WAUKON VISIONING: Community Design Report

Strategic Planning and VisioningFor Economic Development

Community Design Lab Report

2013 - 2014

ISU Community Design Lab

Waukon Visioning 2

College of DesignCOMMUNITY DESIGN LAB

WAUKON VISIONING:Community Design Report

August 2014

Iowa State University

COMMUNITY DESIGN LAB

Directors: Nadia M. Anderson Carl Rogers

Design Fellows: Susan DeBlieck, report writer Joseph Freund Chad Hunter Courtney Long

Graduate Assistants: Clark Colby III Kristen Greteman Sonal Mamgain Henry Narigon Jasmine Singh Xiaofei Zhao

Waukon Visioning ISU Community Design Lab

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Project Overview 5

Historical Background 6

Visioning Process 8

Goal 1: Increase Community Engagement 10

Goal 2: Improve Infrastructure 12

Goal 3: Sustain & Grow the Economy 18

Goal 4: Revitalize Downtown 20

Goal 5: Build Upon Strengths & Assets 22

Goal 6: Promote as an Attractive Destination 24

Recommendations 25

List of Figures 26

Appendices 27

Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning3 4

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Waukon Works committee has been meeting with faculty and staff from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Communities to Community (C2C) program to develop a strategic vision for the City of Waukon’s future as a thriving, vibrant, and resilient community. The Communities to Community program provides community development support. Each C2C team is made up of experts who provide guidance on design, business, and leadership services. The goal of C2C is to assist rural communities in taking stock of their assets and creating an action plan for long term economic and community well being.

In 2013 and 2014, a C2C team partnered with the City of Waukon, Iowa. The C2C Waukon team was made up of Nadia Anderson, Lisa Bates, Joshua Clements, Biswa Das, Abbie Gaffey, Nora Ladjahasan, Carl Rogers, and Deb Tootle. Iowa State’s role in this project was to facilitate a participatory process for developing and implementing the community’s vision.

This design report summarizes the research conducted by the Iowa State University Community Design Lab (CDL). Research includes studies of Waukon’s history, land use, recreational opportunities, and connectivity issues. The goals of this project for the CDL were to provide data to support C2C recommendations, and develop maps for Waukon that illustrate its current context. This document will support the work of the Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission in creating an updated comprehensive planning and capital improvement plan in 2014.

WAUKON,ALLAMAKEE COUNTY

Waukon Visioning

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The city of Waukon was founded in the mid 19th century on a bluff north of Paint Creek in Makee Township. The city is named for the Ho Chunk Native American leader Waukon Decorah. Waukon Decorah fought alongside the settlers in the Black Hawk War to avenge his daughter’s death. Pioneers of European decent settled the city after the Ho Chunk were forced to relocate to reservations in Wisconsin and Nebraska.

7



FIGURE 1: Map of Iowa locating WaukonSource: ISU CDL

FIGURE 2: 1950s photographs of WaukonSource: Allamakee Historical Society

SETTLEMENT PATTERN

The topography of the Driftless Region at the intersections of Iowa, Minnesota, and Illinois borders has had a sig-nificant impact on European settlement and town development. Settlers typically founded towns in river valleys for transportation access, or on high ground to grow crops. The City of Waukon, located on high ground, was made the seat of Allamakee County in 1867. By the end of the 19th century, many smaller towns were abandoned after rail-roads and roads caused population to shift to more accessible locations. At the end of that century, people started to abandon towns that were founded along river valleys. In figure 3, violet dots represent towns in Allamakee County that have become ghost towns.

Waukon Visioning

VISIONING PROCESS

Waukon is a strong community in northeast Iowa that is planning for the future. In 2013, the Iowa State University C2C including the Community Design Lab, and Waukon Works team collected, analyzed, and presented socio-economic data, community survey results, retail business design options, and city and regional asset maps. A survey was conducted in September 2013 to understand the sense of place that community members have in the City of Waukon. The C2C team also completed an economic analysis for the City of Waukon and recommendations for business retail design. Over the course of the two year project, the Community Design Lab has conducted research, supported community engagement, and designed recommendations.

In March 2014, the C2C team met with the Waukon Works team to present six recommended goals for community development. These will help the Waukon community to prepare a clear path for the future by addressing current issues.

FIGURE 4: Photo from community meeting on November 11, 2013



Waterways

Mississippi River

LEGEND

Incorporated City

Ghost Town

VILLAGE CREEK

PAINT CREEK

YELLOW RIVER

UPPER IOWA RIVER

FIGURE 3: Allamakee County historical and current towns showing the regional development of bluffs and valleysSource: ISU CDL

WAUKON

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Six major goals were identified for community development based on observations and data analyses by the C2C team, they are the following:

Increase Community Engagement - Expand participatory process with committees, grant writing group, and volunteer opportunitiesImprove Infrastructure - Increase connectivity between Main Street and amenities; implement green infrastructure system to reduce flooding and enhance streetsSustain & Grow the Economy - Support existing businesses and attract new companiesRevitalize Downtown - Promote Main Street with connectivity and design strategiesBuild Upon Strengths & Assets - Support and improve existing recreational and medical facilitiesPromote as an Attractive Destination - Craft a unique identity to attract businesses and visitors

These six goals were identified by the Communities to Community team, and supported and prioritized by the Waukon Works committee. This document follows the goals based on the Waukon Works team priorities.

