# General plan documents — baton_rouge-louisiana Assembled by OpenPublica from the documents it serves for this government. Each section below is a separate publication by the government; page anchors (``) refer to pages of that section's own source PDF, linked in its heading. **Contains 5 documents.** OpenPublica has pinned these slots for this government: circulation, community_facilities, conservation, economic_development, general_plan_vision, housing, infrastructure, land_use, open_space. That is what we have looked for, not a statement that the government publishes nothing else — a plan element absent here may simply not have been reviewed yet. Last reviewed 2026-10-17. --- ## Land Use — FUTUREBR Land Use Element (Adopted March 20, 2024) - Source: https://www.brla.gov/DocumentCenter/View/19025/Land-Use-Element--Adopted-March-20-2024 - Pages: 20 - Covers: land_use - **Transcription findings were recorded for this document;** check figures against the source. # Land Use Introduction | 2 --- | --- **Part 1** Past, Present and Future | 8 **Part 2** Building the Plan | 16 **Part 3** Managing the Plan | 26 **Part 4** Goals, Objectives and Actions | 33 # INTRODUCTION: Land Use Baton Rouge’s shared vision is of a community that is known for sustainability – in economic, environmental and social equity terms. Baton Rouge’s Downtown is strong and vibrant day and night. It’s the heart of the region, with opportunities for living, working and recreation. Neighborhoods are thriving and citizens have housing options that are safe and affordable to a variety of income levels. East Baton Rouge Parish has attractive open spaces in every neighborhood, and residents have many desirable options for getting around, including walking, biking, riding transit and driving. <
> *Third Street* <
> *Live After Five* *** ### Core Values and Aspirations in the Vision This vision was developed by a diverse group of residents and stakeholders that provided input through workshops, open houses, interviews, focus groups and survey discussions. Respondents consistently cited the following core values and aspirations they believed should be the foundation for building a vision for East Baton Rouge Parish. Core values that relate to land use: **Prosperity:** All residents have access to a thriving economy with job opportunities in growing diverse businesses. **Equity:** All residents have access to a good education, public services, housing and job opportunities. **Diversity:** The City-Parish is known for embracing diversity and acceptance of other cultures, ethnicities and groups. **Safety:** People feel safe where they live, work and play. **Strong neighborhoods and communities:** Neighborhoods in all areas of the City-Parish are desirable places to live and have a range of housing types and nearby amenities to serve residents. **Convenient transportation:** There is a variety of choices for moving both people and goods, as well as improving existing ways to move throughout the parish. **Healthy environment:** Natural resources are protected and conserved to provide active and passive recreational opportunities for current and future residents. **Sustainability:** The future reflects the creativity and resiliency of East Baton Rouge Parish’s residents and offers a sustainable place for citizens to thrive – with a focus on building a future based on fiscal, physical, environmental, economic and equitable sustainability # LAND USE Introduction ## A Vision of Land Use Planning This element of the FUTUREBR Comprehensive Plan addresses how the East Baton Rouge Vision will be achieved through effective land use planning. The Comprehensive Plan is a statement of policy and therefore is not a regulatory document. The goals and policies at the end of this element will guide the city’s regulatory system – including the Unified Development Code (UDC), subdivision of land, interaction of land use and transportation planning, and economic development. The goals and policies also provide guidance to land-use decisions. <
> *Mississippi River* *** # LAND USE Introduction <
> *Spanish Town* <
> *Mid City* ## The Most Important Elements of the Vision ### A Parish of Distinct Neighborhoods and Districts Baton Rouge, by its history and nature, is organized into neighborhoods and districts. Think of how well parish residents describe where they live or work – Downtown, the Garden District, Spanish Town, Scotlandville, Mid City. These are all districts or neighborhoods, each with distinct characteristics. While other important elements of community form exist, such as commercial corridors or industrial areas, a parish concept of foundational, cohesive districts will both match the existing developments and also be easy to describe as new additions are recommended in the plan. So the fundamental starting point of the plan should be defining these areas – not just a map of districts, but understanding what defines the district character and what ties everything together. ### Concept of Self Reliance and Complete Design To be cohesive, districts typically share common characteristics – architecture, history, or civic institutions such as a school or park. The district concept becomes especially useful when combined with land use and transportation concepts. One of the fundamental goals of this plan is to develop a more resilient, prosperous East Baton Rouge Parish. Applying these ideas to a district concept leads to the idea of more self-contained districts, where one can find many of the residents’ or workers’ daily needs close by – a short drive or even a short walk – within 20 minutes. # LAND USE ## Introduction **WHAT MAKES AN AREA PEDESTRIAN-FRIENDLY?** In the ideal pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, most daily needs can be satisfied within a short walk from home and work. The factors that influence how easy and enjoyable it is for residents to walk for their daily needs are critical. In many areas, nearly a third of the variation in pedestrian activity can be attributed to environmental qualities such as cleanliness, sidewalk continuity, landscaping, seating, shade, and curb ramps, as well as the availability of street furniture, quality of paving materials, noise and odors. Street network characteristics such as configuration, compactness, and connectivity influence the frequency with which people drive, walk or ride a bike. Denser, connected street networks correlate with fewer motor vehicle trips, fewer miles traveled and improved pedestrian access. ### The 20-minute Neighborhood Concept Many residents of East Baton Rouge Parish would say that their quality of life is related to where they live and how easy it is to get to work, get kids to school, get involved with neighbors or have access to a local park. FUTUREBR sees the concept of the “20-minute neighborhood” — where residents can walk to essential amenities and services in 20 minutes — as a vital element of a healthy neighborhood. While many may prefer to drive, others will prefer walking to further enrich their own daily experience and to contribute to their quality of life. With FUTUREBR, the people who design streets, transportation systems, parks and sewers should bring the concept of the 20-minute neighborhood to areas outside the City-Parish core. The 20-minute neighborhood’s goal is to build projects that provide a range of amenities close to home, whether this occurs on foot or by transit, bike or car. The features of a 20-minute neighborhood can be found on the graphic below. The 20-minute neighborhood consists of local amenities, playgrounds and parks, walkability, local transport and housing diversity just to name a few. A combination of zoning reform, transportation investment and strategic commercial and residential expansion centered around existing transit could create more livable, walkable and people-centered neighborhoods, which can lead to greater housing affordability. Although the idea of complete, compact and connected places is simple, putting it into practice is complex. The following 10 principles are based on shared lessons from places with several years’ experience, such as a compelling vision, well connected- communities, partnership and advocacy, addressing inequalities, adopting policy, investment, and evaluation and adaptation. <
> *Liveability, Health and 20-minute Neighborhoods* *Creating well-designed walkable neighbourhoods that are connected through a mix of land-uses, housing types and access to quality public transport, we can create more healthy, liveable communities. Liveable communities should have access to the following features:* *Source: https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/guides-and-resources/strategies-and-initiatives/20-minute-neighbourhoods* --- # LAND USE ## Introduction <
