4% PQA United States
Environmental Protection
M % Agency
June 2017
vww.epa.gov/smartgrowth
m;
65
GREENING
AMERICA'S
COMMUNITIES
MAKING THE GRANDVIEW AVENUE
CORRIDOR GREEN AND COMPLETE
MUSCATINE, IOWA
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Greening America's Communities is an EPA program to help cities and towns develop an
implementable vision of environmentally friendly neighborhoods that incorporate innovative
green infrastructure and other sustainable design strategies. EPA provides design assistance to
help support sustainable communities that protect the environment, economy, and public health
and to inspire local and state leaders to expand this work elsewhere.
Greening America's Communities will help communities consider ways to incorporate sustainable
design strategies into their planning and development to create and enhance interesting,
distinctive neighborhoods that have multiple social, economic, and environmental benefits.
Muscatine, Iowa, was chosen in 2016 as one of six communities to receive this assistance along
with Brownsville, Texas; Columbia, South Carolina; Honolulu, Hawaii; Multnomah County,
Oregon; and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
More information is available at
https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/greening-americas-communities
Smart Growth
GREENING AMERICA'S
COMMUNITIES
ii
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
01 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
02 INTRODUCTION
04 WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION
05 EXISTING CONDITIONS
11 DESIGN OPTIONS
32 NEXT STEPS & FUNDING SOURCES
Greening America's Communities - Muscatine, IA
Hi
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Clark Wilson, Office of Sustainable Communities
Alice Ewen, Office of Sustainable Communities
Marc Kingston, Region 7
Will Leimenstoll, ORISE Research Fellow, Office of Sustainable Communities
CITY OF MUSCATINE PROJECT TEAM
Gregg Mandsager, City Administrator
Andrew Fangman, City Planner
Brian Stineman, Public Works Director
Dave Gobin, Community Development Director
Jon Koch, Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) Director
CONSULTANT TEAM
Stockwell Engineers, Inc.
Jon Brown, PE, Principal in Charge
David Locke, PLA, Landscape Architect
Annie Remmerde, Landscape Architect in Training
Photography credits:
All photographs and graphics were either created by or the rights are owned by
Stockwell Engineers, Inc., unless denoted otherwise.
iv
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The city of Muscatine, Iowa, requested assistance from the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) through its Greening America's Communities Program to create a cohesive vision
for Grandview Avenue, the city's southern gateway. The city wants to transform this street and
the surrounding corridor, rarely explored on foot, into a model for how to improve pedestrian
and cyclist safety and comfort; and use green infrastructure strategies such as swales, stormwater
planters and permeable paving to manage stormwater runoff. As a part of this project, city
staff members hope to make the Grandview Avenue corridor a more inviting entrance to the
community and a more attractive neighborhood for economic development all while addressing
stormwater and localized flooding concerns.
The report includes a description of the three-day workshop held January 2017 in Muscatine to
engage stakeholders, residents, business owners, and community members in a process that outlined
goals for the project and developed design options that respond to those goals. The report also
outlines opportunities and challenges that informed the design options for several key locations. The
city chose these locations based on their potential to help area businesses and residents, as well as
their capacity to illustrate the transformative potential of green and complete streets.
Through the interactive design workshop, the EPA team presented design options that could
improve the safety and comfort of pedestrians and bicyclists, such as sidewalks, a roundabout,
medians to slow traffic, and light fixtures. Additionally, a trailhead that connects to the Running
River Trail System, an outdoor classroom, and a small public park have been proposed. The
design options also include integrated green stormwater infrastructure components such as
stormwater swales with native plantings, improvements to Brier's Ditch, permeable pavement,
and street trees. These various improvements will reduce flooding along Grandview Avenue,
improve water quality, and make the street more pleasant and inviting for all.
Greening America's Communities - Muscatine, IA
1
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INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Grandview Avenue acts as the southern entrance into the
city of Muscatine, a community situated along the banks
of the Mississippi River in southeastern Iowa. The focus
section of the avenue stretches for about 2.2 miles from
the edge of Muscatine to its core business area. Despite
no longer being a state controlled highway or serving
as the main thoroughfare through town, Grandview
Avenue is still the primary transportation corridor for
southern Muscatine and a major gateway into the city.
Land use along the corridor transitions from rural uses
at the intersection with the U.S. Highway 61 bypass to
light commercial and industrial uses shortly thereafter. It
ultimately transitions to more commercial and residential
uses at the northern end as the avenue approaches
Muscatine's downtown.
The revitalization of the Grandview Avenue corridor has
been deemed one of the community's most important
priorities in the area. Over the years, both population and
commercial activity along the corridor have declined (the
highest commercial vacancy rates for Muscatine are in this
corridor). Storm water management infrastructure is also
underdeveloped and inadequately manages runoff along
the avenue. Currently there are only roadside ditches in the
southern three quarters of the corridor to collect runoff.
The city of Muscatine requested assistance from the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Greening
America's Communities Program to transform Grandview
Avenue into a green and complete street by:
Improving pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular routes
to better serve the corridor residents, visitors, and
businesses.
Creating identifiable gateways throughout the
corridor to enhance public identity and boost local
economic vitality.
Incorporating green infrastructure elements and other
stormwater management practices to help reduce
flooding and improve water quality.
The city's request focuses on a portion of Grandview
Avenue running from the U.S. Highway 61 Bypass north
to Franklin Street. As the project area transitions from
south to north, the corridor section gradually changes from
rural to urban. The design team was selected and hired by
the EPA and was tasked with developing design options for
five specific focus areas along the project corridor:
1. Intersection of Grandview Avenue, U.S. Highway 61,
U.S. Highway 61 Bypass, and Dick Drake Way
2. Intersection of Grandview Avenue, Houser Street,
Sampson Street, and Mittman Road
3. Grandview Avenue at Brier's Ditch
4. Grandview Avenue and Oregon Street/Warren Street
Intersection
5. Grandview Avenue block between Bond Street and
Franklin Street
The Greening America's Communities design team
worked with city staff, local business owners, residents,
and other stakeholders to assess the existing conditions
of the corridor and develop design options to create a
strong connection between the Grandview Avenue corridor
and the community of Muscatine. Community concerns
included the lack of adequate pedestrian and bicycle
connections between existing trail systems and Grandview
Avenue, a lack of community identity in this portion of
town, stormwater runoff and subsequent water pollution
and localized flooding, and general unattractiveness along
this portion of Grandview Avenue. The design options
envisioned, developed, and refined by the design team and
community stakeholders seek to address these concerns.