Waukon Visioning

The Waukon Works and C2C team identified community engagement as the number one goal at the March 2014 meeting. At that meeting, the CDL used graphic facilitation to collect committee feedback and priorities. To increase engagement, committee members identified citizens and organizations that may be interested in supporting particular goals. The CDL developed a press release, goal talking points, and video about the Waukon Works project and six goals to increase awareness within the community and gather citizens to participate in upcoming events (figure 8). The November 2013 survey results revealed that people are willing to volunteer their time and talents for Waukon. As the Waukon Works team continues to build its vision for a strong community, they will need to continue to gather public input and support.

FIGURE 6: Photos of the community survey and regional maps at the community meeting on November 11, 2013Source: Photos by ISU CDL

FIGURE 7: Graphic facilitation was used in the visioning process to provide information about next steps during the committee meeting on March 3, 2014Source: Drawing by ISU CDL.

GOAL 1: Increase Community Engagement


FIGURE 5: Waukon community development goalsSource: Image by ISU CDL

FIGURE 9: Waukon Works committee prioritized community goals on March 3, 2014

FIGURE 8: The ISU Community Design Lab created a video, press release, and talking points document for the Waukon Works committee to use to raise awareness about the six goals

Watch the video here: http://youtu.be/Shiy856MI54

Source: ISU CDL

Waukon Visioning

WE NEED YOUR

INPUT.

WHAT DO YOU THINK SHOULD HAPPEN? HOW CAN YOU BECOME INVOLVED?

please contact Kris Rausch: [email protected]

GOAL 2: Improve Infrastructure

The prominence of waterways in the Driftless region causes cities to suffer from flooding. While Waukon is generally built on higher ground, the topography of the city reveals variation across town as shown in Figure 10, below. These variations are the result of four “mini-watersheds” within Waukon city boundaries, as shown in Figure 11, right. Each of these “mini-wathersheds” is an area that drains to the same point via flowlines that ultimately converge with other flowlines to create creeks, streams, and ultimately rivers. The watersheds within Waukon eventually flow to Paint Creek and ultimately the Mississippi River.


FIGURE 10: Sections and transects cut through the topography around Waukon, showing that while the city center is generally on high ground, there are significant low points running through it

Source: Map by ISU CDL.

Waukon Visioning

Over time, flowlines have been buried under roads, parking lots, and buildings. The topography has guided transportation infrastructure development and waterways have been covered with paved surfaces. Impervious surfaces do not allow for water to percolate into the soil and add to surface flow. With an increase of paved surfaces (figure 13), underground storm sewers have become the route for water to move downstream. Unfortunately these sewer systems may no longer be sufficiently sized to accommodate the increased flow of water due to city growth, agricultural tiling, and increased rainfall due to climate change.

To understand the stormwater issue, data about low-lying areas, existing infrastructure such as storm sewers, and water flow was presented to community members in November 2013. The participants, in turn, shared feedback about problem areas that they have experienced. Downtown Waukon is the site of the convergence of buried waterways and a majority of impermeable surfaces . In the summers of 2013 and 2014, water backed up in downtown storm sewers. Based on feedback, problematic flood zones are identified with red circles in figure 14. Moving forward, the City of Waukon needs to improve stormwater infrastructure especially in the downtown district. Strategies here illustrate best practices including drainage areas, curb cuts, permeable pavement, and vegetation (figures 16-19). These strategies will help to increase water infiltration and slow water velocities during flood events.



Watershed BoundaryCity BoundaryLEGEND

FIGURE 13: Impervious surfaces Source: Map by ISU CDL

Storm Sewer InletCity Boundary

LEGEND

Potential Problem Zones

Impervious SurfacesCity Boundary

LEGEND

FIGURE 11: Mini-watersheds and flowlinesSource: Map by ISU CDL

FIGURE 12: Storm sewer and flowline intersectionsSource: Map by ISU CDL

Problem Zones

LEGEND

City Boundary

Figure 14: Stormwater problem zonesSource: Map by ISU CDL

Waukon Visioning

Figure 20: Community input on walking routes on November 11, 2013Source: Photos by ISU CDL

In addition to managing stormwater, the City of Waukon needs to improve infrastructure for community connectivity. In the survey, Waukon residents identified that street and sidewalk conditions need to be improved for safety and ease of access. At the Waukon Works public presentation in November 2013, community members provided input on city walkability, bicycle paths, and automobile routes. The conclusion from this meeting was that it is difficult to walk and bicycle between key amenities such as parks, schools, and the hospital. Traffic speeds are high and children do not have safe routes to school. Missing sidewalks are highlighted with orange dotted lines in figure 24. To increase connectivity and physical activity within Waukon, the city can develop strong sidewalk infrastructure and engineer complete streets. There is an opportunity to connect sidewalk infrastructure in Waukon to link amenities such as schools and parks.

The majority of households are farther than a half mile from the Waukon City Park (figure 22). There are also few sidewalks that connect residential areas to the park. Major employers are located both downtown and at the city’s periphery (figure 23).

