2-Goals

Goals, Objectives, and Strategies

This portion of the Master Plan identifies goals, objectives, and strategies for the City, thereby setting forth the basis for action. The identification of community visions will be the motivating force behind change. But more must be done to transform the vision into action. While vision statements are broad expressions of a desire for the future, goals, objectives and strategies progressively provide structure for future action.

Goals represent a desired outcome, objectives provide more specific direction, and the strategies are actions aimed at achieving particular objectives. Goals, objectives and strategies are organized according to the predominant issues/topics identified in the previous section and are described in the following pages:

 

Neighborhood Preservation and Residential Land Use 

GOAL 1: To recognize, preserve and enhance existing neighborhoods as the foundation of a strong community, and provide a balanced residential environment.

RATIONALE

Neighborhood viability is one of the foundations of any community. Royal Oak has enjoyed substantial investment in its existing neighborhoods by both individuals and families expecting stable residential environments. Land use decisions must be balanced with and support the interests of existing neighborhoods, while still supporting housing opportunities to both new residents and residents who wish to remain in Royal Oak as their needs change.

OBJECTIVE 1.1
Preserve, maintain and enhance the character of existing neighborhoods.

STRATEGIES

  1. Establish clear and understandable boundaries on the Land Use Plan between established neighborhoods and non-residential areas.
  2. Support residential projects within neighborhoods that are compatible with existing density and architectural character by such methods as:
    • density based on the average density of the existing neighborhood;
    • setbacks which are comparable to the balance of the neighborhood;
    • spacing patterns of buildings from the street view consistent with the balance of the neighborhood;
    • location of garages limited to rear yards or side yards.
  3. Ensure that the sizes of any divided lots are compatible with existing neighborhood lots but not less than the minimum city code standard.
  4. Promote distinct neighborhoods organized around neighborhood parks, schools, and shopping.
  5. Implement overlay zoning techniques to address the areas in proximity to the downtown (see Implementation).

     

OBJECTIVE 1.2
Enhance the physical appearance and the economic value of existing neighborhoods.

STRATEGIES

  1. Establish design guidelines for new residential development and rehabilitation of existing residences which are compatible with existing conditions (density, setbacks, building spacings and rear and side garage locations.)
  2. Provide code enforcement of all residential properties.
  3. Explore the establishment of a neighborhood identification system such as unified street signs, entryway signs, and landscaping.
  4. Promote neighborhood enhancement programs and strategies such as preservation of mature trees, street tree plantings, neighborhood gardens, and sidewalk improvements.

OBJECTIVE 1.3
Ensure that multi-family development/redevelopment is compatible with the surrounding neighborhood characteristics.

STRATEGIES

  1. Limit height of buildings to no more than two and one-half stories, taking into consideration the height of surrounding established neighboring buildings.
  2. Require setbacks that are consistent with neighboring buildings.
  3. Set a reasonable maximum lot coverage.
  4. Establish design components, which respect the existing architectural character of the neighborhoods.
  5. Limit garage locations to rear and side yards.
  6. Support strict code enforcement of rental, residential and commercial properties.

OBJECTIVE 1.4
Promote safety and security through the management of traffic volumes and speeds which are detrimental to residential neighborhoods.

STRATEGIES

  1. Evaluate methods which slow down and discourage cut-through traffic but maintain continuous access for residents, fire, police and emergency personnel.
  2. Evaluate feasibility of closing streets in proximity to areas which promote cut-through traffic (i.e. Woodward Corridor Study).

OBJECTIVE 1.5
Promote a "Walkable Community" environment that will facilitate pedestrian and bicyclist use.

STRATEGIES

  1. Enhance pedestrian and bicycle access from surrounding neighborhoods with cross walks and consistent sidewalk ramps at key locations.
  2. Provide and maintain continuous sidewalks linking neighborhoods, schools, community facilities, and the Central Business District (CBD).
  3. Continue to support the City's maintenance plan for existing and new sidewalks.
  4. Discourage the use of drive-through traffic and multiple curb cuts that are a detriment to pedestrian oriented environment.
  5. Continue to work with railroads to provide safer crossings.
  6. Minimize the amount and speed of traffic through neighborhoods by using "traffic calming" devices.