> *Spanish Town* <
> *Riverfront in Downtown* ### Types of Neighborhoods and Districts There are many different types of neighborhoods, each with unique characteristics. Traditional neighborhoods built before the 1950s, such as Spanish Town, Beauregard Town and the Garden District, feature a grid pattern of streets with small lots and have commercial and service uses integrated into the neighborhood fabric. Neighborhoods such as Sherwood Forest, Shenandoah and Oak Hills Place, built since the 1960s, have a discontinuous street pattern and are more auto-oriented, consisting of single-family homes on large lots, shopping centers and parks. FUTUREBR envisions retaining the best and most cherished aspects of the districts while allowing them to evolve to meet the challenges of future growth, such as Mid City neighborhoods working together to evolve into vibrant mixed-use districts. To do this, FUTUREBR has identified Character Areas in the Community Design and Neighborhoods Element. This helps to determine if a Future Land Use designation responds to the design quality of the area, street types, context, and existing land use and development character. After FUTUREBR adoption in 2011, the Character Area map is another layer used to determine if a land use change conforms to the surrounding area. # Part 1: East Baton Rouge Parish – Past, Present, and Future East Baton Rouge Parish is the central parish within the Greater Baton Rouge metropolitan area, home to the City of Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana. The metropolitan statistical area (MSA) includes eight other parishes: Ascension, East Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, Point Coupee, St. Helena, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana. The Parish’s location in an MSA means it draws people from other parishes for employment and shopping opportunities. <
> *** ### THE PLAN OF GOVERNMENT AND HORIZON PLAN The citizens of the City of Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Parish recognized the need for a Comprehensive Plan and voted to amend the Plan of Government to require comprehensive planning in 1988. The award-winning Horizon Plan was the first locally-mandated comprehensive planning resolution in Louisiana. Adopted in 1992, the Horizon Plan’s primary emphasis was to identify major issues that influence future growth, to decide the actions necessary to address these issues, and to propose specific strategies that help the City-Parish target its resources in the most efficient manner. The original resolution called for five-year updates to the plan to monitor growth and development trends, with a major overhaul in 20 years. In conjunction with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the City-Parish experienced an influx of 75,000 new residents. The City-Parish’s infrastructure struggled to handle the additional demand. The experience of population growth in the aftermath of the hurricanes helped the City-Parish leadership decide to fast-track the development of the 20-year update to succeed the Horizon Plan, known as FUTUREBR. ### THE 1988 AMENDMENT TO THE PLAN OF GOVERNMENT (a) A Comprehensive Master Land Use and Development Plan for the physical development of the metropolitan area of East Baton Rouge Parish and the City of Baton Rouge shall be adopted by the Planning Commission and Metropolitan Council within two years of the passage of this amendment to the Plan of Government. The Comprehensive Plan shall include but not be limited to the following elements: land-use element; traffic circulation and mass-transit element; wastewater, solid waste, and drainage element; conservation and environmental resources element; recreation and open space element; housing element; public services and facilities element, which shall include but not be limited to a capital improvement program; public buildings and related facilities element; Development and redevelopment; Health and human service element; and Methods of financing to implement recommendations. ### THE STATE OF LOUISIANA REVISED STATUES Upon adoption of the Master Plan by the Planning Commission and Metropolitan Council, no subdivision, street, park or public way, ground or space, drainage, building development or structure, whether publicly or privately owned which is in conflict with the Master Plan or Zoning Ordinance of the City Parish shall be constructed or authorized unless the locations have been submitted to and approved by the Planning Commission. <
> <
> **LOUISIANA REVISED STATUES 33:109:** **PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT OF PARISHES AND MUNICIPALITIES** A. Whenever a commission has adopted a master plan of a parish or municipality, as the case may be..., no street, square, park or other public way, ground, or open space, or public building or structure, or public utility, whether publicly or privately owned, shall be constructed or authorized in the parish or municipality... B. Whenever a parish or municipal planning commission has adopted a master plan, the governing authority of such parish or municipality shall consider such adopted master plan before adopting, approving, or promulgating any local laws, ordinances, or regulations which are inconsistent with the adopted elements of the master plan. # LAND USE Part 1: Past, Present and Future ### Population Trends East Baton Rouge Parish is the most populous parish in Louisiana. In the last two decades, from 1990 to 2021, East Baton Rouge Parish has experienced a 16 percent increase in its population, from 380,699 to 453,301[^p6-1]. Since 2017 the city has grown 1.5%. This includes a population decline in 2017, 2018, and 2019. The city started seeing population grown in 2020 again. During the past three decades, the portion of the region’s population living in East Baton Rouge Parish has declined steadily. The Parish’s population grew by more than 2,000 during the last 21 years yet its share of region-wide population declined from 62 percent to 52 percent in 2020[^p6-2]. ### Employment Trends The majority of workers in the region continue to commute into East Baton Rouge Parish because it is the hub of employment. In 2021, almost 50% of people employed in the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Statistical Area worked in the city, but lived in the region[^p6-3]. The Parish accounts for half of the new jobs created in the region. Since 2000, East Baton Rouge Parish’s share of regional employment has decreased from 66 percent to 60 percent[^p6-4], meaning that outlying areas saw greater employment growth than East Baton Rouge Parish. Over this same period, East Baton Rouge Parish has continued to have a high concentration of jobs compared to population regionally. [^p6-1]: ACS DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING ESTIMATES Survey/Program: American Community Survey Year: 2021 Estimates: 1-Year Table ID: DP05 (Graph in folder with more references) [^p6-2]: Survey/Program: Decennial Census, Universe: Total population, Year: 2020, Table ID: P1; [^p6-3]: ACS B08016 2021, Dataset: ACSDT5Y2021, ACS-5-Year Estimate Detailed Tables; Workers 16 years and over living in a metropolitan statistical area [^p6-4]: LWC Regional Labor Market Area 2, Annual Average Employment by Parish 2021, 2020, 2019 <