Figure 21: Photos from community meeting on November 11, 2013Source: Photos by ISU CDL



Figure 15: Vegetated swales provide infiltration of water runoff in Puget Sound, WASource: http://www.lakesuperiorstreams.org/stormwater/toolkit/swales.html

Figure 16: Street swales reduce water flow velocities and remove solids in Indianapolis, INSource: http://www.aplaceofsense.com/2009_03_01_archive.html

Figure 17: Permeable pavement and vegetated swales slow water flow velocities and increase water infiltration in Philadel-phia, PA

Figures 18 & 19: Permeable pavement in parking lots reduce the need for shoveling snow and provide water infiltration in Berkley, CA. Source: http://www.cityofberkeley.info/Public_Works/Sewers_-_Storm/Watershed_Resources.aspx

Waukon Visioning GOAL 3: Sustain& Grow the Economy


Park

City Boundary

LEGEND

School

Sidewalk

No Sidewalk

Figure 22: Walkability to city park; concentric circles represent 5 minute walking distance; yellow and blue dots are population that are farther than 10 minutes of walking Source: Map by ISU CDL

Figure 23: Walkability to employers; concentric repre-sent 5 minute walking distances to amenities; yellow dots represent the population that is more than 10 minutes of walking awaySource: Map by ISU CDL

Figure 24: Schools, parks, and sidewalk gaps to amenitiesSource: Map by ISU CDL

The comprehensive plan for the City of Waukon was created in 2001 and will be updated in 2014. This 2001 zoning map provides a pattern of the residential, commercial, and recreational development (figure 26). According to the 2013 survey, 39 percent of respondents live and work in Waukon. Additional citizens may work in nearby towns and cities (figure 25). Fifty-seven percent of respondents to the survey work full time.

Survey respondents purchase groceries, gas, automobile services, beauty salon services, and drug store products within Waukon. The city’s central business district includes these businesses in addition to churches and medical facilities (figure 27). Additional businesses and manufacturing are located at the city’s periphery.

ConservancyCity Boundary

LEGEND

AgricultureLow Density ResidenceSingle Family Residence

Central BusinessGeneral BusinessManufacturing

Transition District

Single and Two Family Residence

Figure 26: City zoning

2,000-3,000Over 3,000

POPULATION

Over 1,000

Communities with

Figure 25: Regional populationSource: Map by ISU CDL

Waukon Visioning 20

Figure 28: Downtown WaukonSource: Photo by ISU CDL

Waukon Visioning

Figure 29: Downtown corridor designSource: Map by ISU CDL

Downtown Waukon is a key location for revitalization to increase community pride and economic well-being. Revitalization can address issues discussed such as stormwater management, sidewalk infrastructure, and community engagement.

To increase connectivity between assets in Waukon, a corridor was designed (figure 29). The corridor design connects the high school and wellness center to Main Street businesses and medical facilities for increased walkability and a strong linkage between amenities. Another way to strengthen the corridor is to connect these assets with a complete street, a zone that supports safety and multiple types of transportation (figure 32). Creating complete streets would provide safe routes for youth and adults to access amenities. The image here depicts a complete street layout that includes sidewalks, street trees, bike lanes, and automobile lanes.

Also, the central business district can improve building facades to grow community pride and strengthen local businesses. The images here showcase public art pieces that encourage people to linger downtown, sculptures on buildings that slow stormwater flow, downtown facade improvements, and infill of old buildings (figures 33-36).

GOAL 4: Revitalize Downtown


Figure 27: Downtown corridor building useSource: Map by ISU CDL

City Government

City Boundary

LEGEND

Education

ProfessionalReligious

Dining & GroceryCulturalHealth & Beauty

Gasoline

Motor VehicleElectronics

MedicalCommercialClothingServiceIndustrialVacant

MAIN STREET

ALLAMAKEE STREET

MAIN STREET

ALLAMAKEE STREET

GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

City Government

Mixed Use Route

LEGEND

Education

ProfessionalReligious


Gasoline



Pedestrian RouteAutomobile Route

Figure 32: Complete street in Boston, MA Source: http://bostoncompletestreets.org/

Figure 34: Downspout art in Seattle, WA & Portland, ORSource: http://blog.nau.com/2010/04/02 & http://www.houzz.com

Figure 33: Public art in Ames, IASource: www.iastate.edu

Figure 35: Downtown facade improvement in Des Moines, IA

Figure 36: New business infill in Denver, COSource: www.architects24.com

WAUKON VISIONING D O W N T O W N F L O W L I N E S & P R O P O S E D R O U T E S November 13, 2013


N

0 100’ 300’ 700’

9

976

76

WAUKON LEGEND

Routes

Sewer Drain

Flow Lines

Automobile

PedestrianMixed Use

E Main StW Main St

WAUKON VISIONING D O W N T O W N S E W E R D R A I N S & F L O W L I N E S November 13, 2013


N

0 100’ 300’ 700’

WAUKON LEGEND

Total Area: 91.7 Hectares Downtown Impervious Calculations

Total Impervious Area: 32 Hectares (35%)

Flowlines

Sewer Drain

E Main StW Main St

9

976

76

Figure 30: Downtown storm sewer inlets Figure 31: Downtown flowlines & corridor

Waukon Visioning

Waukon residents that participated in the 2013 Communities to Community survey were asked about the important factors that drew them to the city. When asked about these factors, survey respondents ranked highly the clean environment, law enforcement, and medical services available in Waukon (figure 41). Allamakee County has many medical clinics, retirement homes, independent living communities, and nursing homes (figure 39). The majority of medical facilities within Waukon are located within the identified downtown corridor (figure 40). Another asset that Waukon has is public art such as murals on buildings (figure 42). Residents can build upon this asset by encouraging more art projects as part of downtown revitalization.

