proposed zoning for Poquonnock Village:
Mixed-Use Village Center (MVC)
Z O N I N G R E G U L AT I O N S U P D AT E

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Poquonnock Village Zoning: The Must Haves
Zoning sets the standards for development that must be met
Design Guidelines illustrate the principles that should be met

Proposed zoning for Poquonnock Village:
Mixed-Use Village Center (MVC)
Z O N I N G R E G U L AT I O N S U P D AT E

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Zoning Regulations and Design Guidelines work hand in hand, with the ultimate goal
being to assure renovations to existing structures and/or new infill development respect
and build upon the existing historic and walkable character of Poquonnock Bridge.

MVC Zoning District:

Design Guidelines:

• Dimensional Standards (Lot size,
setbacks, height, public space, etc.)
• Circulation
• Property Frontage
• Landscaping
• Parking & Loading
• Fencing & Screening
• Lighting
• Utility Lines
• Building Form
• Building Entranceways

DRAFT DESIGN GUIDELINES

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Design Guidelines Format

importance of
Considering
PartiCidrtr Design
Element

Key Features and
Examples Showing
Proper Application

Design Gitideiines
Section Being
Addressed

Approaches

and Exatnpies
Showing improper
Application

DRAFT DESIGN GUIDELINES



Design Eiert?tent
Being Addressed

 

I
LIGHTING

STREET LIGHTING IS A 
COMPONENT TO THE MAKING
OF A PLACE



Street lighting has a strong effect
on the character ofa place. This
includes both the distribution of the
light, and the character of the light
fixture/pole itself.

  
  

 

xi. mix ofiighting types. ittcintling appropriate street lights. heips to establish
the n] pint-e.

\m

Key Features

0 A variety of lighting types
should be used to address
the different needs of civic
spaces, pedestrian oriented
streets, and parking areas.

0 Lighting should be designed
to provide a uniform
distribution of light while
also addressing safety needs.

0 Lighting should be in keeping
with the character of the
spaces and buildings around
them. Industrial poles and
?xtures concerned purely
with functional requirements
should be avoided.

SITE COMPONENTS

   

Street shuttld reflect the thinner er nfthe district. with nrtit'ttinted trertt-
ments for the base, post. und?xtitre.
AVOID

    

Designing site iighting purely to meetIiinetiunnl requirements denies its nhiit'ty to support character a] pint-e.

 

1.: . rain-:ri: 



 

 

 

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

Site Design

 

 

BUILDING LOCATION

BUILDING ENTRY LOCATION

 

ON A TRADITIONAL MIXED-
USE STREET, BUILDINGS
ENGAGE THE STREET

Buildings may have varying
setbacks and an informal
arrangement, but should engage
the street and contribute to the
character of the public realm

I- v! 

SITE DESIGN

in a village have varying setbacks but stilt retate to the street,

DO AVOID

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Front seihar?t?t area

 

 

 

 

Buildings shoutd 

repeat the pattern I I typteativ used or
of the surrounding parking tshosttie
district. A to pedestnans.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

reasonable
the

road behind a

 

 

 

 

 

layer of landscape 
or t'risuai seating 
is appropriate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ms


 

 

 

    

ve- 

    

    

BUILDINGS SHOULD BE
ENTERED DIRECTLY FROM
THE SIDEWALK
Building entries should engage
and activate the street edge.
In mixed-use conditions, there
should also be a clear separation
and between retail
storefronts and secondary
entries for pper floor uses.

     



SITE DESIGN

Cornniertiol entries t?onneet directty to a public sidewalk

DO

  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  

Secondary entrance Key Points

exits may be located
facing the rear parking
area, but retail entrances
shottid never soieiy be
iocated at the rear.

0 Entries to retail and
commercial uses should be
prominent and large in scale
to be clearly identi?able to
the public.

Provide a clear walking
path from the rear

parking area to the front


0 Retail entries should be
located directly off the
sidewalk. Gallerias and
indoor malls are prohibited.

?1 
can provide both main
thoroughfare entry as
With as rear
parking.

