From virtually the onset of the Town Center planning process it was determined that rather than define a single theme for the entire plan area, it was more desirable to take advantage of the unique attributes of the different areas within the Town Center boundaries. The character of existing development, natural features, and environmental infrastructure varies greatly from one portion of the planning area to the next. Moreover, the proximity to USH 41/141 also has a significant impact on the scale of development (i.e., auto-oriented vs. pedestrian oriented).

This approach allows developers to capitalize on the Suamico River access, woodland features, and the USH 41/141 corridor. If a single theme had been pursued, it would have been difficult to identify and maintain throughout the project area. Given the dominant boundaries that exist in the Town Center (i.e. the river, railroad corridor, and USH 41/141), it is very easy to delineate theme area boundaries within the Town Center without creating a disjointed feeling.

Based on professional review of the area, as well as the SWOT assessment, and comments received from local resident and landowners, four themes are recommended within the Town Center. These themes will create unique areas of development, linked by the river, highway and railroad corridors.

What follows is a very brief introduction to each theme. The remaining chapter of the plan provide much more detailed information about the design features, community features, infrastructure needs, and ordinance amendments recommended to implement each theme.

This proposed theme area is located in the westernmost portion of the project area, west of USH 41/141 and south of CTH B.

Existing development in the project areas includes a mix of uses, including: the former Suamico Town Hall, historic commercial structures located primarily along CTH HS, Vickery Village, Shooters Bar, residences, park facilities, and the Suamico River.

Redevelopment of this area as a Historic Hamlet is recommended. A hamlet is defined as a small pocket of residential and commercial development, much smaller in scale than a village or "downtown," having a distinct feel reinforced by paying particular attention to the balance between pedestrian and vehicular amenities. Hamlets encourage reduced building setbacks, parking lots behind building lines, shared parking areas, on-street parking, the use of front and rear entrances into commercial establishments and mixed uses in a compact area.

The Historic Hamlet will take advantage of the Suamico River by encouraging the establishment of a pedestrian boardwalk along the Suamico River that provides access to adjacent businesses. In accordance with the Town of Suamico Comprehensive Plan, this boardwalk should eventually be extended east of USH 41/141 to provide residents in other areas of the Town easy pedestrian access to the Historic Hamlet.

 

Highway & Community Service

The proposed Highway and Community Service Area can be identified as those areas within 1000’ in all directions of the USH 41/141 and CTH B exit.

Existing development in this area includes a gas station, fast food restaurant, coffee shop, day care and banking institution. Given the strong influence of the highway as a market force for auto-oriented businesses like gas stations, fast food restaurants, and convenience stores, the Town should encourage additional development of this nature at this location. However, all development in the proposed Highway Service Area should be well landscaped and buffered from adjacent areas. Strong signage controls, lighting restrictions, building materials standards, and landscape buffers should be enforced to minimize the impact of the development in this area.

Most importantly, development in the Highway and Community Service Area will recognize the fact that this interchange represents the only introduction many people will have to the Town of Suamico. To provide a positive experience, the Highway and Community Service Chapter describes specific uses and techniques to ensure that future development is attractive, well planned, easily accessible, and meets the needs of both passing motorists and Town residents.

This area can generally be defined as north of CTH B along Veterans Avenue. Much of this area is presently undeveloped. USH 41/141 forms the westernmost boundary of the area, which includes a railroad corridor that bisects the area. The area’s most striking feature is its dense forest coverage lining both sides of Veterans Avenue. The trees provide a "northwoods" feel to this portion of the project area, quite distinguishable from other areas within the Town Center.

To retain the natural beauty the forest coverage provides, this area is to be developed as a conservation planned unit development, with priority placed on tree preservation to maintain the woodland feel. As a planned unit development, the area will support a blend of professional offices and residential units.

This area is generally described as north of CTH B on the west side of USH 41/141 and includes the area between USH 41/141 and Velp Road. Given the immediate proximity of residential development on the west side of Velp Avenue, it is critical that uses in this area be of a low impact nature, with character and appearance harmonious with the adjacent residential uses. Given the USH 41/141 frontage, this area also serves as a gateway to advertise the Historic Hamlet.