logo Burks Hill Neighborhood Master Plan
Public Meetings:
July 10 and 12, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction
City Vision
 
Existing Conditions
Images
Site Plan
Topography
 
Proposed Plan
View Plan
 
460/Burks Hill Road Interchange
Detailed Plan View
 
Traditional Downtown Area
Detailed Plan View
Extending Traditional Downtown Street Patterns
Zoning Diagram
Street Profile
Greenway/Canal
 
Neighborhood Village Zone
Village Neighborhood
Street Elevation

 


City Vision   reprinted from: City of Bedford: Comprehensive Plan. January 2002.


A community-based strategic planning process was begun in the mid-1990’s and aptly named “Bedford Visioning.” From it emerged a shared vision of Bedford as “a prosperous, world class community that preserves our heritage, builds upon our assets, and promotes and enhances educational, technological, cultural and economic opportunities for all citizens.”

The vision for Bedford is one of a city that will be vibrant and alive with opportunity ensuring a sound, stable economy. Excellent employment opportunities will keep young people in the area. Downtown will have a colorful, festive atmosphere with a variety of restaurants, retail stores and entertainment opportunities. Centertown will brim with refurbished buildings, and all storefronts will be filled.

The City will be a leader in telecommunications with appropriate infrastructure to enable businesses and residents to capitalize on telecommunications opportunities and access the Internet. Bedford will continue to maintain its own World Wide Web Page linked to a wide variety of economic development, tourism, and other service related information. Because of its location midway between Roanoke and Lynchburg, Bedford will serve as a focal site for regional development and host for various educational and economic development activities that neither metropolitan area provides on its own.

A world class education system for youth and adults will be recognized as one of the best in the state. The middle school will provide a center for advanced technology and extended learning. Vocational and high-tech training will be available to support local industry needs and equip Bedford’s young people to obtain well-paying jobs. High quality day care before and after school will be available as well as enrichment and Head Start programs for children.

A multi-purpose community center will offer activities for a wide variety of ages and interests, and a Youth Activity Center will provide planned, supervised programs specifically for youth.

Improved accessibility, including a new downtown bridge, stacked parking and public transportation, will help residents and visitors enjoy shops and facilities in the City.

Important community assets will be protected and marketed. The area’s spectacular mountain vistas will be preserved as a principle of future development.

The National D-Day Memorial and Educational Center will be completed, and other historic sites will be undergoing extensive restoration. Effective tourism marketing and promotion programs will continue to attract thousands of visitors to the area resulting in significant increases in tourism related revenues.

Local government officials in the region will continue to work cooperatively on shared economic development goals and will be supported in their efforts by the private sector and area residents.
In order to realize this future, the Visioning Plan identified five areas for strategic initiatives:

  • Promote industrial development by developing an industrial park in order to attract new industry and retain existing industry while maintaining Bedford’s small town character;
  • Promote retail development by making Centertown a preferred choice for working, playing and living;
  • Increase tourism by developing and executing programs that make Bedford a tourist destination;
  • Expand educational opportunities for all citizens with a special emphasis on advanced technology;
  • Focus on recreational opportunities for all ages.


   

copyright 2003-2004.
Gregory M. Kelley
Architecture and Urban Design Associates