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Urban
Design
The principle urban design goal of the City
of Hagerstown is to improve the image of Hagerstown's gateways, its downtown,
and its neighborhoods. In order to achieve this goal, the Plan identifies
the following policies:
- Develop general design guidelines to strengthen
the image of downtown and neighborhoods.
The maximum allowable building height in the downtown should be reduced
to nine stories. The City's period street lamps should be installed
on all downtown streets. Overhead wiring should be relocated from downtown
streets. In order to protect the architectural uniqueness and richness
of the City's neighborhoods, new construction should be designed to
be compatible with the special characteristics of its neighborhood and
surrounding buildings.
- Enhance the appearance and significance of
gateways.
The City's gateways are important as an announcement of arrival at a
unique and special place. Currently the City's gateways are not recognized
as special places. Design studies should be prepared for the City's
principal gateways at U.S. 40 east and west of downtown, along the Dual
Highway, and Route 11 north and south of the City.
- Incorporate railroads into the City's fabric
through design.
The City should use the railroad bridges as a device in defining the
edges of and creating new gateways to the City's neighborhoods. Aesthetic
enhancement can be achieved through new lighting, landscaping, and public
art. Some railroad right-of-ways may be adaptable for trails.
- Encourage private beautification efforts.
Beautification programs should be initiated to enhance the image of
residential neighborhoods. Such initiatives include street trees, planters,
facade enhancement, design assistance for signs and other elements.
A new program should be established in collaboration with public schools
and institutions of higher learning to allow youth to participate in
improving the image of Hagerstown. Community groups could be created
to "adopt" sections of Hamilton Run and Antietam Creek.
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