HomeMy WebLinkAboutVision Oshkosh Sustainability ChapterSustainabiliity for the future of Oshkosh includes the integra-
tion of the City's economic, social, and environmental life in
order to:: "meet the needs of the present without compromis-
ing the ability offuture generations to meet their own needs."
This encompasses a general conciousness in all decisions on
how the outcome will affect future generations' environmen-
tal, social, and economic welfare and an effort to minimize
any adverse impacts.
Key Findings:
82%* of public meeting participants believe it is appropri-
ate to incorporate sustainable design practices in to future
development in Oshkosh, specifically solar panels, solar ori-
entation of buildings, green roofs, and wind turbines.
77 of public meeting participants would support the idea
of an "On- Demand" Transit System for the City of Oshkosh
and adjacent areas. An "On- Demand" Transit System is es-
sentially a small bus that travels from point to point and is
accessible via web or cell phone. The system costs on aver-
age $3 per trip and may pickup multiple passengers along
the way to increase efficiency. Reducing the use of the car is
an important policy to achieve sustainability.
71 of public meeting participants believe it is appropriate
to re -open a passenger and freight train line between Green
Bay and Milwaukee with stops in cities such as Appleton,
Fond du Lac, and Oshkosh.
At the Citizens Advisory Committee when asked what ob-
stacles were an impediment to Oshkosh's achievement of its
vision many respondents replied a lack of City Government
leadership will and a negative "can't do" attitude toward
new development.
How uc would you support providing a curriculum in schools
which promotes sustainable and healthy lifestyles?
Highly Support /Somewhat
Support
Neutral
Do not Support /Extremely
Against
Tested exclusively at public meetings and was not available online.
55 A. Nelessen Associates, Inc. Visioning I Planning I Urban Design
(Oshkosh Corp, Bemis, etc.) development?
11 Extremely
Appropriate/Appropriate
IN Somewhat Appropriate
Not Appropriate/Extremely
Inappropriate
21 don't know
Business/Entrepreneurial development?
Extremely
Appropriate/Appropriate
Somewhat Appropriate
Not Appropriate/Extremely
Inappropriate
I don't know
Appleton, Fond du Lac, and Oshkosh�.
0 Extremely
Appropriate/Appropriate
Somewhat Appropriate
0 Not Appropriate/Extremely
Inappropriate
I don't know
Be
Extremely
Appropriate/Appropriate
Somewhat Important
Not Appropriate/Extremely
Inappropriate
City of Oshkosh Vision Report 56
Oshkosh residents embraced a variety
of sustainable technologies, includ-
ing solar panels, wind farms, and bus
rapid transit as means of lowering
Oshkosh's carbon foot print and creat-
ing a sustainable community in the fu-
ture. Residents also indicated a desire
for increased means of reduce landfill
waste, such as creating a commuity
compost collection area.
57 A. Nelessen Associates, Inc. Visioning I Planning I Urban Design
Economic Sustainability Recommendations:
Create a "Buy Local" marketing campaign for the Oshkosh
area and for the New North.
Concentrate new development in Downtown in order to cre-
ate a vibrant business and retail center.
City government should work with stakeholders to build on
this Vision Report to create consensus on controversial is-
sues and make strong decisive leadership decisions where
consensus already exists, such as riverfront development.
All aspects of the city, from residents to council members
to city employees need to adopt a "Can Do" attitude in order
to move the city forward and achieve any of the goals of this
Vision.
Develop a coordinated planning effort between the Fox
Cities, Green Bay, Fond du Lac, Appleton, and Oshkosh is
highly recommended in order to create a strong competitive
regional economy.
Promote the new vision of Oshkosh through an extensive
media and public relations campaign.
Increase the activities, events, and festivals that attract visi-
tors to Oshkosh.
Continue to support the EAA Air Venture as a national
event and encourage adjacent business development in and
around the airfield.
Oshkosh should strive to achieve a jobs to housing balance
of 1 to 1 in order to create an economically, socially, and en-
vironmentally sustainable city.
Environmental Sustainability Recommendations:
Sustainability is the key to the future viability of Oshkosh.
Oshkosh should institute sustainable design standards into
the City's building code for all future development and in-
clude elements like requirements or incentives for solar
panels, solar orientation of the building, green roofs, and
wind turbines.
Oshkosh should plan and create an off- street trail system
to connect all residential areas to Downtown, Highway 41
retail, and employment centers in Oshkosh. Trails should be
a maximum of 1,800 feet from all residential areas.
Industrial lands waiting for redevelopment should be con-
verted to green space as an interim use.
City of Oshkosh Vision Report 58
Establish landscape standards for green roofs, rain gardens
and pervious pavement.
Develop surface runoff polices and plans that require diver-
sion and collection of water to natural drainage and filtra-
tion areas.
Porous or pervious materials should be considered as a first
option for the construction of all new parking lots. If porous
or pervious mater
A tree canopy plan should be developed for the entire City to
establish 50% to l00% canopy coverage.
All new development must set aside at least io% of the de-
velopable area as public green space.
The existing bus service should be expanded to make more
frequent and convenient stops. GPS location signs should be
installed at major bus stops in order to alert riders to wait
times for various bus routes. Bus shelters should be provid-
ed at all possible locations. Regular bus service should be in
place for all residential and employment areas (preferably
within a 1 /2 mile).
It is highly recommended that the cities of Oshkosh, Apple-
ton, and Green Bay jointly explore the option of installing a
Bus Rapid Transit system along Highway 41 connecting all
three downtowns.
A new train station and the re- opening of the train line be-
tween Green Bay and Milwaukee is highly recommended
and should become a policy priority.
New parks are highly encouraged. Locations for these new
parks are indicated on Map 3 of the Vision Translation
Workshop Maps.
Conduct a transportation needs assessment study; develop
a transportation plan emphasizing walking, bicycle rider-
ship, and transit ridership.
Promote and pursue alternative modes of transportation
through policy and land use. Alternative transportation
modes should include a Bus Rapid Transit system, local bus
service, On- Demand transit, walking, and bicycle;
Improve the existing transit station and plaza to create a
central meeting place for the city, coordinate plaza design
with surrounding streetscaping and street furniture;
Where appropriate designate bicycle lanes and bicycle park-
ing and rental facilities to establish a comprehensive bicycle
network;
59 A. Nelessen Associates, Inc. Visioning I Planning I Urban Design
Reduce vehicular speeds in and around Neighborhoods and
the University to provide greater safety.
Create a carbon foot print reduction plan.
Promote a new school curriculum which promotes future
sustainability and a green environment.
Incorporate LEED standards for all new construction and
urban planning efforts.
Create an "All Together" recycling system that allows recy-
clables to be mixed and therefore removes inconvenience
barriers to recycling.
Encourage recycling of building material and re -use of struc-
tures instead of new construction, where possible.
Promote the use of wind turbines on the outskirts of the
City.
Focus future and existing retail along Main Street whenever
possible, except for local fruit and vegetable grocers which
should be distributed throughout the city.
City of Oshkosh Vision Report