GOAL 5: Build On Existing Strengths& Assets


HarpersFerry

WaukonJunction

Postville

Ludlow

Waukon

Waterville

Dalby

Elon

ChurchHanover

Lansing

New Albin

Dorchester

Calmar

Decorah

McGregor

Cresco5 miles West

West Union

Elkader5 miles south

Guttenberg10 miles south

HarpersFerry

WaukonJunction

Postville

Rossville

Ludlow

Egan

Waukon

Waterville

Dalby

Elon

ChurchHanover

Lansing

New Albin

Dorchester

Calmar

Decorah

McGregor

Cresco5 miles West

West Union



12

14

ASSISTED LIVING +

MEDICAL CLINIC

NURSING HOME

INDEPENDENT LIVING + RETIREMENT HOME

Major Highways

County Boundary

Roads

x 6

x 5

x 2

x 3

x 2

x 6x 2

0 1.3 miles 2.6 miles 5.2 miles

WAUKON VISIONING R E G I O N A L S C A L E: H E A L T H C A R E + A S S I S T E D R E S I D E N T I A L October 28, 2013


N

Figure 39: Regional medical facilitiesSource: Map by ISU CDL

Figure 41: Survey results about why people choose to live in WaukonSource: Tables by Nora Ladjahasan, November 2013

15

Main Category # of item

Issues Random sample Mean

Live in Waukon

Outside Waukon

Housing 2 Affordable rental housing, houses to own 3.7** 2.7

Social Services 9 Library, k-‐12, childcare, senior, medical, mental health, prof services

4.2** 3.3

Entertainment 5 Arts & culture, outdoor, indoor rec, parks, walking trails

3.9** 3.1

Retail 3 Retail shopping, restaurants, farmers’ market 4.2** 3.5

Economic 2 Employment opportuniNes, wage rates 4.5** 4.0

Social capital 7 Waukon is special, was raised here, favorite place, miss Waukon, be myself, close to relaNves, family/kid-‐friendly

3.7** 2.9

Tourism 3 Natural resources, local food, people empowered & benefit from tourism

4.0** 3.3

General 12 Street, sidewalk, law enforcement, crime, internet, maintenance of retail/commercial prop, public parks, basic services, convenient locaNon, clean environment

4.4** 3.7

QuesNon: If you live in Waukon, how important are the following factors in your decision to LIVE in Waukon? OR If you don’t live in Waukon, how important are the following factors in your decision NOT to LIVE in Waukon?

** sig at .01 level

Itemized important factors why live in Waukon (Waukon Residents only)

16

Main Category Important Decision factors for Waukon

General Clean environment (4.7) Law enforcement (4.6)

Social Services Medical service (4.6)

General Streets/roads (4.5) Crime (4.5) Maintenance of public parks/public spaces (4.5) Good provision of basic services by city (4.5)

Economic Employment opportuniJes (4.5) Wage rate (4.5)

Waukon VisioningGOAL 6: PROMOTE WAUKON AS AN ATTRACTIVE DESTINATIONThe Driftless Region is a popular recreation destination because of its topography and natural resources. Allamakee County is the site of many recreational amenities with the Mississippi River, four major streams, and numerous parks. The many waterways provide for activities such as trout fishing and canoeing. Figure 37 below depicts regional bicycle trails, canoeing routes, snowmobile trails, and parks. At the November 2013 meeting, Waukon residents voiced interest in connecting the city to regional state parks with a trail system.

The Waukon City Park is the site of an aquatic center, trails, and campground. Additional recreation areas include school fields, cemetery, country club, and fairgrounds (figure 38). These spaces provide space for walking, tennis, baseball, golf, and other fitness opportunities. In addition, there are two snowmobile trails that enter Waukon. The recommendation for a strong corridor and complete street would also add to the network of walking and biking paths.

GOAL 6: Promote As An Attractive Destination

Park

LEGEND

Bike & Equestrian TrailScenic Byway

Waterways

Park

City Boundary

LEGEND

Sidewalk

Snow Mobile Trail

Figure 37: Regional recreationSource: Map by ISU CDL

Figure 38: City recreation


Figure 42: Waukon muralsSource: Photos by ISU CDL

LEGEND

Recreation

Each square represents approximately 1 minute of walking time.

WAUKON VISIONING R E C R E A T I O N O P P O R T U N I T I E S October 4, 2013


N

0 375’ 1125’ 2625’

Figure 40: City medical facilitiesSource: Map by ISU CDL

City Boundary

LEGEND

Medical Facility

LEGEND

Recreation




N

0 375’ 1125’ 2625’

RECOMMENDATIONSThe City of Waukon is a proud community that has a strong vision for the future. As a next step, Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission will create an updated comprehensive plan and capital improvement plan. The information shared here will help support the city and its citizens as they move forward in 2015 and beyond.

Based on research, analysis, and design as part of the Waukon Communities to Community team, the Community Design Lab has the following recommendations for each goal.

GOALS OBJECTIVES NEXT STEPS1: Community Engagement Expand participatory process with com-

mittees, grant writing group, and volunteer opportunities

Hold participatory events in public spaces across the city

2: Improve Infrastructure Improve connectivity between Main Street and amenities; implement green infrastructure system to reduce flooding & enhance streetscapes

Begin design of green infrastructure and complete streets systems

3: Sustain & Grow the Economy Support existing & attract new businesses Improve downtown streetscape to attract businesses, residents, and visitors. Investigate incentives for improving building energy efficiency to reduce operating costs

4: Revitalize Downtown Promote downtown with connectivity and design strategies

Strengthen the connectivity of the corridor with complete streets and public art

5: Build on Existing Strengths & Assets

Support and improve existing recreational and medical facilities

Improve walkability to recreational and medi-cal amenities. Increase accessibility to medical complex