Residential entries should
be separate from public
entries. The location may be
less prominent and the scale
smaller than for retail.

 

Retati entrances shouid . Residential entries should

I .
rtIW?i?S be IOC?ltid . have thetr own address
fronting the morn separate from the retail.
thoroughfare. Diagram of entry Iocationts).

AVOID

    

5

Avoid locating the primary entry at

 

 

Landscaping or seating in thejront setback provide Retail httiidings set the street discourage inset WW GHOWS more 1? comer WW serves 

visaai int crest for passing pedestrians and potential shoppers since even adjacent shops or those across the area (?1d a PIHCE in view at 0t dt?erent directions. ?1?3 rear of a building, egar (?955 of
customers. sirppi are separated by pxprinsps and asphalt. trierchartdise. its proxirrtity to {t rear parking area.
3'age '0 Bridge Vi lage I'Jestgn GLiicleI'nes :?oouonr'ock Bridge Village Des gn Gaideiines gage ?1

 

 

DRAFT DESIGN GUIDELINES

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 

Site Design

 

 

PARKING LOCATION

PARKING LOCATION

 

VISIBLE OFF-STREET PARKING
HARMS TRADITIONAL MIXEDs
USE STREETS.
Ofertreet parking should be
hidden to the greatest extent
possible by buildings, fences,
walls or landscaping. See
Site Components section for
more details on screening and
landscape.

 

SITE DESIGN

Successful mixed use streets prioritize the connection between building
frontages and the sidewalk, not front-loaded parking lots

rtlternateparlu'ng

Parking shoal 
occur behind RM. 2 location beside
the building '74 the building

Narrow curb cut
1 and small curb


radius reduce
traffic speed
i?



Wall screens

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It

 

 

parking

 

 





()ffistreet parking,i is least disruptive behind or beside the building.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         

Avoid parking lots in front of the building. Wide entry and exit lanes, yield conditions
and large curl) radii allow traj?c to enter or

exit parking lots at speeds.

parking abuts a sidewalls, a curb
at least six inches high should be includ-
ed to two axes.

Screen parking areasjroni outdoor seat
inn rind sidewalks by the use of masonry
walls and plantings at a t't?l
threefcet in height.

The layout and design of'rtll
means of circulation, including
intenor drives, parlri rig areas, and
walhiiays, should provide for safe.
delineated circulation lot pedes-
trians and vehicles.

Sidewalks or wallorays should be. included
in commercial areas to provide a safe
route from parking arei'ts and retail

i si intents.

SITE DESIGN

   
 
 
 
 
   

Lighting in parking areas
be oriented to reflect

igli adjacent
uses. Dark blot cuto??xtures
recommended.

Site entrances should be minimized. Opaquejencing and-?or dense landscaping should
including sharing access drives with be included to screen park-inn areasfroni adjacent
adjacent properties and creating contiguous areas.

parking areas wherever pi ible.

should be a hard surface
with provisionsfor rrianagii'ig
stormwater runoij' included as
necessary. sidei-trallcs intersect
with an tt'tirtobile lanes, raised surfaces
durable, decorative alternatives
to conventional pavement shall be
used to connect sidewalks or bike lanes
across the automobile lanes

 

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:?Octtioncock BFICQE Village Des gn Guide Ines Page I3

 

DRAFT DESIGN GUIDELINES

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 

Site Design

 

 

BIKE PARKING

SAFE AND CONVENIENT
PARKING CAN ENCOURAGE
BICYCLE USE.

Bike parking should be convenient
to building entrances and street
access but awayfrorn normal
pedestrian and. auto traffic

  

SITE DESIGN

   

Bike parking should be pmvirled Wherever
possible A highly visible location promotes

use and discourages theft and vandalism.

Bike parking should be
well lit and separated from
parking and roadways for
.erer and set'urity.

DO AVOID

 

 

h?D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

inverted Comb Toast l-?i-a ve

Jage 14 Poquonnock Bridge VI lage DEISIQH GLIIclelznes

 

SIDEWALKS

WELL DESIGNED
SIDEWALKS ARE CRUCIAL
TO A PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY
ENVIRONMENT.