  7. Promote neighborhood enhancement programs and strategies such as preservation of mature trees, street tree plantings, neighborhood gardens and sidewalk improvements.

Historic Resources

GOAL 2: To encourage the preservation of the City's historic character through the identification and preservation of historically significant neighborhoods and other properties.

RATIONALE

The City has many significant historic structures both in the downtown and in neighborhoods. Preservation efforts such as rehabilitation and adaptive reuse will contribute to the City's historic character and the community at large.

 

OBJECTIVE 2.1
Recognize and promote the community's historic resources.

STRATEGIES

  1. Study the community-wide inventory which identifies historically significant and contributing structures.
  2. Support educational efforts to publicize historic structures and their importance to the fabric of the community.
  3. Encourage voluntary participation in a program of identification and formal recognition of restored homes and other structures in acknowledged historical areas.

OBJECTIVE 2.2
Encourage the maintenance and rehabilitation of historic structures and neighborhoods.

STRATEGIES

  1. Investigate potential incentives which will maintain the use of historic structures within neighborhoods as single family residences.

  2. Where there are concentrations of historic structures, ensure that new development is compatible with the existing historic character of the area. Encourage an architectural theme which complements existing historic structures.

Downtown

GOAL 3: To maintain and improve a healthy and vibrant mixed-use downtown center as a desirable business address that integrates expanded commercial, entertainment, office, residential, retail and service uses.

RATIONALE

The future for downtown Royal Oak will be built upon its exciting combination of the traditional and the unique. A strong sense of it's past creates the foundation for change and enhancement. A vital mix of activities, along with a freedom of expression, will continue to give Royal Oak it's special flair and appeal as a shopping, entertainment, and living experience.

OBJECTIVE 3.1
Enhance the physical appearance of the downtown.

STRATEGIES

  1. Develop design guidelines and provide assistance to enhance our vibrant urban environment with specific consideration for building height, style, setbacks, signage and streetscape design.
  2. Continue to improve public and private signage, and lighting, downtown.
  3. Upgrade parking and parking lots with improved safe lighting, signage and incorporate separation by landscaping and decorative screening measures that ensure compatibility with neighboring residential areas where applicable.
  4. Support strict code enforcement of commercial, residential and rental properties.

OBJECTIVE 3.2
Enhance the mixed use environment downtown with emphasis on expanded retail, office, entertainment and housing compatible with neighboring residential areas.

STRATEGIES

  1. Encourage an expanded retail environment in the core of downtown, including, but not only, mixed-use retail options combined with office and upper level residential uses.
  2. Encourage small to medium development projects within the downtown.
  3. Encourage the relocation of uses not dependent on a downtown location and allow conversion to uses which are complementary to and compatible with a downtown environment.
  4. Encourage mixed use multi-level parking structures which provide the opportunity for retail and office ground floor and parking on upper floors.
  5. Create a central business overlay district which will permit increased building height for projects that include the following:
    • exemplary architectural and site design features;
    • an appropriate mix of retail, office and upper level residential uses;
    • provide increased off-street parking;
    • incorporate landscaping and/or decorative screening measures that ensure compatibility with neighboring residential areas.

OBJECTIVE 3.3
Provide design guidelines for treatment of buffers to create a smooth transition between residential areas and non-residential uses.