These options, which include new walking and cycling
trails, crosswalks, landscaped medians, street trees,
stormwater swales, stormwater planters (planters that are
in the sidewalk and - with or without a tree - that can be
designed to collect runoff), and more attractive wayfinding
elements will help the city achieve its goals for the
Grandview Avenue corridor.
2
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INTRODUCTION
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Figure 1: Focus Area Locations
1. Intersection of Grandview Avenue, U.S. Highway 61
Bypass, U.S. Highway 61, and Dick Drake Way
2. Intersection of Grandview Avenue, Houser Street, Sampson
Street, and Mittman Road
3. Grandview Avenue at Brier | Ditch
4. Grandview Avenue and Oregon Street / Warren Street
intersection
5. Grandview Avenue block between Bond Street and Franklin
Street
Greening America's Communities - Muscatine, IA
3
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WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION
The city of Muscatine hosted a three-day design workshop
in early January 2017. The design team held one public
meeting and four focus group meetings with different
groups of stakeholders. Each group discussed different
aspects of the vision and priorities for the five focus areas.
The first stakeholder group meeting discussed the unique
challenges of focus site one, the intersection of Grandview
Avenue, U.S. Highway 61 Bypass, U.S. Highway 61, and
Dick Drake Way. Meeting attendees included Iowa DOT
staff, property and business owners adjacent to the focus
area, as well as city employees. Priorities determined for
the area included:
Create a more visually appealing intersection and
entrance into the community.
Increase traffic flow through intersection and make
space for cars waiting to travel down Dick Drake
Way while it is blocked at the train crossing.
Improve ease of travel for pedestrians and cyclists
by connecting the avenue to the city's existing
multi-use trail.
Adequately manage and store stormwater runoff.
The second stakeholder group meeting focused on the
economic development potential of the Grandview
Avenue corridor. Participants included the owners of
businesses located along Grandview Avenue as well as city
employees. Priorities for the area included:
Create a clear visual identity for the Grandview
Avenue corridor.
Improve traffic flow.
Provide safe walking and cycling infrastructure to
attract pedestrians and cyclists.
The third stakeholder group meeting focused on green
infrastructure, landscaping, and ecological sustainability
in the project area. Meeting participants included EPA and
city staff. Priorities for the area included:
Manage stormwater runoff and reduce pollutants.
Provide green infrastructure design options that are
easily maintainable.
Improve the appearance of the corridor.
The fourth stakeholder group meeting focused on
multimodal transportation along the Grandview Avenue
corridor. Meeting participants included school staff, a local
bicycle shop owner, the head of the local transit provider,
and city staff. Priorities identified for the area included:
Safer conditions for walking and cycling.
Easily navigable routes and stops for bus drivers.
Increased wayfinding and identity along the corridor
for all users.
Off-street parking for parents at the school bus stop.
4
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EXISTING CONDITIONS
EXISTING CONDITIONS
City staff and neighborhood partners selected Grandview Avenue as the project area for the Greening America's
Communities program because it includes a mix of assets and challenges that make it desirable for investments and
improvements that can benefit the community, the local economy, and the environment. The focus section of the
avenue stretches for about 2.2 miles from the edge of Muscatine to its core business area. Despite no longer being a
state controlled highway or serving as the main thoroughfare through town, Grandview Avenue is still the primary
transportation corridor for southern Muscatine and a major gateway into the city.
1 rI
CURRENT BUSINESS USES YARD
FOR PRODUCT STORAGE |
SCREENING IS NEEDED BETWEEN BUSINESS
AND TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR
FIRST IMPRESSION TO
MUSCATINE FROM HIGHWAY
HEAVY TRAFFIC FLOW
ALONG US HIGHWAY 61
NO SIDEWALKS OR TRAILS
AT THIS INTERSECTION
\v-'
TRAFFIC BACKS UP ALONG DICK DRAKE
WAY AND GRANDVIEW AVENUE WHEN
RAILWAY CROSSING IS BLOCKED
The southernmost intersection of this corridor is the project's first focus area. At this intersection, U.S. Highway 61
becomes Grandview Avenue with U.S. Highway 61 Bypass to die northwest and Dick Drake Way to the southeast (Figure
2). The intersection is signalized from all directions. U.S. Highway 61 and the U.S. Highway 61 Bypass are both four-
lane roads, each with an additional turning lane near the intersection. Grandview Avenue is also a four-lane roadway here
with an additional turning lane. However, Grandview Avenue quickly transitions into a two-lane readjust northeast of this
intersection. Dick Drake Way is a two-lane road with a turning lane near this intersection. Close to the intersection, on
Dick Drake Way, there is a railroad crossing that is blocked frequently throughout the day. With Dick Drake Way being
only two lanes, there is often not enough room to accommodate backed up cars during these times. When a train goes
Figure 2: Focus site one existing conditions analysis.
Figure 3: Existing conditions photos
of focus site one.
Greening America's Communities - Muscatine, IA
5
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EXISTING CONDITIONS
through, vehicles are regularly backed up into the intersection and along the three other roads. This is especially true of
U.S. Highway 61 to the southwest. Other than when traffic backs up due to the train crossing, this intersection manages
existing car traffic well.
Despite being a major gateway into the city of Muscatine, there is nothing indicating that this intersection is an entrance
to the city. The 200" wide right-of-way has unkempt grass ditches with no trees. There is no vegetation or fencing to block
adjacent properties from view (Figure 3, previous page). Without such screening, a storage yard for an adjacent business is
one of the first things visitors see when entering Muscatine.
