5th/6th Street Livability & Circulation Study
Pedestrian Features
Sidewalks along 5th/6th Street are conspicuously absent in many areas. More than seven miles of new sidewalk would be required to provide continuous sidewalks along both sides of 5th/6th Street. The CCAG, early in the process, felt that sidewalks, landscaping, and other pedestrian amenities are fundamental to developing 5th/ 6th Street into a truly livable streetscape.
A strong desire emerged to preserve the sidewalks and enhance walkability already existing on the west end. The 6th Street streetscape in the vicinity of 4th Avenue illustrates a pedestrian-friendly urban form, with wide sidewalks and zero setbacks for buildings fronting 6th Street. These features create an interesting pedestrian-scale environment, but they pose challenges for Phase III, because the CCAG guiding statement favors maintaining existing curb lines. West-end representatives spoke passionately for preserving the Depression era sidewalks and curbs constructed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA).