6: Promote as an Attractive Destination

Craft a unique identity to attract businesses and visitors

Create and promote connections to regional trails and recreational amenities

Waukon Visioning

LIST OF FIGURES


1: Map of Iowa locating Waukon2: 1950’s photographs of Waukon3: Alamakee County historical and current towns4: Photo from community meeting on November 11, 20135: Waukon Community Development Goals6: Photos of the community survey and regional maps at the community meeting on November 11, 20137: Graphic facilitation was used in the visioning process during the committee meeting on March 3, 20148: Video for the Waukon Works committee to use to raise awareness about the six goals9: Waukon Works committee prioritized community goals on March 3, 201410: Sections and transects cut through the topography around Waukon11: Mini-watersheds and flowlines12: Storm sewer and flowline intersections13: Impervious surfaces14: Stormwater problem zones15: Vegetated swales provide infiltration of water runoff in Puget Sound, WA16: Street swales reduce water flow velocities and remove solids in Indianapolis, IN17: Permeable pavement and vegetated swales slow water flow velocities and increase water infiltration in Philadelphia, PA 18: Permeable pavement in parking lots reduce the need for shoveling snow in Berkley, CA19: Permeable pavement in parking lots provide water infiltration in Berkley, CA

20: Community input on walking routes on November 11, 201321: Photos from community meeting on November 11, 201322: Walkability to city park23: Walkability to employers24: Schools, parks, and sidewalk gaps to amenities25: Regional population26: City zoning27: Downtown corridor building use28: Downtown Waukon29: Downtown corridor design30: Downtown sewer drains31: Downtown flowlines & corridor32: Complete street in Boston, MA 33: Public art in Ames, IA34: Downspout art in Seattle, WA & Portland, OR35: Downtown façade improvement in Des Moines, IA36: New business infill in Denver, CO37: Regional recreation38: City recreation39: Regional medical facilities40: City medical facilities41: Survey results about why people choose to live in Waukon42: Waukon murals43: Downtown Waukon


Figure 43: Downtown WaukonSource: Photo by ISU CDL

LIST OF APPENDIXES

The following maps and images are the complete set of maps developed by the Iowa State University Community Design Lab. They support additional research, inventory, and data analysis that aided the Waukon Works participants to make decisions outlined in the Communities to Community final report.

Waukon Visioning

Allamakee waterways 28Allamakee County recreation amenities 29Allamakee community school district 30Impervious surfaces 31Mini watersheds and flow lines 32Building use 33Walkability to recreational and medical amenities 34Walkability to grocery stores 35Footprints of buildings 36Tree canopy cover 37City sections highlighting downtown 38Downtown sections and land use 39Street curbs 40Streets with no curbs, no sidewalks 41Stormwater sewer inlets and problem zones 42Mini watersheds and street runoff flow 43Main Street building use 44Main Street buildings and canopy cover 45Allamakee County bluff & valley settlements 46Nearby towns 47Allamakee retirement community amenities 48Regional medical facilities 49Walkability to City Park 50Walkability to employers 51

Medical facilities 52Topographic elevation 53Recreation amenities 54Traffic counts for major intersections 55Watershed and flowlines 56Stormwater problem zones 57Zoning 58Walkability to recreation amenities 59Water flowlines and problem areas 60Flowlines and footprints of buildings 61Downtown sewer drains & flowlines 62Downtown sewer drains & corridor flowlines 63Corridor best practices 64Stormwater management best practices 65April 2014 press release 66Talking points: Recommended goals 67Allamakee County historical and current towns 70Regional population 71Regional recreation amenities 72Zoning 73Schools, parks, and sidewalk gaps to amenities 74Recreation amenities 75Corridor building use 76Proposed corridor 77

Appendix

Allamakee waterways


Waukon Visioning

Allamakee County recreation amenities

ISU Community Design Lab31Appendix

Allamakee community school district


Waukon Visioning 32Waukon Visioning

Impervious surfaces

Paved SurfacesCity Outline

LEGEND

Appendix

Mini watersheds and flow lines


Waukon Visioning

Building use

Appendix

Walkability to recreational, and medical amenities


Waukon Visioning

Walkability to grocery stores

Appendix

Footprints of buildings


Waukon Visioning

Tree canopy cover

Appendix

City sections highlighting downtown


Waukon Visioning

Downtown sections and land use

Appendix

Street curbs


Waukon Visioning

Streets with no curbs, no sidewalks

Appendix

Stormwater sewer inlets and problem zones

Storm SewerCity Outline

LEGEND

Problem Zones


Waukon Visioning

Mini watersheds and street runoff flow

Appendix

Main Street building use

MAIN STREET


Waukon Visioning

Main Street buildings and canopy cover

MAIN STREET

Appendix

Allamakee County bluff & valley settlements


Waukon Visioning

Nearby towns

Appendix

Allamakee retirement community amenities


Waukon Visioning

Regional medical facilities

HarpersFerry

WaukonJunction

Postville

Ludlow

Waukon

Waterville

Dalby

Elon

ChurchHanover

Lansing

New Albin

Dorchester

Calmar

Decorah

McGregor

Cresco5 miles West

West Union



HarpersFerry

WaukonJunction

Postville

Rossville

Ludlow

Egan

Waukon

Waterville

Dalby

Elon

ChurchHanover

Lansing

New Albin

Dorchester

Calmar

Decorah

McGregor

Cresco5 miles West

West Union



12

14

ASSISTED LIVING +

MEDICAL CLINIC

NURSING HOME

INDEPENDENT LIVING + RETIREMENT HOME

Major Highways

County Boundary

Roads

x 6

x 5

x 2

x 3

x 2

x 6x 2

0 1.3 miles 2.6 miles 5.2 miles

WAUKON VISIONING R E G I O N A L S C A L E: H E A L T H C A R E + A S S I S T E D R E S I D E N T I A L October 28, 2013


N

Appendix

Walkability to City Park


Waukon Visioning

Walkability to employers Medical facilities

LEGEND

Recreation




N

0 375’ 1125’ 2625’