> Source: Louisiana Workforce Commission. Note: RLMA 2 refers to the Baton Rouge Regional Labor Market Area, as defined by the Louisiana Workforce Commission, which includes the following parishes: Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, Washington, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana. --- # LAND USE Part 1: Past, Present and Future ### Forecasting Population Growth FUTUREBR is based on an aspirational population forecast that projects the Parish will retain its proportional share of the region’s population and employment. This is in contrast to the State of Louisiana’s 2030 population forecast. Under the State forecast, while the Baton Rouge MSA would see an increased population, East Baton Rouge Parish would lose population, with more growth going to surrounding parishes. It is possible to achieve this aspirational forecast and bring vitality and reinvestment to the Parish. It will require careful planning to retain and attract new people, in conjunction with improvements in the transportation network and the school system as well as reduction in the crime rate. The following describes how changing demographic trends, both nationwide and in the City-Parish must be considered as a part of East Baton Rouge Parish’s strategy for growth, revitalization and reinvestment. ### Relevant Demographic Shifts #### Declining Household Size Decades ago, the housing market was focused on providing single-family housing that met the needs of families with children. Today, the majority of new households are made up of one or two people, a trend that is expected to continue into the future. These small households may be any age, ranging from students and young professionals to retired seniors. The trend toward smaller households stems partially from aging baby boomers (persons born between 1946 and 1960). Baby boomers are a major demographic group with specific housing needs, since they are more likely to have just one or two people after their children move away. Many baby boomers seek housing that is convenient, social, and low maintenance – like much of the housing found in medium and higher-density urban neighborhoods. <
> Source: State of Louisiana Population Projections. http://www.louisiana.gov/Explore/Population_Projections/ Younger adults also seek out housing that is pedestrian friendly, convenient, diverse and balanced. Consumer research suggests that those in their 20s and 30s (known as Millennials) represent the largest target group of people interested in living in urban environments. Research by the Brookings Institution has also found that people aged 25-34 went from less than 15 percent to almost a quarter of Downtown residents between 1970 and 2000 in 44 selected cities. ### Increasing Population Diversity Compared to national averages, East Baton Rouge Parish is likely to become more ethnically and racially diverse by 2030. Under the state’s “high” population forecast, the share of African American residents is expected to exceed the share of white residents by more than 30 percent⁵. Like other southeastern regions, East Baton Rouge Parish will likely see an influx of Hispanic newcomers who are typically younger than the average resident. Nationally, the median age of the Hispanic population is 30 years⁶, compared to 39 years⁷ for the population as a whole. These new residents will need homes and neighborhoods to raise their families, schools within walking distance, and easy access to jobs via the transportation network. By 2030, the State of Louisiana predicts in its “high” forecast that 62 percent⁸ of the population in the Parish will be African American, 31 percent⁹ will be white, and 7 percent will be of other races. According to the Census, the Hispanic or Latino population has increased from 4 percent of the population in 2010 to over 25% of the population¹⁰. <
> [^p7-5]: Population Projections of Louisiana Parishes through 2030. Troy C. Blanchard, Associate Professor of Sociology, Louisiana State University. https://www.louisiana.gov/demographics-and-geography/ [^p7-6]: MEDIAN AGE BY SEX (HISPANIC OR LATINO) Survey/Program: American Community Survey Universe: People who are Hispanic or Latino Year: 2021 Estimates: 1-Year Table ID: B01002I [^p7-7]: AGE AND SEX Survey/Program: American Community Survey Year: 2021 Estimates: 1-Year Table ID: S0101 [^p7-8]: East Baton Rouge https://www.louisiana.govdemographics-and-geography, Louisiana Population Projections [^p7-9]: East Baton Rouge https://www.louisiana.govdemographics-and-geography, Louisiana Population Projections [^p7-10]: Census.Gov: ACS Table B010021, Dataset: ACSDT1Y2021, 1-Year Estimates Detailed Tables. People who are Hispanic or Latio *** ### Housing Analysis Most ownership housing in East Baton Rouge Parish consists of single-family detached homes, which points to an opportunity to build townhomes, and cottage homes products more attractive to diverse populations. If local and national trends hold true, much of East Baton Rouge Parish’s future demand for ownership units will be for smaller housing types. These trends also mean rental housing is projected to be a long-term need in the City-Parish. Rental housing offers flexibility for individuals and families in an age when job markets are in flux and mortgages are more difficult to obtain. In terms of affordability, there are many renters and owners living in housing that is not 30 percent of their incomes on housing¹¹, and the hardest hit are households earning the least. Unaffordable housing costs have most greatly affected renter households earning less than $15,000, making them particularly prone to overpaying – spending more than 35%, 40% or even 50% of their incomes on housing. Currently, rental housing in East Baton Rouge Parish is designed for lower income renters, perpetuating the stark income divide between renters and owners in the Parish. The market is under-producing high quality rental options affordable to households earning less than $25,000. [^p7-11]: Census.Gov. GROSS RENT AS A PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS. B25070, ACS2021 1-Year Estimate Detailed Tables <
> # LAND USE ## Part 1: Past, Present and Future ### Current Land Use Conditions #### Land Supply for New Development East Baton Rouge Parish encompasses approximately 300,000 acres of land (470 square miles). Removing the cities of Baker, Central and Zachary, the FUTUREBR planning area is just over 181,760 acres[^p8-12]. While the majority of the land is already developed, there is still a significant supply of land available for growth in the next 20 to 30 years. #### Environmental Constraints on Development Located within the delta of the nation’s largest river system, land in East Baton Rouge Parish is strongly influenced by water, including lakes, waterways, wetlands and floodplains. In addition to the more than 72,000 acres[^p8-13] of land constrained by wetlands and open water (over 20% of City-Parish land[^p8-14]), over a quarter[^p8-15] of City-Parish land is affected by the high hazard floodplain, also known as the “100-year” floodplain. These areas can impose constraints on development for both ecological and practical reasons. Building in the floodplain is common practice in the region, but it is inherently more expensive to build and subjects the development to greater risk of flooding. Given the availability of land not affected by environmental constraints, development in the high hazard floodplain should be subject to heightened review and stronger regulations. “Developable” land accounts for roughly a quarter[^p8-16] of the City-Parish area, based on the existing land use. Approximately 35 percent of that developable land is within the reach of existing urban services, which indicates the extent served by City-Parish water and sewer lines. Outside the urban service boundary, much of the undeveloped land is zoned for rural and agricultural use, including approximately 30,000 acres of prime agricultural land. To preserve productive farm land, forests, and rural open space within the Parish, new development and infill should be focused inside the existing network of urban services. In addition to land available for new development, there is widespread potential for redevelopment on land with existing buildings in many areas of the parish. Infill and redevelopment will be particularly important in areas that are centrally located and easily accessible, and where existing land use does not best serve community desires. Strategies for infill and redevelopment are discussed in greater detail in this element. #### Distribution of Housing and Employment Today Housing in East Baton Rouge Parish consists largely of single-family homes in existing neighborhoods. Some of the oldest, inner ring neighborhoods have excellent connectivity because of a continuous street grid, while many of the more recent housing developments have a disconnected street network and isolated land uses. Multi-family housing is available throughout the City-Parish, located in clusters along major arterials and bordering commercial centers. Employment is concentrated in downtown Baton Rouge and the Industrial Areas, along the corridors of Florida Boulevard, Interstate 10 and Airline Highway, and near LSU. [^p8-12]: EBRGIS [^p8-13]: EBRGIS [^p8-14]: EBRGIS [^p8-15]: EBRGIS [^p8-16]: EBRGIS *** # LAND USE ## Part 1: Past, Present and Future ### Land Use Changes to Accommodate Growth #### Strategic Scenario In light of demographic trends and the region’s projected growth, East Baton Rouge Parish will need to position itself as an attractive city in order to attract and retain