City of Springfield, MO - Vision 20/20 Concept

This summary covers the substantive aspects of the Concept Plan. Maps supplement the document and can be used in conjunction with the summary to better understand the contents of this document.

Concept Plan: An Interim Plan Guide
The Vision 20/20 Coordinating Committee is recommending City Council and County Commission adopt Springfield-Greene County Concept Plan: An Interim Plan Guide as an element of the Comprehensive Plan to serve as a policy guide prior to adoption of an updated Comprehensive Plan. Generally, the Concept Plan will provide guidance to the City and County Planning and Zoning Commission/Board, City Council, County Commission, and City and County staff as they face development issues over the next 8-12 months. The key issues covered in the Concept Plan include (access specific topics or corresponding full-color maps quickly by clicking on the title of your choice):

Our Challenge
Springfield-Greene County is a vibrant community in a beautiful region. Forests, hills and clear, flowing streams are minutes from Center City. But what was once a predominantly rural area is rapidly urbanizing. The beauty of the region is attractive to people throughout the country as a place to visit and live; and the quality of life in our community provides residents and visitors with a mixture of culture, education job opportunities, housing, and friendliness. These traits will continue to attract visitors and residents to the Springfield area.

Our challenge is to maintain, and in some cases improve, the quality of the community we have today.

The Community Vision
The community vision, the essence of Vision 20/20, may be summarized as:

"Springfield-Greene County will be a community in which people can learn, work, and play in safety and comfort. We want to be a vibrant community that presents an opportunity for everyone to achieve their full potential. This plan's central purpose is a high quality of life for all the people in the community. Future development of the community will meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. The fundamental question is whether our actions improve the quality of life today? ... for our children? ... our grandchildren? ... our great grandchildren?"

With quality of life at the heart of the community vision, several associated visions become easier to define for Springfield and Greene County. These include economic development, community character, physical image, transportation, housing and neighborhoods, the environment, culture and education, historic heritage, the regional perspective, center city, and partnerships and cooperation.

Comprehensive Plan Document
A significant amount of technical work needs to be completed with respect to land use and transportation analysis. Specifically, land use projections need to be incorporated into the transportation model, and numerous transportation system alternatives need to be tested. Also, specific social, financial, and other implications of the plan recommendations need to be worked through, and specific action steps need to be set forth, evaluated, and prioritized. This activity is underway and will continue through the fall and winter of 1996-97.

Preliminary public meetings and hearings are tentatively scheduled to begin after the first of the year. Final reviews and recommendations of the Vision 20/20 Focus Groups and Coordinating Committee will be accomplished upon completion of the public review process. The Coordinating Committee is scheduled to make their final recommendations on the Comprehensive Plan in April or May of next year. Official public hearings before City and County Planning and Zoning Commission/Board should occur in June 1997.

Future Development Pattern - (map 98 KB)
The recommended Future Development Pattern incorporates aspects of all three of the alternatives discussed over the past several months: Trend, Balanced, and Compact. The Future Development Pattern map illustrates the Future Development Pattern that has come out of the Vision 20/20 process.

Essentially, the recommendation is for a future development pattern that reflects an increase in the amount of development to the northeast, north, and west of the existing urbanized area, with a majority of future development continuing south, southwest, and southeast. While this reflects existing trends, it also emphasizes the desire for a more balanced distribution of future development.

In addition, there is a strong recommendation for incorporating policies, incentives, etc., aimed at strengthening Center City, including our existing neighborhoods, and encouraging infill development. That recommendation is consistent with some aspects of the Compact alternative. Although we anticipate future densities to be based on demand, there is a recommendation to assure accommodation of higher densities both in the Center City area and in developing areas of the community, City and County.

Generally, the existing Urban Service Area Policy should be continued, strengthened in some areas, and expanded to reflect the desire to see more development in the northeast and west. Expansion of the existing Southwest Treatment Plant rather than constructing a new plant further south would reinforce the desired development pattern; however, that does not preclude the possibility of a new plant. If a new plant is necessary, adherence to the Urban Service Area Policy is critical.