The second focus area is the next intersection moving northeast along Grandview Avenue. The geometry of this
intersection is unique as five different roads all meet near this signalized intersection (Figure 4). Grandview Avenue runs
one lane each direction while Sampson Street crosses from the east and becomes Houser Street northwest of Grandview
Avenue. About 160" away from Grandview Avenue, Mittman Road runs into Houser Street creating a t-intersection. The
railway continues to run parallel along the south side of Grandview Avenue. Once again, backed up cars are an issue when
trains block Sampson Street about 300" east of the intersection.
TWO ACRES OF CITY OWNERS
PROPERTY ALONG HOUSER |4|
STREET COULD BE REPOURPOSED
FOR PUBLIC USE
¦ TRAFFIC BACKS UP ALONG
SAMPSON STREET AND /'> 4
GRANDVIEW AVENUE WHEN
RAILWAY CROSSING IS ..
BLOCKED , / a
LARGE AMOUNT OF
OVERHEAD UTILITIES AT
THIS INTERSECTION
SAMPSON STREET
MITTMAN ROAD
EMPTY LOT WITH LARGE
AMOUNTS OF SCRAP CONCRETE
m - SITE OWNED BY LOCAL
¦ COMMUNITY COLLEGE ifej
FUTURE TRAIL LOCATION AND CROSSING
(CURRENTLY NO SIDEWALKS OR TRAILS AT
THIS INTERSECTION) |tig
Figure 4: Focus site two existing conditions analysis.
Figure 5: Existing conditions photos
of focus site two.
6
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EXISTING CONDITIONS
Data Source: Muscatine Area Geographic
Information Consortium. City of Muscatine
Prepared by: Andrew Fangman
Date: March 6. 2012
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Highway 22
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Discovery Park
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3.751 Cedar St 113.371 End of the Lighted
fij#| Miles From Eastern
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Trailhead
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Running River Trail System
Figure 6: City of Muscatine Running River Trail System routes with project area highlighted,
(found at http://www.miiscatineiowa.gOv/l 78/Trails)
Greening America's Communities - Muscatine, IA
7
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EXISTING CONDITIONS
The right-of-way is 112' wide along Grandview Avenue at this intersection. There are businesses very close to the
intersection to the north and northeast. The car dealership directly north of this intersection has a driveway that is accessed
from the middle of the intersection, creating a safety hazard for drivers and pedestrians (Figure 5, page 6).
The open space west of this intersection is owned by the local community college. Previous discussions between city and
college leaders indicate that there is an opportunity for a partnership and development to benefit the public . There are
plans for the city's Running River Trail System (Figure 6, previous page) recreation trail to cross Grandview Avenue at
this intersection, bringing more pedestrians and bicyclists to this part of die avenue.
The third focus area is the segment of Grandview Avenue near Brier's Ditch. At this location, the Grandview Avenue
right-of-way narrows from 112" to 60' wide. The 112' wide section of this area demonstrates a typical rural segment of
Grandview Avenue with business driveways scattered haphazardly along both sides of the road (Figure 7). There are no
trails or sidewalks along this portion of the corridor and buildings are set back relatively far from Grandview Avenue.
Most of these buildings serve commercial and light industrial purposes.
IN LARGE RAIN EVENTS, AREAS
DOWNSTREAM OCCASIONALLY
FLOOD/ \
ROAD NARROWS AND
BECOMES MORE URBAN
BRIER'S DITCH HAS CONTINUOUSLY
STANDING WATER.
NO SIDEWALKS OR TRAILS
ALONG THIS PORTION OF
THE AVENUE -dH'/
BOWLING ALLEY
AREA IS DENSLY VEGETA1
AND NOT MAINTAINED
LARGE IMPERVIOUS LOT DRAINS
TOWARDS BRIER S DITCH - ,
MOST WATER FROM THIS AREA
* DRAINS UNDERGROUND TO
BRIER'S DITCH
Figure 7: Focus site three existing conditions analysis.
Figure 8: Existing conditions photos
of focus site three.
8
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EXISTING CONDITIONS
Brier's Ditch acts as the most significant stormwater feature along the entire length of Grandview Avenue. The ditch runs
perpendicular to Grandview Avenue and gathers water from a large portion of the Grandview Avenue corridor and from a
culvert running under the roadway and railway from neighborhoods east of the adjacent railway. Brier's Ditch is currently
heavily vegetated and not maintained. There is almost always standing water in the ditch, which is highly visible from
Grandview Avenue and is generally visually unappealing (Figure 8, previous page).
Moving further northeast along Grandview Avenue, the intersection of Grandview Avenue and Oregon Street/Warren
Street is the fourth focus area (Figure 9). Here, Grandview Avenue has transitioned back to four lanes and continues to
am parallel to the railroad tracks. This proximity to the railroad causes traffic 011 Oregon Street to often back up onto
Grandview Avenue when trains are present. This is a major intersection in Muscatine with traffic counts of about 9,200
vehicles daily. Much of this traffic consists of large trucks. There are driveways within 50' of the intersection in every
direction. The excessive driveways result in confusing traffic patterns and hazardous conditions for pedestrians and
bicyclists. There are no landscaped areas or street trees in this portion of the Grandview Avenue corridor. The lack of
vegetation creates harsh conditions for people, poor stormwater management, and an unattractive intersection (Figure 10).
MULTIPLE DRIVEWAYS
IN THIS AREA CAUSE
CIRCULATION ISSUES
VACANT LOT
CROSSWALKS ARE
POORLY MARKED
- THERE IS A GAP IN THE -
RECREATION TRAIL SYSTEM
A AT THIS LOCATION-
¦ PEDESTRIAN ACCESS IS
NOT WELL DEFINED ALONG
WARREN STREET
Figure 9: Focus site four existing conditions analysis. Figure 10: Existing conditions photos
offocus site four
Greening America's Communities - Muscatine, IA
9
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EXISTING CONDITIONS
The only grocery store on the south end of Muscatine is located on the west corner of this intersection. However, narrow
sidewalks, multiple driveways, and a lack of sidewalks or trails along Grandview Avenue prevent residents from walking
or cycling to it safely. This area is the only gap in the otherwise complete Running River Trail System (Figure 6, page 7).