STRATEGIES

  1. Provide consistent screening of more intensive uses (i.e. multiple family, commercial/office uses) from residential neighborhoods through the use of walls, fences and/or landscaping.
    • Provide separation as well as an attractive physical barrier between the residential and non-residential uses as necessary to minimize disruptive light, noise, odor, dust, unsightly appearances and intrusive activity relative to the residential environment.
    • Buffer should consist of a landscape area along the residential boundary, with a decorative screen wall along the non-residential side of said buffer.
    • Landscape area should be planted with trees and shrubs to visually screen non-residential areas and provide an attractive boundary that encourages continued investment in the adjacent residential property.
    • Buffer and screening should be scaled in accordance with the scale of the non-residential use.
  2. Establish alternative design treatments of existing alleys typically located between residential and commercial/office uses.
    • Attempt to create more space for screening of auto service, parking areas, and storage areas through the use of fences, walls, and/or landscaping.
    • Use alleys as second access to buildings providing parking and pedestrian ways through the use of alleyscape and courtyard amenities such as paving, landscaping, lighting, and street furniture.

OBJECTIVE 3.4
Promote a pedestrian friendly environment.

STRATEGIES

  1. Increase pedestrian and bike access from surrounding neighborhoods with cross walks and consistent sidewalk ramps at key locations.
  2. Provide continuous sidewalks linking neighborhoods, schools, community facilities, and the Central Business District.
  3. Discourage uses that are a detriment to pedestrian oriented environment such as drive-throughs and uses, which require multiple curb cuts.
  4. Continue to support the City's maintenance plan for new and existing sidewalks.
  5. Continue to work with the railroads to provide safer crossings.

OBJECTIVE 3.5
Create new and enhance existing public spaces.

STRATEGIES

  1. Reorganize the Civic Center (City Hall/Library) as a community focal point around an open space/plaza used for outdoor concerts, community events and informal gatherings.

  2. Expand Farmers Market to its fullest potential by attracting uses which serve as a destination point and one of the City's gateways while also improving the linkages between the Farmers Market and Downtown.

Commercial Corridors

GOAL 4: To Improve both the function and visual appearance of the major commercial corridors within Royal Oak while protecting and enhancing neighboring residential areas.

RATIONALE

Varied in terms of use, the appearance of the major commercial corridors leaves a lasting impression on both the casual visitor and the residents. The lack of defined entryways into the community, uncoordinated mix of uses, a multitude of curb cuts, proliferation of signs, predominance of paved surfaces and absence of landscaping all contribute to portions of many corridors that are visually unattractive.

OBJECTIVE 4.1
Provide design guidelines for treatment of buffers to create a smooth transition between residential and non-residential uses.

STRATEGIES

  1. Provide consistent screening of more intensive uses (i.e. multiple family, commercial/office uses) from residential neighborhoods through the use of decorative landscaping.
    • Provide sufficient setback as well as an attractive physical barrier between the residential and non-residential uses as necessary to minimize disruptive light, noise, odor, dust, unsightly appearances and intrusive activity relative to the residential environment.
    • Buffer should consist of a landscape area along the residential boundary, with a decorative wall along the non-residential side of said buffer.
    • Landscape area should be planted with trees, flowers, grasses, and shrubs to visually screen non-residential areas and provide an attractive boundary that encourages continued investment in the adjacent residential property.
    • Buffer dimension should be larger and the screening more intensive when the nature and/or scale of the non-residential use is more intensive than the residential use.
  2. Establish alternative design treatments of existing alleys typically located between residential and commercial/office uses.
    • Attempt to create more space for screening of auto service, parking areas, and storage areas through the use of decorative screening and/or landscape materials.
    • Use alleys as second access to buildings providing parking and pedestrian ways through the use of alleyscape and courtyard amenities such as paving, landscaping, lighting, and street furniture.

OBJECTIVE 4.2
Improve the visual appearance of the commercial corridors.

STRATEGIES

  1. Support land use decisions that enhance the economic, aesthetic and functional qualities of each corridor which do not detract from neighboring residential areas, and which are of compatible design, scale, and use to the neighboring residential areas.
  2. Develop stronger buffer standards between the right-of-way and parking areas through the use of decorative screening and landscaping materials.
  3. Reduce the number of curb cuts along the corridors.
  4. Encourage consolidated parking at side or rear of buildings, while ensuring continuous screening between commercial and adjacent residential areas.
  5. Develop streetscape amenities unique to each corridor with the use of consistent paving, furniture, landscaping, lighting, and signage.
  6. Continue the facade/building line north and south of downtown along Main Street to better integrate with the downtown and to create an entryway into the City.
  7. Continue efforts to improve signage along commercial corridors and to reduce the number of non-conforming signs.