Battlefield-Glenstone-James River Freeway - Battlefield Mall with the related commercial development along Battlefield, Primrose Marketplace, and James River Centre, form the focal points of what is the most significant Activity Center today and probably will continue as such in the future.
Center City (Downtown, Walnut St., SMSU, Government Plaza, Commercial Street, Drury and Evangel Colleges) - Currently the focus of varied and multiple activities, additional emphasis is needed to stabilize and revitalize the downtown and commercial street areas. This is an important Center for the community with respect to maintaining a "sense of place" and as a catalyst for conservation of our older, stable neighborhoods.
I-44-Glenstone-Kearney - Currently serves as a Center for northside and for hotels/motels and restaurants.
I-44/U.S. 65 - Has potential to be significant regional Activity Center. Existing business and manufacturing activity, including Partnership Industrial Park, make this area currently a major employment center. This area will have close tie with the development at Mulroy Rd. and I-44, Activity Center # 5).
I-44/Mulroy Road (Hwy 744) - Probably not as significant an Activity Center as I-44/U.S. 65, but this interchange is immediately adjacent to Partnership Industrial Park.
U.S. 65 and Sunshine Street - This already serves as an Activity Center for the east side of Springfield. Improvement of the interchange will have a positive impact on accessibility of this center.
U.S. 65 and Battlefield Rd. - This is developing as a mixed use area, especially on the west side of U.S. 65.
U.S. 65 and Hwy 60 - Currently undeveloped, land on the northeast and northwest quadrants of this interchange have potential as an Activity Center if access questions can be addressed.
U.S. 65 and Evans Road - This is the southernmost U.S. 65 interchange in Greene County. The area to the east is developing rapidly with residential.
James River Freeway and National Avenue - Medical, office, retail, and residential developments make this a true mixed use Activity Center that runs north and south along National. This center is closely linked to Activity Center #1 via Primrose and Independence Streets.
James River Freeway and Campbell Avenue - Most of the land north of James River Freeway is developing as commercial/office. Some vacant land remains south of the freeway.
James River Freeway and Kansas Expressway - This land is developing as mixed use in the northwest and southwest quadrants.
James River Freeway and Hwy FF - Topography may limit the extent of development, but the interchange is well located as an activity center for the nearby residential neighborhoods.
James River Freeway and Hwy 60 (Sunshine St.) - While much of the adjacent land is developed, further extension of JRF to I-44 may spur redevelopment.
I-44 and Hwy MM - This interchange has significant, future potential as a Major Activity Center when the State improves MM from James River Freeway to I-44 and if the airport terminal facility is relocated to the southwest side of the airport.
I-44 and Chestnut Expressway - Development in this area may increase as sanitary sewer becomes available. This could serve as a Activity Area for residents in West Springfield.
I-44 and Hwy 160 (West Bypass) - The proximity to the airport and the available vacant land make this interchange a possible future Activity Center.
I-44 and Kansas Expressway - This interchange already functions as an activity center for north Springfield with the retail activities located south of I-44. The proximity of Dickerson Park Zoo and the Fairgrounds provide unique regional attractions and activities.
West Bypass and Sunshine Street - Planned improvements and extension of West Bypass to James River Freeway within the next 5 to 10 years will create an opportunity for a Major Activity Center at Sunshine Street.

There are other existing activity centers throughout the existing urbanized area, but the above areas are identified because of possible development or redevelopment proposals that could come forward over the next 6 to s12 months before the Comprehensive Plan is adopted. Other activity centers will be addressed as part of the land use element of the Plan.

Parks, Open Space & Greenways Concept - (map 90 Kb)
Traditional neighborhood and community parks will be needed for our future residents, but the proposed greenway system is the most ambitious recommendation coming forward as part of the Park, Open Space & Greenways plan element. The proposed Greenway system is similar to previous concepts discussed over the years. It is a "grand" design in the sense that it would have a significant role in guiding future development and is extremely long-range in terms of implementation. It is not something that will occur in a few years, but if the commitment is not made now, it will never happen.

The greenways will follow natural drainageways to the extent possible, and be connected with trails and bikeways when the natural drainageways are not connected. The basic greenway system, utilizing the natural drainageways, will be 56 miles in length and will provide the framework for the future park system. The greenway system will also influence development patterns by preserving drainage corridors and open space.