talented young people. It will need to meet the demand for housing types not widely found in the Parish. On the transportation front, East Baton Rouge Parish will need to continue to serve motorists, but also those who bike, walk, or use transit. Increasingly, alternative forms of transportation will become important as an economic issue and will improve the Parish’s environment. The FUTUREBR Strategic Scenario anticipates the addition of roughly 48,000 new households and 135,000 new jobs to the Parish from 2005 to 2030. As of 2021, East Baton Rouge Parish has added 46,300 jobs since 2005, slightly under the 35% of the estimated jobs in 2030. In 2005 there were 156,365 households in the Parish. In 2021 there were 175,731 households, an increase of just under 20,000 households. The scenario estimates that this new growth would occur on approximately 12,500 acres of land. Infill and redevelopment should account for about 10% of new growth, under this scenario, which is a significant amount. #### Infill and Redevelopment Infill and redevelopment parcels vary in size across the Parish. Where feasible, transit-oriented corridor developments can provide space for new businesses, retail space and urban housing. Successful developments should support transit investments, reduce auto dependence, and help to create lively places that draw people day and night. Elsewhere within the existing urban fabric, available parcels may be small, and successful development will be numerous and smaller as parcels become available. Smaller infill projects can have a galvanizing effect on a neighborhood, particularly mixed-use housing development that expands the range of options in the area. New development that complements and improves the Parish’s existing urban fabric, makes efficient use of services, and provides a wide variety of housing types will require zoning and permitting processes that allow for the efficient development of high quality places. The market for dense, mixed-use products depends upon land value, expected rent, and the anticipated return on investment for owners and developers. After FUTUREBR’s adoption in 2011, Planning Commission staff updated the UDC to ensure the recommended policies were also context sensitive. Character areas were adopted to designate different standards to areas of the parish to ensure the ability to protect community character. Downtown and Urban/Walkable Areas require less parking and landscape to help encourage infill. Parking credits were also introduced for existing buildings to incentivize adapted reuse of buildings that were built prior to parking requirements. Infill development has always been a primary focus. Parking reduction/sharing have been implemented parish-wide with Downtown Baton Rouge and the surrounding urban areas being areas of focus. Since the last 5-year update, 6,896 new construction residential and commercial permits were issued. Out of those, 13% (926) were located in the Downtown and Urban/Walkable Character Areas[^p8-17]. This exceeds the original plan’s goal of 10% of new growth in infill areas. [^p8-17]: EBRGIS # Part 2: Building the Plan Together, the Vision, in combination with the Land Use Map and Transportation Element, addresses the man-made geography of the City-Parish. These maps identify areas where the land uses or intensity of uses are envisioned to change, including mixed-use centers, as well as areas where land uses should be maintained and improved while retaining their present character, such as existing neighborhoods. With regard to transportation, the maps display the street types that complement the land uses they serve. ### Using FUTUREBR FUTUREBR should be used to guide the development of smaller scale plans and related implementation, legislation, or public investment strategies for the small areas within the City-Parish. It is a policy document, not a regulatory document. Regulation of property subdivision and development is a function of the UDC and zoning map. ### The East Baton Rouge Parish Land Use Map The Land Use Map is derived from the Vision Map and should guide the City-Parish’s investment and regulatory programs. The Map translates the vision’s over-arching concepts into plan categories that describe in more detail the form, scale, and type of uses for specific areas of Baton Rouge. Plan categories serve as the basis for zoning designations, which apply specific use and development requirements to real property. The Land Use Map should evolve over time, keeping true to the overall vision, but adjusting to new neighborhood plans, unforeseen opportunities, and minor adjustments that will arise. <
> # LAND USE Part 2: Building the Plan ## Plan Categories The Plan Categories usually provide a finer level of detail, particularly for mixed-use land uses. Minimum basic design concepts and characteristics are prescribed for each plan category. These describe the ideal characteristics with the understanding that many existing areas in East Baton Rouge Parish do not and will not meet this ideal. Character Areas are further detailed in the Community Design and Neighborhoods element. ### Parks and Open Space East Baton Rouge Parish has a strong network of existing green spaces, such as Bluebonnet Swamp, Waddill Wildlife Refuge, Magnolia Mound, City Park, and over 150 neighborhood and community parks. Many of these assets will eventually be connected by greenway trails and other bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Parks and public open spaces encourage a healthy lifestyle, connect people to nature, provide environmental benefits and access to recreation. They should be spread throughout the City-Parish and centrally located within neighborhoods, ensuring that all residents can easily access them on foot, by bike or car. Depending on the adjacent land uses, parks may be served by varying levels of pedestrian infrastructure. Properties given the Open Space Plan Category will be publicly owned, or designated for a public purpose. They are areas that the City-Parish has decided to protect and not allow any development. These will most often be cemeteries, conservation areas, wetlands or other sensitive natural areas. <
> Bluebonnet Swamp <
> Perkins Road Park *** # LAND USE Part 2: Building the Plan ### Agricultural/Rural Single-family homes on large rural lots are predominately located in the northern part of the Parish. A few small stores provide limited goods and services, and most residents get to employment and shopping by car. Because homes are spread out and far from urban centers, the municipal cost of providing services and infrastructure is comparatively high. Agricultural/Rural land uses make for an auto-oriented environment. Pedestrian design is minimal because buildings are not typically set back from the roadway. Residential development should be encouraged where it can be served by nearby community-serving amenities. ### Residential Neighborhood This category includes predominantly single-family homes. Streets should include bike lanes and sidewalks, as appropriate. Some residential neighborhoods may be auto-oriented because of large lot size and existing discontinuous street networks. New residential neighborhoods should be located within proximity to existing or new amenities that encourage the "20-minute neighborhood" concept for easy access to daily needs. In addition to a variety of single-family housing types, residential options such as "mother-in-law" suites and garden homes may be permitted. Accessory dwellings could be allowed in some conditions subject to discretionary review. Uses such as live-work units, neighborhood scale office and commercial at intersections or along primary streets, private schools, and religious institutions, should also be permitted subject to discretionary review. Density should be less than 8 dwelling units per acre. Neighborhoods such as Old Goodwood, Kenilworth, Melrose, Southern Heights and Riverbend all fall into this plan category. <
> Farm land in rural East Baton Rouge Parish <
> Mid City # LAND USE Part 2: Building the Plan ### Compact Neighborhood Compact neighborhoods are distinguished from residential neighborhoods by lot size and the degree of connection to nearby land uses. Compact neighborhoods are designed with an emphasis on smaller lot sizes, narrow street width, on-street parking, and high connectivity to adjacent land uses within a primarily single-family residential context. While this plan category is and will be composed mostly of single-family residential, it may also include live-work units, townhomes, one- to four-story multi-family developments, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and neighborhood scale office and commercial at intersections or along primary streets. Density should be at least 8, but not more than 20 dwelling units per acre. Existing compact neighborhoods include Istrouma, Spanish Town, and Beauregard Town. <