OBJECTIVE 4.3
Provide linkages between various community elements through enhanced corridors.

STRATEGIES

  1. Identify and enhance major entryways/gateways into the City through the use of landscaping and identification signs such as Main St./ I-696, Woodward Ave./11 Mile Rd., Woodward Ave./12 Mile Rd., and 11 Mile Rd./I-75.

  2. Encourage the use of corridors as linkages such as 11 Mile Road linking Woodward Ave. to civic areas downtown, and Main St. linking I-696 and downtown.

Woodward Corridor

GOAL 5: To recognize the economic, social and cultural importance of the Woodward Corridor and pursue the improvements needed to enhance and maintain its vitality.

RATIONALE

The economic health and physical improvement of the Woodward Corridor are vital not only to the City of Royal Oak but the entire area traversed by Woodward Avenue. While some improvements have occurred to individual properties, comprehensive strategies, such as the ones embodied in the Woodward Avenue Corridor Study, need to be actively pursued.

OBJECTIVE 5.1
Provide design guidelines for treatment of buffers to create a smooth transition between residential and non-residential uses.

STRATEGIES

  1. Provide consistent screening of more intensive uses (i.e. multiple family, commercial/office uses) from residential neighborhoods through the use of decorative landscape materials.
    • Provide setback as well as an attractive physical barrier between the residential and non-residential uses as necessary to minimize disruptive light, noise, odor, dust, unsightly appearances and intrusive activity relative to the residential environment.
    • Buffer should consist of a landscape area along the residential boundary, with a decorative screen wall along the non-residential side of said buffer.
    • Landscape area should be planted with trees and shrubs to visually screen non-residential areas and provide an attractive boundary that encourages continued investment in the adjacent residential property.
    • Buffer and screening should be scaled in accordance with the scale of the non-residential use.
  2. Establish alternative design treatments of existing alleys typically located between residential and commercial/office uses.
    • Attempt to create more space for screening of auto service, parking areas, and storage areas through the use of fences, walls, and/or landscaping.
    • Use alleys as second access to buildings providing parking and pedestrian ways through the use of alleyscape and courtyard amenities such as paving, landscaping, lighting, and street furniture.

OBJECTIVE 5.2
Improve and maintain the overall appearance of buildings and streetscape.

STRATEGIES

  1. Utilize streetscape elements such as lighting, landscaping, furniture and signage to help visually unify areas and improve the pedestrian environment along the corridor.
  2. Improve the appearance of strip buildings that have multiple tenants by unifying the individual storefronts through similar use of material, color, signage, lighting, etc., and encourage proper maintenance of said corridor properties.
  3. Develop treatments for rear building elevation that improve the appearance of entrance and service areas.
  4. Preserve, establish, and re-establish street trees and related landscape components in the corridor.

OBJECTIVE 5.3
Provide sufficient, accessible, and attractive parking conditions for businesses along Woodward.

STRATEGIES

  1. Investigate methods of reorganizing existing parking areas to increase their efficiency and improve their appearance.
  2. Screen adjacent residential neighborhoods from parking areas located behind businesses.
  3. Investigate opportunities to increase parking through the removal of existing commercial buildings.
  4. Consider the purchase of homes adjacent to the corridor for the provision of off street parking where appropriate.

OBJECTIVE 5.4
Create a corridor that is distinctive, visually rich and well organized.