Sidewalks support pedestrian
'Flow and mixed-use activity while
also accommodating elements
such as street trees, lighting and
other street furniture.

 

Well designed sidewalks promote pedestrian use by a range ofpeople. sup
porting local business, reducing vehicular use. and improving wellness.

DO

SITE DESIGN

Key Features

- Sidewalks are composed of
three zones: a furnishing
zone (for trees, lighting,
etc), a pedestrian zone (for
movement), and a frontage
zone (for activities adjacent
to buildingIdeally each of these has a
dedicated area.

- In highly constrained
locations, these activities
may overlap but doing so
will constrain use and may
eliminate the ability to
include certain elements,
such as street trees.

5
Iv I

 

In tulditinu to pedestrian i'aovei'nerit, sidewalks can host a nm?nber of'otl'ier
amenities if given enough. space and distributed appropriately.

AVOID

     

- .. - .vs.

 

Narrow or discontinuous sidewalks enar up eonun'onn'sed by other needs and don 't promote pedestrian use.

:?ooLIonr'ock Bridge Village- Des gn 

Page i5

 

DRAFT DESIGN GUIDELINES

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 

Site Design

 

 

CIRCULATION

 

SIDEWALKS

5.. 

    

SITE DESIGN

Zone Pedestrian one Frontage Zone
The area closest to the The middle oftlie sidewalk The area 0f sidewall;
roadway. used for street dedicated solely to fill-5'95! i0 ilif.? building

fare, used for objects and
activities associated with the
building. The frontage zone
i'nay ii?lt'lnde landscaping.
outdoor seating, and
temporary signage.

signs. light ?xtures, ea: 'l'llis
zone lielps define the edge

pedestrian circulation. The
pedestrian zone should be
oftlie sidewall; area and at least 5for conifer! and
protects pedestrians from accessibility and should be
vehicular trrt?ic. free 

 

Furnishing zone used to de?ne the. edge ofthe sidewalk Frontage zone used ?for plants and outdoor seating,

SAFE, BROAD, AND CLEARLY
IDENTIFIABLE PEDESTRIAN
AND NON-MOTORIZED
VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
ENCOURAGE ALTERNATIVE
MODES OF TRAVEL

The networks of circulation
in mixed use areas should be
designed to balance the needs

     

. 

. . . 9

an. . of motorists, cyclists, and 

(.?ontimmus sidei-volkzs promote pedestrian use by a range of people. pedestrians. a

supporting local business, reducing vehiculai'speed. and improving wellness. 5,
DO

Key Features

0 Where sidewalks or other
pedestrian or bicycle ways
intersect with automobile
driveways or lanes, raised
surfaces and/or durable,
decorative alternatives to
conventional pavement
should be used to connect
sidewalks or bike lanes
across the automobile lane.

- Striping across the aspha It
used for an automobile lane
to connect the pedestrian or
bicycle way is not adequate.

   

Raised and painted crosswalks serve as traffic mln'iing measures by extending
the sidewall: across tlie road and bringing vehicles to the pedestrian level.

AVOID

    

that are designed or located to prioritize automobile traffic create hazardous conditions for pedestrians.

 

liege: i3 P0q..0nnock Fir-Ciga- logic. I'Jemgr- Glacial mes.

 

Des gn Guide. me? Page 

 

DRAFT DESIGN GUIDELINES

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 

Building Design

 

 

BUILDING FORM

BUILDING FORM

 

TRADITIONAL BUILDINGS
ARE COMPOSED 0F SIMPLE
VOLUMES

Simple massing was traditionally
necessitated by the limited time,
skill, and resources available.
Simple forms translated into
buildings that were economical
for homeowners to build and
easy to maintain. Complexity
and interest occurred with
the grouping of structures
at the scale of the street or
neighborhood rather than Within Simple rectangular volumes arefinnstional and economical

a single building.