> ### Urban Neighborhood Urban neighborhoods consist of housing and retail districts where people both live and work in mixed-use residential areas. Urban neighborhoods are primarily pedestrian-oriented and may be served by local transit. Buildings, whether entirely residential or mixed-use, are oriented to the street. Many are near the Downtown Core but they may be located near major job centers, and universities. Multi-story mixed-use residential buildings are interspersed with townhomes, multi-family housing, accessory dwelling units (also known as “mother-in-law”, flats or garden suites, live-work units, and compact single-family housing. These neighborhoods include urban retail areas and open spaces such as plazas, fountains, and pocket parks. Density should be more than 20 dwelling units per acre. Existing urban neighborhoods include Old South Baton Rouge and Spanish Town. <
> *** # LAND USE Part 2: Building the Plan ### Institutional Institutional areas include publicly-owned schools, universities, government buildings, and police and fire stations. Depending on the specific use and adjacent land uses, institutional areas may be served by varying levels of pedestrian infrastructure. For instance, university and government, campuses should be pedestrian-friendly places, and may be served by transit and nearby housing for employees, students and visitors. Alternately, neighborhood schools may have varying degrees of urban form depending upon the surrounding intensity of land use. In addition to the many public schools, State Capitol buildings are a prominent use within institutional area. ### Office Office areas are characterized by activities conducted in an office setting that focus on the provision of services, usually by professionals. Office areas provide professional and personal services with one to four floors in height permitted. While the majority of the building area will be used as office, other incidental and subordinate uses such as retail, live/work, and multi-family residential uses may be allowed. Office areas will be accessible primarily by car, but should be comfortable for pedestrians in the Urban/Walkable Character Area. Examples of office areas are Jefferson Highway and Goodwood Boulevard. <
> <
> # LAND USE Part 2: Building the Plan **Neighborhood Center** Neighborhood Centers are small-scale, one- to three-story mixed-use areas intended to serve nearby neighborhoods with retail, dining, and services. They provide employment, entertainment and housing options such as apartments, condominiums and townhouses, with small lot, single-family homes near the edges. Live-work units also are encouraged. In multi-story buildings, retail will often occupy the ground floor, with offices or housing in the stories above. Such centers may take the form typical of “main street” commercial areas, and a wide variety of allowed uses can include restaurants, retail stores, small groceries, personal and professional services, private and civic offices. Customers who drive can park once and walk to a number of destinations because of the pedestrian-oriented building form and design. Auto-oriented uses and drive-through buildings should be discouraged and new surface parking lots limited. Industrial uses are not allowed. <
> *North Gate* **Mixed-Use** Mixed-Use areas link major mixed-use areas, employment areas, and retail centers throughout the City-Parish. Encouraged building forms include a mix of commercial buildings, up to five story mixed-use buildings, and adaptive reuse of warehouse or large commercial buildings. These corridors will include some mixed-use condos and apartments for people who want to live in an active, accessible area. Large format retail (e.g. “big box”) and office parks should be permitted subject to discretionary review, while tower buildings more than five stories, industrial and warehousing buildings should be discouraged. While the majority of people will still travel by car, some areas may have dedicated bus and bike lanes. The community design within Mixed-Use should be comfortable for pedestrians, and the infrastructure should include sidewalks, street trees, crosswalks and ideally, on-street parallel parking. <
> *Willow Grove* *** # LAND USE Part 2: Building the Plan **Commercial** Commercial areas primarily function as service and job destinations. They currently serve many Baton Rouge residents on a daily basis and consist of corridors with key areas commonly located at the intersection of major roadways, where businesses are easily accessed by car. The frontages of major roads such as Airline Highway, are examples of a commercial area. Buildings in these areas typically stand one to five stories with offices, restaurants, and a range of shopping. While the Commercial area may contain a mix of uses, activities tend to be located on separate parcels. In addition to jobs and services, Commercial areas may include multi-family housing in low- to mid-rise apartment buildings. Parking is plentiful in these areas because uses are predominately car-oriented. Since there is a significant amount of retail, it’s important to have quality landscaping and pedestrian-friendly design. For large shopping centers, this may involve the addition of public plazas or other features that serve as community gathering places. <
> *Siegen Lane* **Regional Center** Regional Centers are the most intense mixed-use areas for large-scale employment, retail, and civic or educational uses. These areas attract workers and people from around the region and are located along major transportation corridors. As the largest centers, they draw from a five- to 10-mile radius market area. Parking is provided on street or off street in shared facilities such as garages or lots. Some Regional Centers may include a parking management district. Perkins Rowe / Mall of Louisiana (at Bluebonnet) are examples of centers with a regional draw. Buildings may be multi-story, mixed-use buildings that support a high level of pedestrian access. Buildings of two to seven stories should be permitted, with additional stories permitted subject to discretionary approval. Compact or urban residential options and civic uses such as schools, libraries, community centers, and city-parish services can also be found in Regional Centers. Buildings more than seven stories, car-oriented buildings and uses (i.e. drive-through businesses), industrial and warehousing uses do not fit in a Regional Center. <
> *Perkins Rowe* # LAND USE Part 2: Building the Plan ### Downtown Core The Downtown Core thrives as a dynamic, regional hub for business, tourism, retail and entertainment. It serves as the center for municipal and state government, and feature arts and performance venues, convention facilities, and attractive historical tourist destinations. Many residents will work Downtown, where high-quality office space and an efficient transit system will enable a rich diversity of businesses to attract great talent that serves clients, visitors and residents. Generally, land use will be permissive within the Downtown Core while building form and design should subject to greater scrutiny. Many buildings will be multiple stories, providing space for a range of commercial activities, offices, retail, professional and personal services, rental and ownership housing (often on upper floors within a mixed-use building). Civic uses that contribute to the cultural richness of the region will include libraries, schools, religious institutions, and facilities for the arts, among many others. Any light manufacturing should produce no nuisances such as noise, light or odor. Drive-through facilities should be discouraged, along with other auto-oriented building forms and site designs. Transit connectivity is greatest in the Downtown Core, allowing people to get around with less dependence on personal vehicles. Parking should be located on street or at the rear of buildings. New commercial surface parking lots should be limited in the Downtown Core; however, surface parking should be a transitional use. For example, revenue from a publicly-owned surface parking lot could provide funding for the construction of a parking structure. Newly-developed, high-density apartments, lofts and townhomes further support a true urban neighborhood. These downtown residents add to the street life, support a robust restaurant and night-life scene, and enjoy easy access to urban parks, plazas and the Mississippi Riverfront. There should be easy access to Downtown by transit or car. Visitors arriving Downtown via regional rail or from the airport should enjoy easy connections to local transit. Commuters from outlying neighborhoods should easily reach Downtown via bus, bike, walking, rail or car. The Downtown Core will be the most pedestrian-oriented district within East Baton Rouge Parish, with buildings that meet the sidewalk and street-facing storefronts with prominent entrances, numerous windows, and interesting facades. Buildings of one to twelve stories should be permitted by right, with additional stories permitted by discretionary approval. <