STRATEGIES

  1. Develop a significant, unique, overriding design concept that reflects the importance of Woodward to the community, county and state.
  2. Identify historic places, buildings, structures, locations and events important to Woodward and highlight them as features for the corridor.
  3. Identify opportunities for "corridor scaled" public art/elements and public spaces at key locations along the corridor.
  4. Identify individual communities and districts through the use of "gateways" and "landmarks."
  5. Maintain and enhance existing open space and investigate opportunities for additional open space on or adjacent to the corridor.

OBJECTIVE 5.5
Improve safety and control of traffic speed and congestion.

STRATEGIES

  1. Consolidate and reduce the number of ingress/egress points along Woodward while maintaining sufficient access to business parking.
  2. Reduce conflict points between pedestrian and vehicular circulation.
  3. Investigate signalization and traffic engineering methods such as IVHS (Intelligent Vehicle Highway Systems) that can improve safety and reduce traffic congestion.

OBJECTIVE 5.6
Encourage multi-modal use of the corridor.

STRATEGIES

  1. Facilitate pedestrian movement between the east and west sides of Woodward through development/redevelopment of the corridor.
  2. Incorporate a bicycle path network along or in areas adjacent to the corridor, with connections to existing community bike path systems.
  3. Develop a network of existing and future parks and recreation facilities for the corridor and surrounding area.
  4. Encourage public transit systems that support redevelopment of the corridor.

OBJECTIVE 5.7
Maintain a healthy and vibrant retail and institutional mix that allows Woodward to be a sought after business address and phase out over time uses or buildings that have a negative impact on the corridor.

STRATEGIES

  1. Promote uses and activities that maintain or increase the commercial tax base.
  2. Identify negative or inappropriate uses along the corridor.
  3. Identify buildings or sites with outmoded site characteristics and recommend creative redevelopment concepts for underutilized properties along the corridor.
  4. Develop recommendations for the reuse of such parcels.

  5. Investigate financing options for the redevelopment of such sites.

Transportation/Circulation

GOAL 6: To provide a transportation system to facilitate the safe and smooth flow of motorized and nonmotorized vehicles and pedestrians.

RATIONALE

An efficient and safe transportation system is vital to the quality of life in the City of Royal Oak for both residents and businesses.

OBJECTIVE 6.1
Ensure that the roadway system is safe, efficient and adequate to meet the needs of City residents and businesses.

STRATEGIES

  1. Establish a priority system of street improvements, which improve traffic flow and safety, relieve congestion and are coordinated with commercial corridor improvements.
  2. Promote safety improvements at problematic intersections.
  3. Limit the numbers of egress/ingress access and service drives and encourage shared drives along major corridors.

OBJECTIVE 6.2
Promote a "Walkable Community" environment that will facilitate pedestrian and bicyclist use.

STRATEGIES

  1. Enhance pedestrian and bike access from surrounding neighborhoods with cross walks and consistent sidewalk ramps at key locations.
  2. Provide and maintain continuous sidewalks linking neighborhoods, schools, community facilities, and the Central Business District.
  3. Discourage the use of drive-through traffic and multiple curb cuts that are a detriment to pedestrian oriented environment.
  4. Continue to support the City's maintenance plan for existing and new sidewalks.
  5. Continue to work with railroads to provide safer crossings.
  6. Minimize the amount and speed of traffic through neighborhoods by using "traffic calming" devices.
  7. Promote neighborhood enhancement programs and strategies such as preservation of mature trees, street tree plantings, neighborhood gardens and sidewalk improvements.

OBJECTIVE 6.3
Promote non-motorized transportation and use of public transit.

STRATEGIES

  1. Encourage pedestrian orientation and provide safe pedestrian linkages through sidewalks between neighborhoods, parks, schools and commercial areas.
  2. Increase opportunities for biking within the City by developing a bicycle master plan with designated bike routes and appropriate connections.

 

Parks/Recreational Resources

GOAL 7 To provide recreation land in the form of community parks, neighborhood parks and mini-parks and recreational facilities which are convenient, accessible and meet the needs of Royal Oak residents.

