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CHAPTER 5 <br /> Connections to Surrounding Areas <br /> While this plan focuses on the downtown core roughly between Everett Avenue, <br /> Broadway, Pacific Avenue, and Marine View Drive, it is important to remember <br /> that the health of any downtown depends on both good connections to other <br /> parts of the city and support from adjacent districts and neighborhoods. <br /> Therefore, the redevelopment concept includes a consideration of actions <br /> outside the core. Figure 33 illustrates the key recommendations to better <br /> connect and integrate downtown to the rest of the city. <br /> In terms of connections, it is critical that the streets, transit routes, and trails into <br /> downtown provide access that is not only convenient, but also attractive and <br /> • welcoming. As one citizen at a Planning Commission meeting noted, the <br /> "gateway streets", particularly from 1-5 and the Riverfront, are downtown's <br /> welcome mat, and they should be more attractive than they are now. Therefore, <br /> the City should take steps to upgrade the performance and attractiveness of the <br /> gateway streets. Street trees and entry signage are a cost-effective approach to <br /> this action, but pedestrian improvements and lighting should also be considered, <br /> especially where there is likely to be foot traffic. <br /> Broadway is a special case since it is a commercial land use corridor as well as a <br /> transportation corridor and transit improvements are programmed on it. The City <br /> should pro-actively initiate a planning study to determine the preferred street <br /> configuration and development character. Pedestrian conditions are especially <br /> important in the Everett Events Center/Everett Station vicinity because it is <br /> critical to better link the station to downtown. <br /> Pedestrian and bicycle routes are equally important. This plan recommends <br /> implementing the recommendations of the Everett Shoreline Public Access Plan <br /> of 2003 and the bicycle links recommended in the transportation plan. <br /> Additionally, the routes to the neighborhoods north and south of the core are also <br /> critical. <br /> oo <br /> cJ> o0 <br /> MAKERS architecture and urban design <br /> 46 0509 rpi_orah.uoc•G29/0G <br />