ParkCity Boundary

LEGEND

SidewalkMedical Facility

Appendix

LEGEND

Recreation




N

0 375’ 1125’ 2625’


Topographic elevation

Waukon Visioning Appendix

LEGENDRecreation ClassificationBike RoutesSnowmobile RoutesRecreation

Golf Course

Ball Fields

Cemetary

City Park

School Recreation Fields

Fairgrounds

Waukon Wellness Center

Driftaway Hot Air Balloons

Allamakee County Master Gardeners

Waukon Trees Forever

Allamakee ArchersAllamakee County Sportsman Club

Ducks Unlimited (New Albin)NE Iowa Whitetails (New Albin)Pheasants Forever (Lansing)

76

76

9

9

76

Rossville R

d

W Main StE Main St

Alam

akee

St

NW



N

0 375’ 1125’ 2625’

Recreation amenities


LEGENDTransportation ClassificationPrimary Minor ArterialMajor CollectorMinor CollectorUrban LocalRural LocalSidewalks

Tra�c CountsHigh (< 2000)Medium (500 - 2000)Low (> 500



N

0 375’ 1125’ 2625’

Waukon Visioning

Traffic counts for major intersections

Appendix

Watershed BoundaryCity OutlineLEGEND

Watershed and flowlines


Waukon Visioning

Problem Zones

LEGEND

City Boundary

Stormwater problem zones

Appendix

“C” Conservancy “A” Agriculture“R-1” Low Density Residence “R-2” Single Family Residence “R-3” Single Family and Two Family Residence “R-4” Transition

WAUKON ZONING LEGEND

“R-5” Mobile Home Park“B-1” Central Business“B-2” General Business “M-1” Manufacturing

76

76

9

9

76

Rossville R

d

W Main St E Main St

Ala

mak

ee S

t NW

WAUKON VISIONING Z O N I N G: O V E R V I E W October, 28 2013


N

0 375’ 1125’ 2625’

Zoning


Waukon Visioning

Golf Course

Ball Fields

Cemetary

City Park

School Recreation Fields

Fairgrounds

Waukon Wellness Center

76

76

9

9

76

Rossville R

d

W Main StE Main St

Alam

akee

St

NW

9

9th St SW

11th Ave SW

13th Ave SW

9th St SW

3rd Ave NW

LEGENDWalkability ClassificationCity BoundaryRecreationApproximately 1 minute walking time

WAUKON VISIONING W A L K A B I L I T Y November 13, 2013


N

0 375’ 1125’ 2625’

Walkability to recreation amenities

Appendix

Water flowlines and problem areas


Waukon Visioning

Flowlines and footprints of buildings

Appendix

Downtown sewer drains & flowlines


Waukon Visioning

Downtown sewer drains & corridor flowlines

Appendix

WAUKON VISIONING C O R R I D O R November 13, 2013


SIDEWALK IMPROVMENTstreetscape opportunity in waukon downtown streetscape improvements: seneca falls, nyhttp://www.mccordla.com/urbanplan.php

STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTstreetscape opportunity in waukon downtowncascade venue streetscape: sisters, or http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/REGION4/pages/us20_cascade_improvements_sisters/us20_cascade_improvements_sisters.aspx

DOWNTOWN FACADE IMPROVEMENTlocate in waukon downtowneast village business facade design: des monies, iahttp://eastvillagedesmoines.com

INFILL NEW BUSINESSES IN DOWNTOWNlocate in waukon downtownsuger cube project: denver, cohttp://www.architects24.com/project/sugar-cube-denver/overview/8213/index.html

OPTION FOR PUBLIC ART GRANTSIncorporate around waukon downtownstatue of former mayor farnsley on main street: louisville, kyhttp://brokensidewalk.com/2011/04/26/public-art-its-the-details-that-matter/

STREETS DESIGNED FOR PEDESTRIANS AND TRANSPORTATION central waukon: main street waukon boston complete street http://bostoncompletestreets.org/

STREETS DESIGNED FOR PEDESTRIANS AND TRANSPORTATIONcentral waukon: main street waukoncomplete street: new york bicycling coalitionhttp://www.nybc.net/advocacy/complete-streets

Green Street Curb Extension: Portland, ORstorm water managementlocate in waukon downtown

GREEN STREET CURB EXTENSION locate along corridor and main streetsgreen street water management: portland, or http://hpigreen.com/tag/portland/

DOWNSPOUT ART FOR FACADE IMPROVEMENT AND STROM WATER MANAGEMENTincorporate around waukon downtownfacade design with downspout art: Seattle, wamusical downspout and water feature: portland, orhttp://blog.nau.com/2010/04/02/downspout-planters/http://www.houzz.com/photos/3253706/Musical-Downspout-and-Water-Feature-traditional-exterior-port-land

Corridor best practices


Waukon Visioning

WAUKON VISIONING B E S T M A N A G E M E N T P R A C T I C E S: G R E E N I N F R A S T R U C T U R E November 13, 2013


Treats small drainage areas; enhancement to curb and sewer system locate in Waukon residential neighborhoodsVegetated Swale: Puget Sound, WA http://www.lakesuperiorstreams.org/stormwater/toolkit/swales.html