> *North Boulevard* <
> *Third Street* --- # LAND USE Part 2: Building the Plan ### Employment Center Employment centers will range in character from the Health District – a cluster of hospitals, research facilities, and medical offices in the southern part of the parish, where pedestrian design should be encouraged – to the Airport, with a focus on transportation-related industries and other manufacturing and distribution businesses, where large parcels make vehicle access paramount. Employment Centers are primarily business districts that host professional and support jobs in a range of service-oriented fields that benefit from being close to one another. Hospitals and medical offices, office complexes, with multi-family housing options and other commercial enterprises bringing many people to one place will be a natural fit for pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use Employment Centers. Located near highways and transit stops for easy access, employees and customers will enjoy attractive and convenient pedestrian connections to and within the district. Areas such as the Health District, the airport, and areas along Florida Boulevard are regional employment areas that feature convenient access to multi-family housing. ### Industrial Industrial areas are for manufacturing, processing, storing and distributing raw or extracted materials. Building form will be largely determined by building use, and vehicle access will often be a priority. Factors such as heavy vehicle circulation, large land parcels and widely spaced buildings typically limit pedestrian activity in industrial districts. However, infrastructure such as a complete street grid and safe intersections should be provided where possible. Industriplex Boulevard, Choctaw Drive, and northern Scenic Highway are Industrial areas along with the northern areas along the Mississippi River. <
> *Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center* <
> *Exxon Mobil Refinery* # PART 3: Managing the Plan The FUTUREBR Comprehensive Plan is the blueprint for how the City-Parish will be shaped over the next 20 years. It lays out the goals and policies that will guide decisions about how to invest in infrastructure and transportation, how land should be zoned for development, and what initiatives, such as small area or new community plans, should be undertaken. The Plan translates widely-held values and priorities from the Vision into a set of long-range priorities and policies. It is not, however, a stagnant document. It should evolve over time as the city grows and changes. Technological, cultural and environmental shifts are hard to predict, and the plan should not unnecessarily bind the City-Parish to policies that cannot be adapted. That said, the plan should not be altered too often, or without public involvement or an evaluation of its performance. ## Management Tools This plan has been designed with some tools that will help guide decision makers in managing and implementing its goals. The small area and neighborhood planning process provides a structure for working with specific areas to implement the Vision. This includes working with areas that are already developed and in need of infill strategies and new communities on vacant land, both inside the City-Parish and in areas to be annexed. The UDC translates over arching land use goals into specific use and development regulations at the parcel level that should shape development in a way that will achieve the parish’s Vision. ## Building New Communities and Future Expansions One of the findings of the FUTUREBR process was continued support for Baton Rouge’s tradition of building single-family neighborhoods. There was also significant support for community grocery stores, parks, schools and other amenities within a short drive, walk or bike ride from home. Commercial areas could provide a mix of additional housing options, including townhouses, apartments and multi-family developments. Neighborhoods that blend these amenities, connectivity, and housing options together are known as complete communities. Many of Baton Rouge’s oldest and most cherished neighborhoods were built in this manner. New housing developments do not always have these amenities. Even if a grocery store is within walking distance from home, as the crow flies, discontinuous and complex street networks can make the trip to get there significantly longer. In the past, street networks were not designed to connect with adjacent neighborhoods, going from one neighborhood to the next requires travel on major arterials. Transportation connectivity standards have been developed to ensure that new communities are connected and easily travelled by a variety of modes. ## Planning for Expansion Maintaining a ready supply of developable land is important for Baton Rouge’s economic well-being so that businesses will grow and newcomers can find a place to live. However, new development must be planned and phased in a way that repairs and strengthens Baton Rouge’s existing urban fabric, makes efficient use of infrastructure and contributes to the City-Parish’s fiscal position. The most influential catalyst for new development is infrastructure – roads and utilities make vacant land accessible, usable and valuable, thus spurring construction. By contrast, “leapfrog” development, where new homes or employment areas are built far from existing urbanized areas, places heavy demands on public resources. Public safety, utilities, parks and recreation, and other services must be extended over larger areas without a proportional increase in ratepayers. Transit service rapidly deteriorates in sparsely populated areas, leaving residents with few alternatives to the automobile. ## Planning for Infill In addition to new communities, the Vision for Baton Rouge anticipates a portion of new growth occurring in the form of infill development, which is the integration of new or rehabilitated buildings into existing urban areas. The FUTUREBR strategic scenario assumes that 10% of new growth in the parish would take the form of infill or redevelopment. Infill can revitalize neighborhoods and main streets by providing new employment or housing and filling “gaps” in a streetscape. Creating a strong market for infill development is not easy to do, however, and will require substantial planning, coordination, and skill in Baton Rouge. The abundance of vacant land and the development community’s comfort and familiarity with suburban-style greenfield development can be a disincentive to infill development. In addition, financial lenders (both in Baton Rouge and around the country) tend to favor the tried-and-true methods of development – infill is usually a new concept. Consequently, like every city that has turned to infill as a growth and development strategy, Baton Rouge will have to build confidence in an understanding of good infill practices. <
