Urban Design and Planning - Hackett-Merrill Neighborhood Plans

Hackett-Merill Neighborhood Plans

Beloit, Wisconsin

Services Provided:
Land Use Plan
Transportation Plan
Commercial Sub-Area Plan
Development Guidelines

As part of the Lannert Group's preparation of the City of Beloit's comprehensive plan, special attention was given to two older city neighborhoods with typical urban problems. The Lannert Group recommended solutions such as traffic calming devices, streetscape improvements, better code enforcement, and improved pedestrian lighting. Recommendations also included establishing user-friendly land use patterns and restoring neighborhood identity through public and private projects.

Hackett Neighborhood Plan

Key features of the Hackett Neighborhood include pedestrian and streetscape improvements along internal thoroughfares. Organized commercial uses were developed at key intersections, and mixed residential uses incorporated higher densities near the neighborhood center. The combination of these elements along with the improved planning guidelines helped to reestablish a sense of community in this neighborhood.

Merrill Neighborhood Plan

Key features of the Merrill Neighborhood include many of the same features included in the Hackett Neighborhood Plan: Better lighting, improved pedestrian/streetscape elements, and a reorganization of land uses in more user-friendly patterns. In addition, a long connective greenway was proposed through the neighborhood, the many intersections were put into a prioritization list for streetscape/pedestrian improvements, and an employment/community center was planned at a centralized neighborhood location.