Bio-retention basin allows for infiltration through subsurface pipeslocate in Waukon at prone flooding locationsInfiltration Basin: St. Paul Port; MIMI Studio http://www.mimistudio.com/image/Infiltration-Basin/

Dry detention system to treat runofflocate along corridor near large parking lots CU-structural Soil Infiltration Trench: Blacksburg Aquatic and Community Centerhttp://www.tmdl.bse.vt.edu/stormwater/C131/

Wet detention with ponding to treat runoff locate along corridor near large parking lots Bio-retention Cell: Blacksburg Aquatic and Community Centerhttp://www.tmdl.bse.vt.edu/stormwater/C131/

Permeable paving to assist in drainagelocate along residential streets and primary parking areasPermeable paving in parking lane: Berkley, CAhttp://www.cityofberkeley.info/Public_Works/Sewers_-_Storm/Watershed_Resources.aspx

Filter pollutants through plantings; permeable paving for rainwater filtrationlocate along corridor and main streetsStormwater Management: Blue Island, Chicagohttp://www.stevencanplan.com/2011/chicago-is-the-first-city-when-it-comes-to-permeable-paving/

Permeable paving to assist in drainagelocate along corridor and residential parking streetsPermeable Winter Advantage: Berkley, CAhttp://www.cityofberkeley.info/Public_Works/Sewers_-_Storm/Watershed_Resources.aspx

Control overflows and improve water quality locate along corridor and main streetsGreen Streets: Philadelphia: WRThttp://www.wrtdesign.com/projects/detail/philadelphia-green-streets-projects/140

Curb bumpouts with vegetation and drainage systems for stormwater managementlocate in Waukon residential neighborhoodsGreen Streets Swale: Indianapolis, Indiana http://www.aplaceofsense.com/2009_03_01_archive.html

Collect runoff from impervious surfaceslocate in Waukon residential neighborhoodsRain Gardens: Burnsville, MNhttp://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/greeninfrastructure/gi_what.cfm

Stormwater management best practices

Appendix

April 2014 press release


Waukon Works Committee Chooses Goals for a Thriving, Vibrant, and Resilient Community

How can we attract more visitors to Waukon? What are the assets that you would like to promote? How can we support local businesses? Waukon is a strong community in northeast Iowa that is planning for the future. The Waukon Works committee has been meeting with faculty and staff from Iowa State University Extension’s Communities to Community program to develop a strategic vision for Waukon’s future as a thriving, vibrant, and resilient community. Iowa State’s role in this project is to provide technical assistance and facilitate a partic-ipatory process for developing and implementing this vision. This work will also feed into comprehensive plan development by Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission.

Over the past year, the Iowa State and Waukon Works team has collected, analyzed, and presented socio-eco-nomic data, community survey results, retail business design options, and city and regional asset maps. A com-munity survey was taken in the fall of 2013 to gather input from the residents on their perception of the commu-nity, the availability of public and private services, their sense of place, and vision for Waukon.

Six major goals were identified for community development based on observations and data analyses. The goals are: Increase community engagement, Sustain and grow the economy, Revitalize downtown, Improve built and technological infrastructure, Build upon and retain existing strengths and assets, and Promote Waukon as an attractive destination and community.

The goals have been approved and prioritized by Waukon Works committee members and will be used to create the overall community vision. Each goal is accompanied by a series of recommended objectives and imple-mentation strategies. For example, an objective for the goal to grow the economy is to foster and nurture entre-preneurship. A strategy for implementing this objective is to turn an unused downtown building into a business incubator.

The Waukon Works committee is now gathering ideas and information from the broader community to assist in prioritizing the strategies for achieving each of the six goals. The Iowa State and Waukon Works team will meet again on May 13, 2014 to discuss this input and identify key short, medium, and long term projects for implementation. After strategies are identified in May, the team will develop specific short-term programs for implementation. For example, maps can be created to show where sidewalk and road improvements are needed to help people walk between home, work, downtown, and recreation amenities. Community input on specific projects will then be gathered through a public meeting in September. Help continue this strategic planning process by attending one of the upcoming meetings or learning more from the website: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/communities/Waukon-C2C

For more information about the May 13th meeting or the Waukon Works project, please contact Kris Rausch, [email protected]

Waukon Visioning

Talking points: Recommended goals and strategies

Draft Talking Points March 18, 2014

Recommended Goals and Strategies Toward a Thriving, Vibrant, & Resilient Waukon How can we attract more visitors to Waukon? What are the assets that you would like to promote? How can we support local businesses? Waukon is a strong community in northeast Iowa that is planning for the future. The Waukon Works committee has been meeting with faculty and staff from Iowa State University Extension’s Communities to Community program to develop a strategic vision for Waukon’s future as a thriving, vibrant, and resilient community. Iowa State’s role in this project is to provide technical assistance and facilitate a participatory process for developing and implementing this vision. This work will also feed into comprehensive plan development by Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission. Over the past year, the Iowa State and Waukon Works team has collected, analyzed, and presented socio-‐economic data, community survey results, retail business design options, and city and regional asset maps. Six major goals were identified for community development based on observations and data analyses. The goals are: Increase community engagement, Sustain and grow the economy, Revitalize downtown, Improve built and technological infrastructure, Build upon and retain existing strengths and assets, and Promote Waukon as an attractive destination and community. The goals have been approved and prioritized by Waukon Works committee members and will be used to create the overall community vision. Each goal is accompanied by a series of recommended objectives and implementation strategies. For example, an objective for the goal to grow the economy is to foster and nurture entrepreneurship. A strategy for implementing this objective is to turn an unused downtown building into a business incubator. The Waukon Works committee is now gathering ideas and information from the broader community to assist in prioritizing the strategies for achieving each of the six goals. The Iowa State and Waukon Works team will meet again on May 13, 2014 to discuss this input and identify key short, medium, and long term projects for implementation. After strategies are identified in May, the team will develop specific short-‐term programs for implementation. For example, maps can be created to show where sidewalk and road improvements are needed to help people walk between home, work, downtown, and recreation amenities. Community input on specific projects will then be gathered through a public meeting in September.

