Waxhaw Happenings February 2019 | Page 6

ULI: KEY RECOMMENDATIONS The following key recommendations were made at the January 22nd BOC Work Session. Due to the important role that parking plays downtown, the town will immediately move forward with the ULI’s recommendation to improve the parking lot at the Niven-Price Building (216 W. N. Main Street). The rest of the recommendations are being assessed by the Waxhaw Board of Commissioners, and implementation and timing will be determined by the Board. What are the Key Recommendations? Shift ownership of town-owned parcels to the privately owned According to the ULI Report, selling town-owned property will allow downtown Waxhaw to generate revenue and provide more opportunities for retail businesses. Enhance the façade on the Niven Price Building Enhancing the façade would add to downtown Waxhaw’s historic character while implementing any structural improvements needed. Enhance the Niven-Price parking lot, retain it for public use, and establish more multi-purpose overflow lots in the downtown As the popularity of downtown Waxhaw grows, so does the need for more parking. Currently, the town is adding new parking by delineating and organizing parking markings and spaces in the Niven-Price parking lot to fit more cars and improve parking downtown. Increase community spaces  Additionally, the need for open community spaces to gather and host events has increased. The ULI Report made several suggestions of ways we can utilize existing Downtown space in a way that’s pedestrian-friendly, including turning the E. North Main Street corridor into a temporary “plaza” setting as pictured above for use during some special events. Explore gateway development potential for the vacant parcel at the corner of W. N. Main St. and N. Broome St. The corner lot by the water tower is frequently used for Waxhaw concerts and events downtown. The ULI Report suggested dividing this lot into two parcels to create a mixed-use area (right) to stimulate daytime activities and create new, modern retail space.