The greenway element of the plan is very long-range and could take several decades to fully implement; however, it is important to place the policies in effect that begin the process. When property is developed along a prospective greenway, the flood plain should be dedicated to the city or county for eventual inclusion into the system. As other land becomes available through donation or conservation easement, there must be a mechanism to receive the donation and maintain the land.

Some sections of the greenway should be targeted as projects that are diligently pursued until completion, such as the South Creek/Wilsons Creek Greenway. Other sections will fall into place over time. Land will be acquired in a variety of ways including donation, dedication through the platting process, easement, land trust, and purchase.

In summary, a future park system is envisioned that will consist of greenways as the framework and neighborhood, community, city-wide, regional, park-schools combinations, and special parks fulfilling the needs of future generations in Springfield and Greene County.

Review development proposals using the Overall Parks, Open Space & Greenways Concept, including the Natural Features map located in the Appendix, to identify and address possible conflicts.
Utilize the Parks, Open Space & Greenways Concept Plan and the Natural Features map when planning new parks, or identifying and purchasing future park land.
Encourage cooperation among appropriate agencies and organizations to implement the concept of the Shared-Use Principle.
Further refine the concept and location of a "Civic Park."
If a preliminary plat is proposed that would interfere with the creation of identified park or public recreational open space, notify the applicant of this conflict and immediately begin negotiations to acquire the portion of the site that is planned as parkland or greenway.
Continue necessary actions aimed at fully implementing a joint City-County park district.

Key Transportation Corridors - (map 77 KB)
Transportation improvements receive a high priority in looking at the future development of Springfield and Greene County. We already have significant unmet needs and additional needs are identified annually. Transportation system computer modeling will begin this summer to assess the entire transportation system as it relates to current and future development. The key factor in addressing our future transportation needs is to provide upgraded facilities concurrent with or prior to development. We have lost some needed transportation corridors because we have not had sufficient foresight. Nine key transportation corridors have been identified to date. This does not mean that these are the only key corridors or that these are necessarily the most critical transportation needs, but these are corridors that must be addressed now because of significant problems, because of development pressures, or as one of the methods to guide future development to achieve the goals of the community. The Key Transportation Corridors map identifies the following corridors.

Bluegrass Road Parkway: This corridor would link U.S. 65 and Highway 13 on the north side of Springfield, generally along the current Bluegrass Road alignment. Opportunity exists to integrate this facility with future greenways, parks, and unique open spaces on the north side.
Pierson Creek Parkway: Located east of U.S. 65, this corridor would provide a means for moving local traffic generally between Highway 60, on the south, to I-44, on the north. To the extent feasible, integration of open space or greenway along the James River and Pierson Creek should be attempted.
River Bluff Parkway: At a minimum, this arterial corridor should link National Avenue with FF or the Extension of West Bypass, but extension of a facility to Evans Road should be pursued. This would provide an important, internal, east-west arterial for the significant growth that is occurring and will continue over the next 15 years. Such a facility would also provide opportunities for locating key Activity Centers for residents who currently must drive several miles for routine shopping and employment.
West Bypass Improvement and Extension: Improvements to West Bypass north of Sunshine and extension to James River Freeway will complete the major arterial system on the west side of the Springfield.
Norton Road Improvement: Improvements are currently underway to improve the Norton Road corridor as a critical local traffic mover paralleling I-44. Important community, recreation, entertainment, and educational facilities are served by this corridor. Improvement in the western portion of the corridor at the Kansas Expressway/ Highway 13 intersection will improve both facilities.
Kansas Expressway Extension: Extension of the existing Kansas Expressway to the south is critical for internal north-south traffic movement for the area south of Republic Road. Ideally, this corridor should intersect with the River Bluff Parkway corridor. Whether the facility needs to be an arterial or collector street will be addressed through the modeling process, but future right of way should be preserved immediately.
U.S. 65 Interchange Improvements: Key interchanges along the U.S. 65 corridor need improvement. Interchange improvements at Sunshine, I-44, and Battlefield will be critical for the U.S. 65 corridor.
Battlefield Road Intersection Improvements: The intense development at Battlefield Road and Glenstone Avenue generates significant traffic that is expected to increase in the future. Improvements to that intersection and those at National and Campbell will help increase the capacity of Battlefield Road as a key east-west arterial.
Jefferson-Kimbrough Corridor: A special corridor study for the area bounded by Walnut Street and Primrose Street between National and Campbell Avenues is part of the overall Comprehensive Plan. Jefferson Avenue could be a continuous street within this area, but extension could have an impact on adjacent neighborhoods. An assessment of alternatives must be undertaken. Improvements to the existing roadways within this corridor will be necessary within the next 15 years.
Chestnut Expressway Corridor: Immediate improvements are needed on West Chestnut to address safety issues, but the entire corridor should be studied in more detail in an effort to increase the efficiency and/or capacity of this corridor.
National Avenue Extension: Extension of National Avenue to the South (to River Bluff Parkway) is important for North-South traffic movement from the southern portion of the Greene County urbanizing area. National Avenue should be extended as a primary arterial.