Appendix


Talking Points March 18, 2014

Goals and Objectives Refer to the 3/13/2014 “Draft: Recommended Goals and Objectives” document for specific strategy and project ideas corresponding to each objective.

Increase community engagement in Waukon

a. Create'action'groups'for'goals'and'objectives'b. Create'participatory'budgeting'and'planning'processes'c. Create'or'expand'grant'writing'group'd. Create'an'initiative'for'events'and'celebrations'e. Identify'and'recruit'additional'community'leaders'to'support,'spearhead'initiatives'Sustain and grow the economy

a. Create'an'initiative'to'increase'“productivity”'of'existing'business'

b. Create'an'initiative'to'expand'capture'of'retail'dollars'

c. Educate'retail'businesses'on'strategies'for'increasing'profitability,'customer'retention'

d. Attract'new'retail,'manufacturing,'and'healthcare'business'

e. Foster'and'nurture'entrepreneurship'

f. Create'venture'capital'fund'to'incentivize'existing'business'expansion'and'fund'startCups'

Revitalize downtown Waukon

a. Initiate'a'business'owners’'association'to'collaborate'on'downtown'retail'initiatives'b. Create'downtown'design'standards'including'facades,'signage,'and'streetscaping''c. Address'issue'of'unused'buildings'by'creating'opportunities'for'temporary'building'

uses'd. Promote'downtown'to'shoppers,'investors,'new'residents,'new'businesses,'tourists,'and'

others'e. Create'tax'incentives'and'abatements'for'existing'and'prospective'businesses''f. Create'an'initiative'for'downtown'events'and'celebrations'Improve Waukon built and technological infrastructure

a. Create'plan'for'city'street'improvements'and'maintenance'b. Create'initiative'to'expand'and'maintain'sidewalks'c. Improve'traffic'flow'to'minimize,'reduce'disruption'to'local'residents'd. Improve'public'buildings’'appearance'and'energy'efficiency'e. Improve'and'expand'broadband'connectivity'and'cellphone'coverage'f. Improve'community'connectivity'through'bicycle,'pedestrian,'vehicular,'and'

recreational'connections'g. Improve'storm'water'management'with'initial'focus'on'downtown'as'a'key'point'of'

convergence'h. Demonstrate'innovative'systems'in'visible'areas'

March 13, Waukon Works Committee Members

Waukon Visioning

Talking Points March 18, 2014

Build upon and retain existing Waukon strengths and assets

a. Sustain and grow healthcare services b. Collaborate with school district on a community-‐wide initiative to improve the school

system c. Promote and integrate the wellness center as a broader community center d. Promote and expand the production sector e. Promote and expand the retail sector f. Promote local agriculture by exploring agribusiness potential such as a dairy museum,

showcasing dairy production through new retail initiatives g. Promote community amenities such as parks, theater, and more h. Maintain high community safety standards i. Promote local and regional recreation destinations and activities

Promote Waukon as an attractive destination and community a. Craft and promote a unique community theme using local history, strengths, and unique

qualities b. Communicate a positive city image by promoting local assets and effectively using the

internet and social media c. Develop more recreation and entertainment options for residents and tourists d. Increase the number of community events e. Develop recreation and arts programs for youth f. Develop affordable and adequate housing to attract families, young professionals, and

retirees g. Promote tourism by collaborating with other cities in the region

March 13, Waukon Works Committee

WaterwaysMississippi River

LEGEND

Incorporated CityGhost Town

VILLAGE CREEK

PAINT CREEK

YELLOW RIVER

UPPER IOWA RIVER

WAUKON

Appendix

Allamakee County historical and current towns


Waukon Visioning

Regional population

2,000-3,000Over 3,000

POPULATION

Over 1,000

Communities with

Appendix

Park

Mississippi River

LEGEND

Bike & Equestrian TrailScenic Byway

Waterways

Regional recreation amenities


Waukon Visioning

Zoning

ConservancyCity Boundary

LEGEND

AgricultureLow Density ResidenceSingle Family Residence

Central BusinessGeneral BusinessManufacturing

Transition District

Single and Two Family Residence

Appendix

Schools, parks, and sidewalk gaps to amenities


ParkCity Boundary

LEGEND

SchoolSidewalkNo Sidewalk

Waukon Visioning

ParkCity Boundary

LEGEND

SidewalkSnow Mobile Trail

Recreation amenities

Appendix

Corridor building use


City GovernmentCity Boundary

LEGEND

EducationProfessionalReligious


Gasoline



MAIN STREET

ALLAMAKEE STREET

GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

Waukon Visioning

Proposed corridor

MAIN STREET

ALLAMAKEE STREET

City GovernmentMixed Use Route

LEGEND

EducationProfessionalReligious


Gasoline



Pedestrian RouteAutomobile Route



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WAUKON VISIONING: Community Design Report