RATIONALE

The desirability of Royal Oak as a residential community is enhanced by its excellent parks and recreational facilities. Parks and recreation services contribute to the economic and social well being of the community. Increased demands will be placed on parks and recreation services as population and resident expectations increase.

OBJECTIVE 7.1
Provide recreation land in the form of community parks, neighborhood parks and mini-parks, which is convenient and accessible to all residents.

STRATEGIES

  1. Provide balanced geographical distribution of parks.
  2. Provide neighborhood park or mini-park facilities wherever available in deficient areas.
  3. Encourage new development and existing projects, where applicable, to reserve park and open space.

OBJECTIVE 7.2
Provide fields and facilities that meet the community wide recreation needs of Royal Oak residents.

STRATEGIES

  1. Provide high quality recreation fields and facilities for organized team play at community parks.
  2. Organize a steering committee to investigate the feasibility of developing an outdoor City-owned swimming facility with a range of amenities including outdoor shallow depth areas and ancillary facilities.
  3. Expand promotion of current swimming programs held at school facilities. Coordinate with School District to consider expansion of swimming programs.

OBJECTIVE 7.3
Provide, promote, and encourage the establishment and maintenance of non-motorized trails.

STRATEGIES

  1. Create a multi-purpose pathway system in several parks throughout the City that can be used for walking, jogging, rollerblading, rollerboarding, etc. and other pedestrian activities.

OBJECTIVE 7.4
Eliminate existing barriers to recreation facilities and programs by creating barrier-free facilities and adopting a policy of "inclusive recreation."

STRATEGIES

  1. Provide recreation and leisure opportunities to all residents.
  2. Ensure that each play setting and activity area is accessible, that accessible play components are placed wherever possible, and that similar play opportunities are provided to citizens with disabilities.
  3. Improve accessible routes of travel, connecting parking areas, drop off points, and provide safe access to activity areas and accessible activities.
  4. Provide a means of getting on and off the equipment for children with a range of mobility impairments.
  5. Ensure that landscape areas, gardens, picnic areas, parking areas, park facilities, and significant natural features are accessible.
  6. Encourage consultation between operator, manufacturer or designer, and people with and without disabilities who reside in the community.

OBJECTIVE 7.5
Increase parking capacity of parks.

STRATEGIES

  1. Review current parks for parking deficiencies and establish a plan of long-term goals to rectify these deficiencies.

 

Community Resources and Facilities

GOAL 8 To provide community facilities and services which contribute to the overall improvement of the community and goals of the Master Plan and meet the needs of the Royal Oak community.

RATIONALE

Providing basic facilities and services is an essential role of local government. However, well planned and strategically located community facilities can contribute to the advancement of other community goals. As with other public services, demand for improved community facilities will increase as community expectations increase.

OBJECTIVE 8.1
Provide Master Plan goals for consideration in the planning, programming, construction, and maintenance of community facilities.

STRATEGIES

  1. Incorporate evaluation of Master Plan goals in the preparation of a future City Capital Improvement Plan.
  2. Encourage dialog regarding planning with other governmental units and neighboring cities.

OBJECTIVE 8.2
Develop new or improve upon existing community facilities that contribute to the community visions embodied in the Master Plan.

STRATEGIES

  1. Continue developing the downtown civic plaza as a focal point for public services and gatherings.
  2. Maintain and improve Farmers Market.

OBJECTIVE 8.3
Increase awareness of Royal Oak's rich cultural and artistic heritage; celebrate and expand cultural expression; and encourage cultural institutions to develop and grow.

STRATEGIES

  1. Promote Royal Oak's arts and cultural institutions and programs.
  2. Promote Royal Oak's arts, architecture and cultural assets to advance Royal Oak as a community and tourist destination.

OBJECTIVE 8.4
Encourage understanding and support for the unique needs of our aging population and the value they provide to our entire community.

STRATEGIES

  1. Support the voluntary choice of older residents who wish to remain in their homes.
  2. Encourage projects that address the services and housing needs of our aging population.
  3. Encourage design standards that accommodate the special needs of these residents.

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