Nearly 1,000 residents living south of the railroad tracks have no safe way to walk or bike across the tracks and access the
shopping and educational facilities in this area.
The fifth and final focus area is located further northeast along Grandview Avenue. The site consists of the block-long
stretch between the Bond Street and Franklin Street intersections and includes a vacant city-owned lot located southeast
of die Franklin Street intersection (Figure 11). This portion of right-of-way is 60" wide with four lanes of traffic, two lanes
running each way. The site is typical of the more urban portions of Grandview Avenue. Many buildings have no setbacks
and driveways rarely line up with one another. There is no landscaping nor are there street trees within the right-of-way. A
lack of vegetation or other pervious surface prevents stormwater from being properly managed in this part of Muscatine
(Figure 12). Narrow sidewalks and multiple vehicle access points along Grandview Avenue create hazardous conditions
for pedestrians and bicyclists alike.
NO CROSSWALK AT
, INTERSECTIONS
ACCESS TO THIS RESIDENCE
PROVIDES ACCESSIBILITY |k
ISSUES ALONG GRANDVIEW '
VACANT CITY-
* OWNED LOT
J MULTIPLE DRIVEWAYS TO
" BUSINESSES IN THIS AREA
y TRAFFIC IS FOUR LANES AND
" MOVES VERY FAST MAKING
J PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS
¦, DIFFICULT AND UNSAFE £
NO CROSSWALK AT
INTERSECTIONS
Figure 11: Focus site five existing conditions analysis.
Figure 12: Existing conditions photos
offocus site five.
10
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DESIGN OPTIONS
DESIGN OPTIONS
The design options respond to the challenges and build on the assets described in the Existing
Conditions section of this report and incorporate feedback received from the workshop
participants. The city of Muscatine chose these focus sites because of their challenges with traffic
flow, way finding, storm water management, and their potential to set the tone for a safer, more
aesthetically pleasing, and economically vibrant Grandview Avenue corridor.
Key ideas that informed the design options and responded to community concerns included:
Improve pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular routes to better serve Grandview Avenue
residents, visitors, and businesses.
Create identifiable gateways along the avenue to enhance its sense of place and encourage
local economic development.
Incorporate green infrastructure elements and other stormwater management practices to
help reduce flooding and improve water quality.
Greening America's Communities - Muscatine, IA
11
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DESIGN OPTIONS
FOCUS SITE ONE:
INTERSECTION OF GRANDVIEW AVENUE, US HIGHWAY 61,
US HIGHWAY 61 BYPASS, AND DICK DRAKE WAY
The intersection of Grandview Avenue, U.S. Highway 61, U.S. Highway 61 Bypass, and Dick Drake Way acts as the
southernmost entrance into the city of Muscatine. While the intersection functions well in terms of traffic flow, city staff
and workshop participants felt that much can be done to improve the visual appearance of the area and make it a more
attractive entry to the city. As the design option shows, the wide right-of-way could allow for native plantings, drainage
swales, and trees to be placed along both sides of Grandview Avenue. These design elements could filter and store excess
stormwater while adding visual interest and screening to the intersection.
The wide right-of-way could also allow for a landscaped center median along the entire rural portion of Grandview
Avenue. The central median could add visual interest as well and pervious surfacing that would allow even more
stormwater to be stored and filtered on site. The center median area could be reverted to a turning lane at intersections.
The design option also shows a lane added for eastbound traffic along Dick Drake Way to accommodate cars backed up
by the trains that cross Dick Drake Way and routinely block traffic.
The large amount of hard surfacing in the middle of the
intersection could be enhanced with a decorative paving
pattern in the form of the city of Muscatine's logo. Along
with a new and impressive welcome sign located east of the
intersection, these elements could give Grandview Avenue
an identity and could make a positive first impression on
visitors entering the community of Muscatine.
Q MITTMAN ROAD
SAMPSON STREET
FOCUS SITE ONE
Figure 13: Context map showing the location of focus site one.
12
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DESIGN OPTIONS
Figure 14: Current condition of focus site one. Looking
northeast along Grandview Avenue.
Figure 15: Design concept for focus site one. The perspective shows a signalized intersection with specialty paving, a new city of
Muscatine welcome sign, landscaped medians, street trees, and evergreen tree screening to adjacent property owners:
Greening America's Communities - Muscatine, IA
13
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DESIGN OPTIONS
LEGEND:
Concrete paving
Specialty paving
Landscape area
Native plantings
Figure 16: This plan shows the design
concept for focus site one.
<
Street light symbol
Traffic light symbol
Location of before/after rendering (Figures 14 and 15, previous page)
14
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DESIGN OPTIONS
DESIGN COMPONENTS:
Entry sign
Entry sign with lighting and landscaping to
welcome drivers to Muscatine.
Stormwater swales
Native plantings added along the roadside to
capture stormwater runoff and filter out pollutants.
Tree screening
Evergreen trees added at the northeast corner of
the intersection to screen the outdoor storage area
of the adjacent business.
railroad crossing is blocked.
Medians
Medians added to slow traffic entering Muscatine
and make the entry to the city more attractive. A
paver splash pad is added to the back of the curb
to protect plants from salt used on the roadways in
the winter.
(j^) Traffic Signals (IT)
Intersection keeps its traffic lights.
(T) Specialty paving
Muscatine's logo added using specialty paving (^6^
to better identify this intersection as the southern
gateway to Muscatine.
^3^ Travel lanes (j^)
No change to the number of lanes except for an
additional travel lane going south on Dick Drake
Way to provide space for backed up cars when the
Greening America's Communities - Muscatine, IA
15
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DESIGN OPTIONS
FOCUS SITE TWO:
INTERSECTION OF GRANDVIEW AVENUE, HOUSER
STREET, SAMPSON STREET, AND MITTMAN ROAD
The intersection of Grandview Avenue, Houser Street, Sampson Street, Mittman Road, and a business driveway is an
unconventional intersection and city staff and workshop participants find that it is somewhat confusing and hazardous to
navigate. Furthermore, participants wanted to see better bicyclist and pedestrian connections in this area especially since
this location could be a critical link in the city's trail system.
