South Main Area Plan

Chestnut Hill Cemetery: while groups were walking, runners and walkers were observed using the Chestnut Hill cemetery for recreation and exercise. While some additional landscaping and gathering spaces should be introduced, the cemetery is an active, vibrant space on the corridor.

Existing built landscape: existing residential structures have good design. Granite retaining walls are common on residential properties and are visually appealing and made of a vernacular material, which gives the area an enhanced sense of place. Many commercial buildings, such as the City Motor Company, Napoleon Bonaparte McCanless House, Coca Cola Building, and Restore, are architecturally interesting, but may need some restoration work.

Public Art: there are several opportunities for public art along the corridor; like painted panels applied to the Restoration Plus building, painting the road between the right turn on Main Street onto Fulton Street, murals on previously painted buildings, and sculptures placed on planting areas.

Neighborhood signage: signage welcoming you to Fulton Heights on South Fulton Street or the Chestnut Hill neighborhood on one of the side streets would bring attention to the neighborhoods.

Closure of Fulton Street on the south end of Main Street: this area is not commonly accessed by vehicles, and could be closed to make a pedestrian area.

Mini park at Five Points: a mini park with designated bus stop area with shelter and amenities was discussed by several walking groups.

Connectivity: the corridor is well connected to downtown and several neighborhoods by sidewalks and bicycle lanes. Consideration into connecting Vance, Lumber, or Harrison Streets to the other side of the railroad should be considered to improve connectivity to the East End and Cone Mill neighborhoods.

Graffiti Park: members of Group 1 provided suggestions to improve this area. They raised concerns regarding profanity found in some of the artwork and how people were painting outside of the provided panels. Someone suggested to prohibit the use of paint and use chalk instead, so that it could be washed out easily. They added that if the park included shaded sitting, like a gazebo for example, parents would be prompted to take out their kids to this creative art park.

Maintenance issues: many areas were not maintained by the city, private property owners, and Duke Energy. Sections of sidewalks are cracked and damaged to a degree that it is a tripping hazard, covered by dirt and grass, and blocked by utility poles; many utility poles had been previously crashed into, damaged poles were left standing next to new poles, and sloppy work had been done to get new poles installed through existing sidewalks. The sidewalk with culvert beneath on the 1100 block is a serious concern.

Mooresville Road Intersection: this intersection is not pedestrian friendly. Drivers will stop within the crossing area and not check for pedestrians before making right turns on red. Crosswalks are not marked, there is no pedestrian signal, but there are curbs ramps and truncated domes. The crossings are also wide compared to the time given before the signals change.

Lack of respect for pedestrians: Driver behavior seen throughout the block included driving past the stop signs, stopping at traffic light intersections on crosswalk markings.

Speed concerns: many groups noted that drivers were moving faster than posted speed limits and speed limit sign were too far spread out.

Lack of destinations: several groups discussed the lack of destinations on the corridor.

Responses from Group 1: Block of South Main Street: 100-700 blocks

Responses from Group 2: Block of South Main Street: 800-900 blocks

Responses from Group 3: Block of South Main Street: 900-1000 blocks

Responses from Group 4: Block of South Main Street: 1000-1200 blocks

Responses from Group 5: Block of South Main Street: 1300-1500 blo

Responses from Group 6: Block of South Main Street: 1600-1700 blocks