> *Beltline Townhomes in Mid City* # LAND USE Part 3: Managing the Plan ### Two Scales of Infill Development Infill projects tend to occur at two scales: large multi-phase projects that can cover several blocks, or small, parcel-by-parcel projects. This dichotomy emerges because larger projects make it possible to combine a variety of uses, such as housing, retail, and entertainment venues, that help diversify the project and reduce risk. Often these projects are initiated by government or redevelopment agencies that solicit developers and investors. Substantial public investment is usually needed, especially if the project takes place on a formerly contaminated site in a distressed area. The positive aspects of the larger-scale approach include delivering a collection of amenities under the umbrella of one project. These projects can change perceptions about an area and serve as the initial catalyst for more investment. The drawbacks to this approach are the substantial risk the public must bear, both financially and politically. The second form of infill takes small, parcel-by-parcel projects that add gradually to a community. Investors adaptively reuse existing buildings, add on to them, or build new. Local governments can also play a role, usually through providing financing, development incentives, and technical assistance to individual developers. This can require just as much effort and attention by public agencies as the large infill project approach. Mobilizing small-scale capital projects is not a simple matter, and the risk for individual investors in those projects is substantial. But the long-term yields of focusing on many small projects can potentially outperform the single large project approach. Financial and political risk to the locality is diversified when spread to many different projects. Furthermore, successful building prototypes in one neighborhood can be easily replicated in other neighborhoods. Finally, by fostering a cadre of experienced infill developers, the City-Parish can reduce its role as a financial partner for most infill projects and instead focus its efforts on areas that continue to need reinvestment assistance. ### Infill Strategy for Baton Rouge Most likely, there will be a role for both large and small infill projects in Baton Rouge. To achieve the vision, there will be a much more substantial need for small-scale investments throughout the City-Parish. The City-Parish's development process must facilitate those projects with clear and predictable zoning regulations, and the right incentives and tools to get them started. The City-Parish, like all established cities, holds abandoned properties because property taxes have not been paid. A major impediment to disposing of these properties to the private sector and encouraging their redevelopment is the problem associated with clouded or unclear title. For properties that have passed from owner to owner without title records, it can be very time <
> *Square 46 on Government Street* consuming to clear title. Furthermore, the City-Parish is only authorized to sell vacant, abandoned or unlawfully occupied property whose taxes have not been paid since 1975. The City-Parish should take steps to decrease the amount of time these properties remain unusable by taking steps to reduce the time period before sale is possible and enforce the property maintenance ordinance, which would encourage owners to maintain property. The City-Parish can make infill development more attractive by encouraging a clean and safe environment through code enforcement. Robust code enforcement holds property owners accountable for the physical condition and safety of their properties, and can provide a means of remediating abandoned properties through foreclosure. This can only be accomplished through persistent inspections, aggressive penalties, and the ability to enforce penalties for violations. As demand for infill projects increases, one strategy for encouraging the type of development described in the Vision for FUTUREBR is to fully utilize the land banking capabilities and authority of the Build Baton Rouge (BBR). The BBR could establish a revolving fund from the sale of properties to acquire and assemble parcels of sufficient size to be economically viable for development. Some properties are difficult to sell because of the presence or perception of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants. These properties are typically passed up by developers because they are seen as too costly, high risk, and low return investments. The most common land use types for brownfields sites are commercial and industrial, such as abandoned auto shops, gas stations, former dry cleaners, vacant historical buildings and warehouses, and small petro-chemical businesses. Baton Rouge has a brownfields program that uses Environmental Protection Agency funds to remediate environmental damage on designated sites. Properties that fit the criteria are eligible to participate in the program. To participate in the Baton Rouge Brownfields Program, applicants should provide the Planning Department with information about the property's current owner, known past uses, the prospective purchaser of the property, any suspected environmental issues, and the redevelopment intent of the project. The lessons learned from a holistic approach to infill development include the need for a staff of experts who understand the challenges and solutions of infill development. A one-stop-shop for planning, permitting, and project assistance can be a crucial element of a good infill program. In 2012, the Planning Department moved to 1100 Laurel Street and now share the remodeled building with Subdivision Engineering. It also brought the Planning Department much closer to the Permitting Office. This has resulted in increased collaboration between the departments. We also use the same online system, MyGovernmentOnline. Projects can be linked between three modules: Planning and Zoning, Permit, and Subdivision Engineering. This facilitates faster review times for projects that require approval from multiple departments # LAND USE Part 3: Managing the Plan # LAND USE ## Part 3: Managing the Plan Finally, all of the parties involved in promoting infill, from the City-Parish, to citizens, to developers, must keep in mind that it will take time for some financial and community benefits to materialize. Early projects may require some public financial backing, and no one project can fill all the gaps on the street. But as Baton Rouge builds the technical capacity for infill in both the private and public sectors, the process will become easier to replicate. ### Infill and Redevelopment Infill and redevelopment parcels vary in size across the Parish. Where feasible, transit-oriented corridor developments can provide space for new businesses, retail space and urban housing. Successful developments should support transit investments, reduce auto dependence, and help to create lively places that draw people day and night. Elsewhere within the existing urban fabric, available parcels may be small, and successful development will be numerous and smaller as parcels become available. Smaller infill projects can have a galvanizing effect on a neighborhood, particularly mixed-use housing development that expands the range of options in the area. Infill development has also been a primary focus since the 2018 5-year update. Density bonuses and parking reduction/sharing have been implemented in the Old Town Overlay District, which primarily encompasses Downtown Baton Rouge and the surrounding urban areas. Since the last 5-year update, 6,896 new construction residential and commercial permits were issued. Out of those, 13% (926) were located in the Downtown and Urban/Walkable Character Areas. This exceeds the original plan's goal of 10% of new growth in infill areas. ### Planning for Economic Growth In the past, Baton Rouge's growth trends have favored decentralized and fragmented employment and development. This has had negative effects on Baton Rouge's fiscal condition, as infrastructure and service burdens have stretched tight budgets. The challenge for Baton Rouge is to reverse this trend. When adopted in 2011, FUTUREBR determined that Baton Rouge's land-use program must also be attuned to the needs of its larger industries and employers. The City-Parish's supply of appropriately designated land must be carefully monitored to ensure that existing businesses can grow and new businesses can locate here. Baton Rouge has a long established history of recruiting and retaining key employers. This pattern should continue under this plan, but with more emphasis to attract a proportional share of regional employment growth to the City-Parish. ### Updating Zoning Codes Planning and zoning, while not typically thought of as economic catalysts, can play a major role in Baton Rouge's economic development. Advanced planning and carefully designed zoning codes add value by removing uncertainty from the development process – both for neighborhoods and developers. Cities that have successfully spurred reinvestment in their cores and corridors have done just this. Development is a risky business, but that risk can be mitigated when a community's goals and objectives are expressed by a plan and allowed by regulations. While the Comprehensive Plan