The design option shows how the intersection could be converted into a roundabout style intersection. Designated
right-turn lanes create additional space for cars backed up along Grandview Avenue when trains block Sampson Street.
Formalizing the intersection will also remove direct access from the parking lot on the north side. Medians, stormwater
swales, native plantings, and street trees along Grandview Avenue increase on-site stormwater storage and filtering while
also adding visual interest and a sense of identity along the avenue. The center area of the roundabout could be used for
decorative plantings and wayfinding signage, making this intersection an extension of the southern entrance into the city
of Muscatine.
MITTMAN ROAD
FOCUS SITE TWO
SAMPSON STREET
This portion of Grandview Avenue could be connected to the city of Muscatine's overall Running River Trail System
by adding trails along both sides of Grandview Avenue.
Marked and signalized crosswalks could help pedestrians
and bicyclists travel through the intersection more safely. At
the corner of Grandview Avenue and Sampson Street, there
could be wayfinding signage for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Along Mittman Road, near Houser Street, the trail head
could be expanded to include a picnic shelter, parking lot,
drinking fountain, bike fixing station, benches, bike racks,
and wayfinding signs. These design elements together
could work to bring pedestrians and bicyclists to the area
and ultimately draw increased business to the Grandview
Avenue corridor.
Figure 17: Context map showing the location of focus site two.
16
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DESIGN OPTIONS
Figure 18: Current condition of focus site two. Looking north
along Grandview Avenue.
Figure 19: Design concept for focus site two. The perspective shows a roundabout style intersection with landscape medians, street
trees, a paver splash pad, designated right-turn lane onto Sampson Street, and monument signage/sculpture at the center of the
roundabout.
Greening America's Communities - Muscatine, IA
17
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DESIGN OPTIONS
SAMPSON STREET
LEGEND:
Concrete paving
Colored concrete
Sidewalk
Specialty paving
Figure 20: This plan shows the design
concept for focus site two.
Landscape area
Native plantings
Street light symbol
< Location of before/after rendering (Figures 18 and 19, previous page)
18
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DESIGN OPTIONS
DESIGN COMPONENTS:
Roundabout
Intersection is reconfigured as a roundabout with
central area having a roll-up apron (allowing larger
trucks to turn more easily), along with limestone
boulders and landscaping could serve as another
landmark drawing visitors into Muscatine.
(T) Right turn lane
A designated right turn lane added to
accommodate southbound traffic from
Houser Street.
©
Lane added
A designated right-turn lane and additional travel
lane going east on Sampson Street to provide
space for backed up cars when the railroad
crossing is blocked, as it is multiple times per day.
©
Medians
Medians added to slow traffic entering Muscatine
and to make the entry to the city more attractive. A
paved splash pad at the back of curb protects plants
from salt used on the roadways in the winter.
^5^ Trailhead
Trailhead expanded to better serve users of
the existing Running River Trail System and
encourage them to visit Grandview Avenue.
Trailhead could include a parking lot, shelter, trail
system signs, benches, drinking fountain, trash
receptacles, bike racks, and a bike fixing station.
(7) Outdoor classroom
Property currently owned by the local community
college could be used as an outdoor classroom.
Stormwater swales
Stormwater swales using native plantings added
along the roadside to capture stormwater runoff
and filter out pollutants.
Signage kiosks
Trail system signage kiosks could be added at
various points along the trail to provide wayfinding
help and community information.
(V) Warning lights
Hand activated crosswalk warning lights at trail
crossings to improve visibility and safety of
pedestrians and cyclists.
Greening America's Communities - Muscatine, IA
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DESIGN OPTIONS
FOCUS SITE THREE:
GRANDVIEW AVENUE AT BRIER'S DITCH
The segment of Grandview Avenue near Brier's Ditch is typical of the rural southern portion of Grandview Avenue. It is
a busy two-lane road with a wide right-of-way and many private driveways along both sides of the avenue. Brier's Ditch
is an important drainage way that collects stormwater from eastern neighborhoods and a large portion of the Grandview
Avenue corridor. Stormwater enters Brier's Ditch through ditches and an underground culvert system that drains
water from east of the railroad tracks. The ditch is easily visible from Grandview Avenue and is densely vegetated, not
maintained, and often contains polluted standing water. City staff and workshop participants felt that the site should be
made more visually appealing to drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. They also felt that the site should function better as a
stormwater management system as well as a circulation route.
Adding a signalized pedestrian crosswalk would slow
traffic and create a safer environment for pedestrians and
bicyclists to cross Grandview Avenue. Trails have been
added along both sides of Grandview Avenue, connecting
the Running River Trail System to Grandview Avenue.
These trails would promote pedestrian and bicycle traffic
in the area which could provide an economic boost to the
corridor.
MITTMAN ROAD
SAMPSON
The design option shows how traffic speeds could be managed using an extra-large circular median often referred to as
an "eyebrow." By bending out the two lanes of traffic and creating a curve in the road (like an eyebrow shape), traffic has
to slow down. This "eyebrow" is especially well-suited to this location as the avenue transitions here from a wide rural
roadway to a narrower more urban section. Landscaped medians could be added in this area to provide street trees, shade,
pervious surfacing, and visual appeal along Grandview Avenue. The center area of the "eyebrow" could contain public
art and further create an identity for Grandview Avenue.
Landscaped gullies with boulders or other damming ^
structures could store and treat stormwater along the sides
of Grandview Avenue, reducing flooding further north
in Brier's Ditch. Brier's Ditch itself could be made more
visually appealing by creating rock banks that contain
native perennials and shrubs that are easily maintained and
filter and retain runoff.
FOCUS
THREE
STREET
Figure 21: Context map showing the location of focus site three.
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DESIGN OPTIONS
Figure 22: Current condition of focus site three. Looking
southwest along Grandview Avenue.