 

DO
Key Points

0 Traditional buildings take
advantage ofthe ef?ciency
and economy of simple
building forms

BUILDING DESIGN

0 Roofs can help express
the hierarchy of building
volumes. Generally, a single
dominant root form is clearly
legible, with the roofs of
secondary volumes deferring
in scale to the main body of
the building.

0 Good proportion and proper
detailing can make even a
basic form elegant

Classic main streets are comprised ofseverai buildings. each with its own
character hut jollowing general principles that creole a cohesive whole.

AVOID

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Avoid multiple changes in slope that are expensive to This building has been overly complicated by too many roo?'orrns.
huilrl and create a 'l he additional ridges, wdleys and ewes" area rruiinteru.i.nce liahility.

 

    

ADDITIONAL FORMS CAN
ADD INTEREST AND SPACE TO
ASIMPLE BUILDING

Traditional buildings change over
time to accommodate the needs
of new generations. Additions
may provide for an expanding
program, but always defer to the
mass of the original building.

 

The transformation ofa simply primary volume with a succession of

secondary elements

DO

Historic buildings have

a variety of additions,
including new porches,
wings, and dormers.

The new spaces provide
room for growth ofthe
changing inhabitants and
market trends.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

BUILDING DESIGN

Various ways to expand and transform an existing building. .-4cl(litions are most successful when they defer in scale
and proportion to the primary form of the original building. Secondary masses ma},r also be used to compose a new
building to create a modem structure with the character of a traditional home that has been around Jtor generations.

 

I'age W3 Poquonnock erclge VI lage GLIIcleInes

 

:?oouonr'ock Bridge Village Des gn Guidelines Page 71

 

DRAFT DESIGN GUIDELINES

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 

Building Design

 

 

HISTORIC INFILL

 

WHEN SEEKING TO PRESERVE

HISTORIC CHARACTER, NEW

BUILDINGS SHOULD RESPECT
EXISTING PATTERNS

New buildings in historic settings
should attempt to reflect a
similar scale and massing as the
existing historic buildings.

 

DO

Key Points

0 While building heights will
vary by zone, new buildings
in historic districts should
respect the existing context

I Smaller buildings with
useful spaces between
are preferred over long
continuous street facades

BUILDING DESIGN

 

Shed (lontters provide opportunity
for windows and lil-
tjrettsetl height on the top?oor

Top flair units concealed in roof?rntt
Keepii'tg ettve helow thirtl floor level
the stole of tlte lJttiltlt'rtg
and

transparent to contribute to
pedestrian friendly environment

 

It? Story of
Residential

    

 

. Elli?!
11th TI Hi

 

STOREFRONTS

RETAIL
DRAWS SHOPPERS AND
ENLIVENS THE SIDEWALK.

Large displays on a storefront
can entice passers-by and invite
them into a store. Visibility is
important to make potential
5 customers aware of a store?s
1 offering and create a sense of
welcome.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0
Sign Bond

  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
 

Sign lights with ?tll
cut-o?to minimize
light 

Optional 

Clear glazing area
is approx. 70% of
elevation

BUILDING DESIGN

Clear-glazed door
fronting on the
sidewalk

Optional signage on
gloss- to be legible
from across the street

Durable material.
such as stone, to
meet the ground

Key Points

I Storefronts should contain
approximately 70% clear
glazed area for the display of
goods and services.

  

run 1purent1t Ufa \lUt rm L'mtomers tn- tent lotow who! is 0 Displays should allow a view
o?erecl and if the shop' in welcoming business through to the sales floor
AVOID for customers to easily see
whether the shop is opennot invite com- The blank walls and windows are 1min-
stole is preferable to large structure because tlte prowtles . . . .
. . 1 - - titemtol ttc't?twty. terestmg and .rhoppetzr may pass on by.
Visual interest and. scale
liege "a't lane I'Jestgr- hes 3-12qll-Zilit1- IE Ft do? Inge Design 115;:? 7?

 

 

DRAFT DESIGN GUIDELINES

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 

Site Components

 

 

LIGHTING

STREET LIGHTING IS A KEY
COMPONENTTD THE MAKING
OFA PLACE

Street lighting has a strong effect
on the character of a place. This
includes both the distribution of
the light, and the character of
the light fixture/pole itself.