Key Transportation Corridors Action Steps
The Concept Plan identifies potential new arterial road corridors but they are still quite wide. These will be narrowed and affirmed during upcoming analysis. During the time the Concept Plan is in force, City and County staff must be alert to proposed land developments that could possibly interfere with the key transportation corridors. If such a potential occurs, an immediate, closer investigation will be conducted with the help of the Vision 20/20 transportation consultant to either dismiss the threat, decide upon a road alignment across the property in question, or negotiate a delay in the development application until the road corridor study is complete.

On all other roads, a functional classification system is in effect with right-of-way width standards. These standards will be used to review all other land development applications.

Encourage more intense land use along existing and potential transit routes, especially at Activity Centers; and promote transit use through land use planning, street network planning and site design.
Design streets to accommodate bicycle movement; identify a future bikeway system and incorporate the concept of on-street bicycle lanes as part of street design consistent with that system.
Identify key pedestrian corridors, gaps in pedestrian facilities (primarily sidewalks) in these corridors, and develop strategies to fill these gaps.
Incorporate transportation priorities in the capital improvements program and funding recommendations.

Center City
Center City revitalization and redevelopment is a high priority recommendation from the Vision 20/20 participants. Specific recommendations are still being formulated, but results of a Market Analysis and Organizational Study will be available within 60 days. An organizational framework will be recommended to best address the diverse needs of Springfield's Center City area, including Downtown, Commercial Street, and Walnut Street. Organizational needs were identified as the highest priority and have received the most emphasis over the past several months. Infrastructure improvements, rehabilitation programs, public-private ventures, will be addressed in the final Comprehensive Plan.

Use the Goals, Objectives, and Overall Development Principles in assessing decisions and strategies related to future development in Springfield and Greene County.
Initiate actions necessary to begin implementation of the Financial Management Guidelines.
Develop Policies, Strategies and/or Actions Steps aimed at implementing the Goals, Objectives, and Overall Development Principles set forth in this Concept Plan.
Adopt the City of Springfield Interim Storm Water Management Policy Plan as set forth in the Appendix. (City Action Only)
Incorporate the Community Cultural Plan, Creative Springfield: A Blueprint for Action, in the City-County Comprehensive Plan and utilize the goals, strategies, and recommended actions as guides when public action is needed in this area.
Conduct public hearings on the Short Range Recommendations of the Water Resources Task Force.

Neighborhoods and Established Areas - (Community Park Needs map [69 KB])

Use the Concept Plan principles to review residential development proposals and suggest design improvements.
Continue to promote the concept of neighborhood schools through the long-range planning process being conducted by Springfield Public Schools and encourage the School District to assess their alternatives in light of the Goals, Objectives, and Overall Development Principles contained in the Concept Plan.
Continue to support neighborhood organizations and activities that enhance neighborhood and community pride.
Provide public services and facilities using a neighborhood-focused approach.
Protect historically- or architecturally-significant buildings or districts during site plan, building permit, or demolition permit review.

Annexation - (Strategic Annexation map [72 KB])

Implement the Strategic Annexation Policy.
Formulate a broader annexation policy as part of the Comprehensive Plan that addresses possible future Springfield boundaries in light of development trends and the Future Development Pattern.

Interim Plan and Executive Summary