Figure 23: Design concept for focus site three. The perspective shows curved traffic lanes around the landscaped extra-large
"eyebrow " median featuring a sculpture, trails on both sides of Grandview Avenue, street trees, stormwater swales with native
plantings, and an upgraded Brier's Ditch.
Greening America's Communities - Muscatine, IA
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DESIGN OPTIONS
LEGEND:
Concrete paving
Colored concrete
Sidewalk
Specialty paving
Figure 24: This plan shows the design
concept for focus site three.
Landscape area
Native plantings
Street light symbol
< Location of before/after rendering (Figures 22 and 23, previous page)
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DESIGN OPTIONS
DESIGN COMPONENTS:
Q Traffic calming median
An oblong paved median (sometimes referred
to as an "eyebrow"') is added to the center of the
avenue to slow traffic entering downtown and to
accommodate landscaping and public art (a giant
button is shown here because Muscatine was once
the world's largest manufacturer of buttons).
Driveways are consolidated
Unorganized business driveways are consolidated
and aligned into four-way intersections to provide
a safer environment for drivers, bicyclists, and
pedestrians. Left turn lanes are added into the
center medians to provide improved access.
(j3~) Stormwater swales
Native plantings are added along the roadside to
capture stormwater runoff and filter out pollutants.
©
Brier's Ditch enhancements
The existing Brier's Ditch is improved with
limestone boulders, river rock, and native plantings
to improve its appearance and stormwater
management functions.
(jT) Trail
A trail along both sides of the entire roadway
becomes a sidewalk on both sides of the street with
a hand activated pedestrian crossing warning light
at the crosswalk.
(^) Lane transition
The avenue transitions from a three-lane section
with trails and a center median/turn lane to a two-
lane section with a sidewalk down both sides as
the avenue approaches downtown Muscatine.
TYPICAL RURAL SECTION:
112'Right-of-way
Figure 25: Typical
rural section of
what Granch'iew
Avenue could
look like with
stormwater swales,
native plantings, a
landscaped median,
and recreation
trails.
"O > CD
CD £ C
Q .2 D
OT3~
O CD ^
Greening America's Communities - Muscatine, IA
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DESIGN OPTIONS
FOCUS SITE FOUR:
GRANDVIEW AVENUE AND OREGON STREET /
WARREN STREET INTERSECTION
The intersection of Grandview Avenue, Oregon Street, and Warren Street is a major intersection in Muscatine. The
four-lane intersection accommodates a lot of traffic, including many semi-trucks and other large vehicles. Despite a
lack of pedestrian infrastructure at this point on Grandview Avenue, a fair number of people walk to the neighborhood's
only grocery store which is located at the northwest corner of this intersection. Busy car traffic and frequent business
driveways create a hazardous environment for pedestrians. City staff and workshop participants felt that the intersection
should be made more visually appealing and safer for pedestrians and bicyclists. They also felt that traffic routes should
be made safer and more easily navigable.
This design option offers increased pedestrian safety with signalized pedestrian crosswalks, landscaped medians, and
consolidated business driveways. Landscaped medians and stormwater planters along Grandview Avenue could help to
better manage the corridor's stormwater by capturing, storing, and treating runoff on site. The landscaped areas could also
add to the visual appeal of the area while giving the corridor a more distinct and attractive identity.
The avenue is reduced to two-lanes throughout this portion
of the corridor with turning lanes provided where necessary,
including an isolated right-turn lane from Oregon Street.
Isolating the turning lane and pushing it out towards the
edge of the right-of-way allows for a central landscaped
median and a safer crossing for pedestrians. The reduced
travel lane widths would make it easier for pedestrians to
cross Grandview Avenue while allowing for landscaping
along either side of the avenue.
FOCUS SITE FOUR
£ MITTMAN ROAD
SAMPSON STREET
Figure 26: Context map showing the location of focus site four.
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DESIGN OPTIONS
Figure 27: Current condition of focus site four. Looking
northeast along Grandview Avenue.
Figure 28: Design concept for focus site four. The perspective shows fewer travel lanes at this signalized intersection, stormwater
landscaping on both sides of Grandview Avenue, a landscaped island at Oregon Street, pedestrian crosswalks, street trees, and a
paver splash pad.
Greening America's Communities - Muscatine, IA
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DESIGN OPTIONS
LEGEND:
Concrete paving
Colored concrete
Sidewalk
Specialty paving
Landscape area
Figure 29: This plan shows the design
concept for focus site four.
Native plantings
Street light symbol
Traffic light symbol
^ Location of before/after rendering (Figures 27 and 28, previous page)
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DESIGN OPTIONS
DESIGN COMPONENTS:
(j^) Signalized intersection
The intersection remains signalized. Specialty
paving is added to improve visibility of the
crosswalks.
©
Left-turn lane
Designated left-turn lane added to accommodate
south-bound traffic turning onto Oregon Street.
^3^ Right-turn lane
Designated right-turn lane added to accommodate
north-bound traffic turning right onto Oregon
Street and to manage backed up traffic when trains
cross, as occurs multiple times per day.
(T) Driveways consolidated
Business driveways consolidated and aligned
into four-way intersections to improve safety for
vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
(IT) Median
Designated right-turn lane added to accommodate
frequent right-turns onto Grandview Avenue.
Landscaped median added to make crossing the
street easier and safer for pedestrians.
Light fixtures
© New light fixtures added to improve safety and
visual appeal.
(^7^ Stormwater planters
Stormwater planters with street trees added to
provide more shade for pedestrians and to capture
and treat stormwater.
Sidewalk
Widened sidewalks on both sides of Grandview
Avenue as the street becomes more urban and
approaches downtown Muscatine.
Greening America's Communities - Muscatine, IA
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DESIGN OPTIONS
FOCUS SITE FIVE:
GRANDVIEW AVENUE BLOCK BETWEEN BOND STREET
AND FRANKLIN STREET
The block of Grandview Avenue between Franklin Street and Bond Street is typical of the northern, more urban portion
of Grandview Avenue with a 60" right-of-way and businesses and driveways lining the street on both sides. Narrow
sidewalks exist in the limited space between the street and the buildings, which in many cases sit right next to the right-
of-way. There are minimal street plantings and trees in this section of the avenue. City staff and workshop participants
felt that the site should be made more visually appealing to attract more visitors and businesses. They also felt that traffic
should be slowed and pedestrian crossings added to make this area safer for visitors.
