The priorities and goals of the Black Rock NRZ, and the actions needed to achieve those goals are outlined in the Black Rock NRZ Strategic Plan.
The following is a summary of the goals outlined in the NRZ Strategic Plan:
Environment and Open Space
- Participate in design of improvements to Ellsworth Park
- Participate in design of improvements to P.T. Barnum Park
- Develop Black Rock Waterfront Linear Park
Arts, Culture & Entertainment
- Develop a strategic plan for the Arts, Culture and Entertainment Industry in Black Rock (include place for interface with business and economic development plans)
- Identify developer/funding and sites for artist and entertainment venues including live/work spaces, an arts center and multi-use performance venues.
- Develop a public art plan to commission juried public arts.
Zoning, Land Use, Historic Preservation
- Develop guidelines for and ratify the Conservation Overlay Zone
- Influence ordinance re-draft to include denial of zone changes in historic districts
- Develop preservation loan program
- Draft and promote dock ordinance
- Pursue alternative development options for 340-344 Brewster Street
Business and Economic Development
- Establish a liaison within the City for business and neighborhood development in Black Rock
- Eliminate inappropriate commercial uses
- Identify, encourage, and support high-priority development
- Create incentives for sustainable development
- Plan for the further development of Brewster Street
Design Review and Development Standards
- Establish Black Rock Village District and guidelines
- Create commercial rehabilitation and facade improvement programs
- Develop plan for streetscape improvements
Circulation, Access, Transportation & Parking
- Develop neighborhood gateways
- Improve existing municipal parking lots
- Provide traffic lights or other traffic calming devices at trouble intersections
- Investigate potential for foot bridge across Ash Creek
- Enable bicycle access in Black Rock
- Implement on-street parking regulations
- Develop parking plan for Black Rock Library
- Explore expansion of municipal parking on available sites
Quality of Life
- Increase communication between the City, public safety, and the community
- Advocate for a police officer position dedicated to Black Rock
Education
- Improve infrastructure at Black Rock schools
- Increase children’s access to education, including transportation to neighborhood events
- Emphasize partnerships within Black Rock
- Identify additional funding for gaps in education
- Support keeping Black Rock School as a neighborhood school
