update on Washington Dr.

Council considers improvements: Washington Drive District Plan may get quick approval

By Nick G. Maheras
nmaheras@hpe.com
Dec 15,2008

HIGH POINT - High Point City Council will conduct a public hearing today on the Washington Drive District Plan, the first installment of the comprehensive Core City revitalization effort.

The City Council is likely to approve the Washington Drive District Plan after the public hearing. "Council has already affirmed their interest in passing this plan," said Councilman Bill Bencini, chairman of the Planning and Development Committee. "I enthusiastically support it. My guess is so does the rest of council.

"Its strength is that it is a comprehensive plan that can not only rehabilitate an historic neighborhood, but offer some downtown entertainment and restaurant possibilities."

The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the Washington Drive plan on Nov. 11. Bencini's committee followed suit Dec. 2.

The plan's central idea is to create an entertainment and historic mixed-use district based on the area's black cultural and musical heritage. Responsibility for a cultural museum focused on the legacy of jazz saxophonist John Coltrane was shifted from the city to the private sector in the plan's final draft.

The plan designs a more attractive and pedestrian-friendly Washington Drive corridor with trees, decorative lampposts, widened sidewalks and streetside landscaping.

"The city's role would primarily be the infrastructure, including streetscaping, maybe a couple of parks or plazas and more on-street parking," said Andy Piper, senior planner. "(Recent zoning changes) are intended to promote the "new urbanism' design. We want to bring the buildings closer to the street, create glass storefronts and locate as much parking as we can behind the buildings."

Bencini hopes the plan's approval and infrastructure improvements will encourage private investment there.