The design option shows how green infrastructure such as stormwater planters could add visual appeal, slow traffic, and
make walking safer and more comfortable here. The added pervious surfaces of the landscaped areas would also better
manage stormwater runoff by storing and filtering water on site.
At the northern end of this block of Grandview Avenue,
there is an underutilized dead end right-of-way between the
avenue and the railroad tracks to the southeast. Repurposing
this public space for pedestrians and bicyclists to use and
enjoy could help increase the pedestrian traffic in this area
of Muscatine. In turn, this could support existing businesses
and entice new ones to the Grandview Avenue corridor.
Figure 30: Context map showing the location offocus site five.
FOCUS SITE
MITTMAN ROAD
SAMPSON STREET
The design option shows how dropping Grandview Avenue down to two lanes in this area could create more spaces for
pedestrians and green infrastructure. Consolidating business driveways, and reducing the number of driving lanes causes
drivers to slow down and proceed more cautiously, which makes the street safer and more comfortable for pedestrians.
Uniquely colored crosswalks along with decorative bollards
adds special design elements that create an identity for \
Grandview Avenue and further improve the walking y'
experience.
FIVE
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DESIGN OPTIONS
Figure 31: Current condition of focus site five. Looking
northeast along Grandview Avenue.
Figure 32: Design concept for focus site five. The perspective shows Grandview Avenue tapered to two-lane traffic, stormwater
landscaping, street trees, special crosswalk paving, widened sidewalks, and decorative bollards and street lighting.
Greening America's Communities - Muscatine, IA
29
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DESIGN OPTIONS
LEGEND:
Concrete paving
Colored concrete
Sidewalk
Specialty paving
Alternate specialty paving
Figure 33: This plan shows the design
concept for focus site five.
<
Landscape area
Native plantings
Street light symbol
Location of before/after rendering (Figures 31 and 32, previous page)
30
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DESIGN OPTIONS
DESIGN COMPONENTS:
0 Driveways consolidated (jT)
Business driveways are consolidated and aligned
into four-way intersections to improve safety for
vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.
(^2j| Specialty paving ©
Specialty paving used on crosswalks to improve
their visibility and create an identity for
Grandview Avenue.
(jT) Left-turn lane
Designated left-turn lane added.
Light fixtures
New light fixtures added to improve safety and
visual appeal.
Stormwater planters
Stormwater planters with street trees added to
provide more shade for pedestrians and to capture
and treat stormwater.
Two-lane traffic
Two lanes of traffic are replaced by additional
sidewalk space, street trees, and green
infrastmcture landscaping.
Public open space
Dead end street converted into a public open space
with pervious paving and green infrastructure
plantings (vehicular access to adjacent businesses
is still possible).
TYPICAL URBAN SECTION:
60' Right-of-way
2' Pervious paving
splash pad
Pervious paving
splash pad
Figure 34: Typical urban section
of what Grandview Avenue could
look like with two tra\>el lanes,
stormwater planters, and widened
sidewalks.
Greening America's Communities - Muscatine, IA
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NEXT STEPS & FUNDING
NEXT STEPS & FUNDING SOURCES
The design options presented in this report could serve as a
catalyst to help the city of Muscatine make improvements
using funds previously allocated for these types of projects.
These improvements could create a more cohesive vision
of green and complete streets and public spaces throughout
the community. This chapter includes options for near- and
long-term next steps that the city and its key partners could
take to achieve their stated goals. This chapter also notes
potential funding sources that were identified and discussed
during and after the design workshop.
NEAR-TERM (2017 to 2020)
• Complete an environmental impact assessment.
Measuring the anticipated effects on the environment
of a proposed project is an important first step in the
planning process of the project. The city has already
begun this step for the Grandview Avenue corridor.
• Conduct further design, engineering studies, and
phasing work for Grandview Avenue. Further design
and analysis could help the city and stakeholders reach
an agreement on a preferred design concept, cost
estimate, and phasing for Grandview Avenue. This
could include all or some of the features identified in
the design options.
• Implement native plantings in underutilized
city property and parks. The city could identify
any vacant or underutilized city property, right-of-
way, and park space for native planting areas that
would filter and store stormwater runoff and reduce
maintenance costs.
• Further develop design documents for the first
phase and/or all of Grandview Avenue. The city
can implement green infrastructure, roadway, and
pedestrian improvements as a part of the Grandview
Avenue improvement project. The city could undertake
more detailed design and preparation of construction
documents to implement the improvements. Funding
for this project has already been identified within the
city's current budget.
• Conduct further design and engineering studies
including cost estimates for Brier's Ditch. If funding
could be identified, further design and analysis could
help the city and stakeholders reach an agreement on
a preferred design concept, cost estimate, and phasing
for the Brier's Ditch area. This could include all or
some of the features identified in the design options.
• Construct first phase and/or all of Grandview
Avenue improvements. Funding has been identified
for improvements to the Grandview Avenue corridor.
Once design is completed the city could move forward
with construction of the first phase or all the proposed
corridor improvements.
LONG-TERM (2021 to 2025)
• Develop design standards and a maintenance plan
for complete and green streets. The city can develop
design standards and a maintenance plan for complete
and green streets to facilitate the implementation of the
Grandview Avenue design options and other concepts
that will come from developing policies and plans in
this corridor and elsewhere in the community. Several
standard and guidance documents are available online,
but two resources in particular could be helpful to
Muscatine: The Institute of Transportation Engineers'
Designing Walkable Urban Thoroughfares: A Context
Sensitive Approach1 and the city of Philadelphia
Water Department's Green Streets Design Manual2.
The Philadelphia Water Department also has a
good maintenance manual for green infrastructure:
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NEXT STEPS & FUNDING
Philadelphia Water Department's Green Infrastructure
Maintenance Manual Development Process Plan3.