 

A mix types. appropriate street lights. helps to cstubiisii
the character of a 

Key Featu res

0 A variety of lighting types
should be used to address
the different needs of civic
spaces, pedestrian oriented
streets, and parking areas.

0 Lighting should be designed
to provide a uniform
distribution of light while
also addressing safety needs.

I Lighting should be in keeping
with the character ofthe
spaces and buildings around
them. Industrial poles and
?xtures concerned purely
with functional requirements
should be avoided.

SITE COMPONENTS

 

Street lights should reflect the (.?iiartirster oftlie district. with articulated treat-
mentsfor the base, post. and?xiure.

AVOID

 

Designing site lighting purely to nieetfiint'tirinrd requirements denies i is rii?Jilit}J to support r?iinrar?ter rifpltu?e.

 

 

   

    

integrate 

[Tiff] overall OIPXi-?ql?l.

LANDSCAPING

LANDSCAPING CONTRIBUTES
TO A BEAUTIFUL PEDESTRIAN
ENVIRONMENT AND HELPS
ABSORB WATER.

Landscaping is critical
to softening the urban
environment. Arrangements
should be both beautiful and
resilient.

Key Features

- Select plants that are
tolerant ofdrought, salt, and
heat

0 Species should be native
where possible. No invasive
species allowed.

0 Use landscaping as part of
stormwater management
wherever possible.

- Use a variety of plants that
will provide some color year?
round.

SITE COMPONENTS

 

Landscaping rsan help define the
pedestrian realm.

 

large '28 Bridge Village "ie?aign (is delii?ea

 

Fi? dge iliige Design 

E'nge ?7

 

DRAFT DESIGN GUIDELINES

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 

Site Components

 

 

SITE COMPONENTS

STREET TREES

STREET TREES PROVIDE
SEVERAL PEDESTR IAN-
FRIENDLY BENEFITS.

For pedestrians, street trees can
serve as a buffer to vehicular
flow and as protection from the
elements, while also adding an
element of natural beauty and
softening an otherwise hard
landscape.

 

Street trees can help delineate zones ofa street and add character.

 

Key Features

I Continuous, regularly
spaced street trees are best
for creating a consistent
canopy, but even periodic
trees (where feasible) are


I Proper installation and
maintenance are required
to promote health and avoid
hazardous situations.

    
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



FENCES AND WALLS

FENCESAND WALLS HELP
HOLD AN EDGE WHERE
BUILDINGS CAN NOT

Low stone walls and fences
can mark the boundaries of a
property to identify the edge of
public and private space. They
can also serve to help screen
parking lots or define open
spaces.

Key Points

0 Fences and walls can be
used in combination with
landscaping to help create
separation between the
public realm and private
property.

0 Construct fences of durable,
paint-able materials such as
wood, ?berglass, or wrought
iron. Walls may be brick or
stone masonry.

0 The design of fences should

 

be appropriate in scale and

SITE COMPONENTS

street trees create
a continuous canopy that covers

space is limited, trees can be
incorporated in curb extensions.

style to the building, site,

sidewalks while physically and
visually separating pedestrians and
ears.

AVOID

 

lrrn'n?nper fi'lfIli'llPl'iUi'lt'P or S'Ple?lliJT'l 

 

Pedertririnffrientlliness is hard to achieve without trees.

Dressed masonry walls. wrought iron, and decorative woodfences are oppro
prime in more urban nndforformnl settings and can help define boundaries
like parking edges or deep setbacks.

AVOID

  

1:21'

ho ve been shown to lower property to the least visible locations.

values in historic neighborhoods.

   

PVC. plastic and other fences Chain-link farming should be con?ned

and surrounding properties.

 

not found in a mixed-use selling.

 

311,39 )9

(in: mint): "J'Illzlij Ci. 