EPA has a Green Infrastructure Wizard4 that is a
searchable database of EPA resources related to green
infrastructure. Search queries are based on who the
user is and what information is being sought.
• Develop policies for storm water management on
private property. The city could provide incentives
to developers and land owners who manage and
treat storm water on site through green infrastructure
techniques and limit their use of the city's storm
water system. These ordinances could also provide
disincentives to developers that do not work towards
reducing their stormwater impact.
• Expand green infrastructure implementation to
other community projects. City staff could continue
to discuss newly identified projects or new funding
opportunities that will allow phased implementation
of green infrastructure elements throughout the
community.
• Conduct further design and engineering studies
and analyses for the intersection of Grandview
Avenue, U.S. Highway 61 Bypass, U.S. Highway
61, and Dick Drake Way. During the workshop,
stakeholders liked the idea of utilizing a roundabout
for this intersection in the future. Further design and
analysis could help the Iowa DOT (IADOT) and city
reach an agreement on a preferred design concept,
cost estimate, and feasibility of a roundabout at this
intersection. The city and IADOT could work together
to identify funding and define the scope for a more
detailed design and engineering study for the area.
• Review and update complete and green streets
operations and maintenance plan. The operations
and maintenance plan should remain current
with best practices and be regularly updated with
information gathered from staff feedback, community
input, and monitoring of implemented green
infrastructure strategies.
FEDERAL FUNDING SOURCES
• EPA's Clean Water Act Section 319 Grants are
directed to demonstration projects that reduce
nonpoint source pollution, can be used only for
items not required under a stormwater program, and
are subject to state priorities. Green infrastructure
elements of the design concepts could be eligible for
funding through this program.5
• EPA's brownfield grants and technical assistance
give communities and other stakeholders resources
to assess and clean up properties where actual or
potential presence of a hazardous substance could
complicate reuse. Grants can also be used for green
infrastructure planning. Sites in the project area could
be eligible for this assistance.6
1 Institute of Transportation Engineers. Designing Walkable
Urban Thoroughfares: A Context Sensitive Approach: An ITE
Recommended Practice. 2010. http://www.ite.org/css/online.
2 Philadelphia Water Department. "Green Streets Design Manual."
2014. http: //www. philly watersheds .org/img/GSDM/GSDM_
FINAL_20140211.pdf.
3 Philadelphia Water Department. "Green City, Clean Waters." http://
pliillywatersheds.org/what_were_doing/documents_and_data/cso_
long_term_control_plan. Accessed Mar. 16,2017.
4 EPA. "Green Infrastructure Wizard." http://www2.epa.gov/
conmiunityhealth/green-infrastracture-wizard.
Accessed Mar. 16,2017.
5 EPA. "Clean Water Act Section 319." http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/
nps/cwact.cfm. Accessed Mar. 16, 2017.
6 EPA. "Brownfields and Land Revitalization." http://www.epa.gov/
brownfields. Accessed Mar. 16,2017.
Greening America's Communities -Muscatine, IA
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NEXT STEPS & FUNDING
• Green Project Reserve, part of the EPA's Clean Water
State Revolving Fund, is a water quality financing
resource that helps communities meet the goals of the
Clean Water Act. Nonpoint source pollution control
and green infrastructure projects can be eligible for
funding through this program. 7
• EPA's Office of Water has grants and other funding
programs, including the Section 106 Water
Pollution Control (to establish ongoing water
pollution control programs).8
STATE FUNDING SOURCES
• REAP (Resource Enhancement and Protection)
Grants distributed by the Iowa Department of
Natural Resources (DNR) invest in the enhancement
and protection of the state's natural and cultural
resources. These grants can be used for city parks and
open space, county conservation, private/public open
space acquisition, conservation education programs,
historical resource development programs, roadside
vegetation, and soil and water enhancement.9
• Iowa Green Streets by the Iowa Economic
Development Authority (IEDA) works with
communities to sustain and enhance quality of life by
program-integrated technical and financial assistance
encouraging sustainable community practices. 111
• IEDA administers the federal Community
Development Block Grants (CDBG) to develop
viable communities by providing suitable living
environments and expanding economic opportunities.
These grants can be used to fund facilities such as
water and sewer facilities and community buildings;
and economic development.11
COMMUNITY AND OTHER
FUNDING SOURCES
Muscatine can initiate a Capital Improvements
Program to make improvements to the Grandview
Avenue corridor. The city can build on these planned
improvements to respond to the issues identified
through the Greening America's Communities project.
A Grandview Avenue corridor business association
or special improvement district could be created
to help fund, manage, and maintain stormwater
infrastructure, landscaping, lighting, and other
streetscape improvements. The properties and/or
businesses that would contribute to the improvement
district will depend upon the specific boundary and
improvements of the district.
The city could explore public-private partnerships
for planting and maintaining street trees and
green infrastructure such as a volunteer street tree
management or stewardship program. Volunteers
could include master gardeners, the general public,
and/or students.
7 EPA. "Green Project Reserve." http://water.epa.gov/grants_fimding/
cwsrf/Green-Project-Reserve.cfm. Accessed Mar. 16, 2017.
8 EPA. "Water Pollution Control (section 106) Grants."
http://www2.epa.gov/water-polliition-control-section-106-grants.
Accessed Mar. 16,2017.
9 Iowa DOT. "REAP Grants" http://www.iowadnr.gov/Conservation/
REAP/REAP-Grants. Accessed Mar. 16,2017.
10 IEDA. "Iowa Green Streets"
https://www.iowaecononiicdevelopnient.coni/Coniniiinity/green.
Accessed Mar. 16,2017.
11 IEDA. "Community Infrastructure and Services" https://www.
iowaecononiicdevelopnient.coni/ConiniunityDevelopnient/CDBG.
Accessed Mar. 16,2017.
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NEXT STEPS & FUNDING
Greening America's Communities - Muscatine, IA 35
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Smart Growth
GREENING AMERICA'S
COMMUNITIES
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