 

Ft [191?1 

1a ge 

 

DRAFT DESIGN GUIDELINES

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 

Illustrative Examples

Fort Hill Road from Newtown Road to Vergennes Ct

I L L U S T R AT I V E E X A M P L E S

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Fort Hill Road from Newtown Road to Vergennes Ct

I L L U S T R AT I V E E X A M P L E S

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Fort Hill Road from Newtown Road to Vergennes Ct

Example of
Commercial
Redevelopment

Example of
Streetscape
Improvements

I L L U S T R AT I V E E X A M P L E S

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Example of Commercial Redevelopment

New buildings fit village
scale and character

Building entries face street
Shared drives/parking areas

Buildings at the street with
parking to side or back

I L L U S T R AT I V E E X A M P L E S

Screening for parking areas

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Example of Streetscape Improvements

Improved
pedestrian
crossings

Cohesive screening
for residential
back yards

I L L U S T R AT I V E E X A M P L E S

Parking located
behind/beside
structures

Building frontages
converted to
pedestrian uses

Continuous sidewalks behind
regularly spaced street trees

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Example of Commercial Redevelopment and Streetscape Improvements

I L L U S T R AT I V E E X A M P L E S

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Example of Commercial Redevelopment and Streetscape Improvements

Continuous sidewalks behind
regularly spaced street trees

Building frontages converted
to pedestrian uses

I L L U S T R AT I V E E X A M P L E S

Screening for
parking areas

Utilities relocated
underground

New Buildings and
entries face street

Improved pedestrian
crossings

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Fort Hill Road at Depot Road/North Road

I L L U S T R AT I V E E X A M P L E S

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Fort Hill Road at Depot Road/North Road

I L L U S T R AT I V E E X A M P L E S

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Fort Hill Road at Depot Road/North Road

Example of
Infill
Development

Example of
Historic
Conversion

Example of
Streetscape
Improvements

I L L U S T R AT I V E E X A M P L E S

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Example of Historic Conversion

I L L U S T R AT I V E E X A M P L E S

New additions secondary to
existing structures

New buildings fit village
scale and character

Building entries face street

Shared drives/parking areas

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Example of Historic Conversion

I L L U S T R AT I V E E X A M P L E S

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Example of Infill Development

I L L U S T R AT I V E E X A M P L E S

New buildings fit village
scale and character

Mixed use component at
street with residential behind

Design includes public
open spaces

Consolidated parking
areas and driveways

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Example of Infill Development

POSSIBLE SITE PLAN

 
  
   
  
 

I-E



?7
I 

I

COMMUNITY
OPEN SPACE

-. PARK - . I I I
35acres 
I .3: AnnRESTORATION DEVELOPMENT .. 50. 193'

 

POSSIBLE SITE PLAN (ALT A)

 

  
  
    
 
    

  
  
   
  
  
   

  

mm 1' 1? 

BOPHOCD .

.- 

   

NIIL POI)


   


OPEN 8PM 

FARM PARK
I, 2 acres

   
    
   

I . CONMUNIIY 
. 
A, FARM-PARK

31.75 au?es

  
 

COMMERCIA
I5 acreILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

Example of Streetscape Improvements

Parking lot between Town
Hall and Community Center
converted to street
Continuous sidewalks behind
regularly spaced street trees
Building frontages converted
to pedestrian uses
Screening for parking areas
Improved pedestrian
crossings

I L L U S T R AT I V E E X A M P L E S

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Example of Historic Conversion and Streetscape Improvements

I L L U S T R AT I V E E X A M P L E S

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 Example of Historic Conversion and Streetscape Improvements

Continuous sidewalks behind
regularly spaced street trees

Building frontages converted
to pedestrian uses

I L L U S T R AT I V E E X A M P L E S

Screening for
parking areas

Utilities relocated
underground

Building entries
face street

Storefronts allow
visibility into active uses

POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE

 

lulu-m Hum-I ?run-mu nun-uranium 

-

Town at Cunt-an. CT Zoning Regulations Update

THE SHAPE OF OUR

FUTURE

II-rll' PD- II-ILII LII- I-uh I NrI'l

 

Tc]: [.l'uri' ELF {in} 

DISCUSSION POQUONNOCK BRIDGE VILLAGE