is a statement of policy about the City-Parish's desired form and function, implementation falls to the UDC, which provides rules about building height and bulk, parking requirements, and other specific development requirements. Modern development codes describe the types of places that should be built with renderings and diagrams. They convey to the developer or architect how a building should relate to the street, while still allowing creativity in design. The result is a set of types of development that are desirable and can be built by right. Developers and communities' benefit from more certainty. Currently, the City-Parish uses a planned unit development (PUD) process for many projects. This process entails a negotiation between the developer, the Planning Commission, and the neighborhood about the site design, layout, density, and use of a specific property. While there is an established process and procedure, the outcome is always hard to predict, and it can be a complicated and costly process for both the public and private sector. This is not to say that PUDs do not have their place or their advantages, but they should be used only in those instances where an innovative solution is needed, a site is particularly difficult to plan for due to constraints, or other atypical situations. **ONE OF THE PRIMARY RECOMMENDATIONS OF THIS PLAN IS TO REVISE THE UDC** The UDC should include provisions for: * Reducing the number of zoning districts * Ensuring pedestrian-friendly, human-scale design for areas that are intended to be pedestrian oriented * Revising setback standards that allow buildings along the sidewalk, rather than pushed to the rear of the parcel with parking in front * Encouraging redevelopment on small parcels. # Part 4: Goals, Objectives and Actions to Achieve the Vision This section details the land use goals, objectives and actions that will move East Baton Rouge Parish toward the community’s Vision. Goals are the big overarching ideas, changes or practices that are essential to realize the community’s Vision. Objectives establish specific, measurable, attainable and realistic goals that guide how the Comprehensive Plan is implemented in a way that will achieve the Vision. Actions outline the steps needed to achieve the objectives. # LAND USE Part 4: Goals, Objectives and Actions ## Land Use Goals 1. Use the adopted Comprehensive Plan to guide development decisions. 2. Make land use decisions that contribute to the Vision and East Baton Rouge Parish’s economic vitality. 3. Build a community fabric of distinctive neighborhoods and diverse districts where Parish residents have access to local commercial areas, schools, libraries, parks and open space areas. 4. Maintain, stabilize and strengthen existing neighborhoods, making them places where new residents are attracted to live. 5. Promote development patterns that encourage connectivity and pedestrian orientation. 6. Put procedures, processes and tools in place to effectively and equitably implement FUTUREBR. 7. Ensure that areas where new growth is occurring benefit from sustainable development 8. Preserve and enhance environmental assets. 9. Establish a mechanism and process to monitor movement toward realizing the Vision. 10. Enhance community design character by upgrading components of the built environment. 11. Support a distinctive urban identity, enriched sense-of-place, and high quality of life. ## Land Use Goal 1 **Use the adopted Comprehensive Plan to guide development decisions.** ### Objective 1.1 Ensure all City-Parish regulatory actions relating to land development approval are consistent with the adopted Comprehensive Plan. **Actions to support objective 1.1** 1.1.1 Align all land use regulations including zoning ordinances, the zoning map, and subdivision regulations, with the Comprehensive Plan. 1.1.2 Use the Land Use Plan categories to set the parameters for zoning districts with more than one zoning district allowed in each category. 1.1.3 Review all regulatory actions relating to land use, subdivision and development approvals for consistency with the Comprehensive Plan. 1.1.4 Consult adopted small area and neighborhood plans in guiding development and zoning decisions. ### Objective 1.2 Reflect policy changes in the Comprehensive Plan. **Actions to support objective 1.2:** 1.2.1 Amend the Comprehensive Plan to reflect changes resulting from policy decisions. Conduct an Evaluation and Appraisal of the entire Plan every five to seven years to determine progress towards the Vision. 1.2.2 Allow amendments to be initiated by citizens, the Planning Commission, or the Metropolitan Council. 1.2.3 Ensure new Land Use Plan categories are consistent with the Vision. *** ## LAND USE Part 4: Goals, Objectives and Actions ## Land Use Goal 2 **Make land use decisions that contribute to the Vision and East Baton Rouge Parish’s economic vitality.** ### Objective 2.1 Capture a larger proportion of the region’s future commercial and housing growth recognizing market forces. **Actions to support objective 2.1:** 2.1.1 Ensure that the land use map provides for at least 20 years of growth, including anticipated housing and employment needs. ## Land Use Goal 3 **Build a community fabric of distinctive neighborhoods and diverse districts where parish residents have access to local commercial areas, schools, libraries, parks and open space areas.** ### Objective 3.1 Meet the daily needs of residents near their neighborhood. **Actions to support objective 3.1:** 3.1.1 Map existing and potential 20-minute neighborhoods. 3.1.2 Differentiate areas by their natural variations of use, scale, and context, and establish standards to support the development of neighborhoods with distinct, identifiable centers and public spaces, a variety of transportation options and near neighborhood services. ### Objective 3.2 Allow a variety of land uses within walking distance of one another. **Actions to support objective 3.2:** 3.2.1 Focus downtown development on increasing employment, housing, retail, parks, cultural and arts amenities and entertainment to create an active, vibrant urban core. 3.2.2 Ensure that the development regulations support the development of higher density mixed-use areas at Regional and Employment Centers across the City-Parish. 3.2.3 Adopt regulations that support the development of pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use areas particularly within proximity to universities. 3.2.4 Continue to allow upper-story housing and offices over ground floor retail in commercial areas. 3.2.5 Continue to implement Design Standards reflecting established Character Areas to support the market transformation of commercial strips into mixed-use developments. ### Objective 3.3 Residents should have access to multiple modes of transportation. **Actions to support objective 3.3:** 3.3.1 Implement Design Standards that encourage pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use development in appropriate locations. 3.3.2 Use context sensitive solutions to ensure that centers and corridors are designed to support transit riders. 3.3.3 Provide sidewalk improvements and additional connections to local retail, services as well as to parks and natural areas to improve accessibility. # LAND USE Part 4: Goals, Objectives and Actions 3.3.4 Increase bike and transit access to neighborhood supportive services. 3.3.5 Ensure safe, accessible and direct routes to school for students and their parents from surrounding neighborhoods. ## Land Use Goal 4 **Maintain, stabilize and strengthen existing neighborhoods, making them places where new residents are attracted to live.** ### Objective 4.1 Ensure that neighborhoods are stable. #### Actions to support objective 4.1: 4.1.1 Identify areas where the existing neighborhood character should be preserved and areas where critical change is desired. 4.1.2 Preserve the character of established residential neighborhoods by ensuring that new development complement the neighborhood’s characteristics. 4.1.3 Maintain the desirability of existing neighborhoods through public and private investment. 4.1.4 Ensure appropriate transitions between non-residential uses and neighborhoods to protect stability and quality of life. 4.1.5 Allow neighborhood-scale non-residential uses in residential areas to be located on primary streets or at intersections. 4.1.6 Amend development regulations to expand discretionary approval of uses while ensuring compatibility with the surrounding area. ### Objective 4.2 Revitalize under-utilized land. #### Actions to support objective 4.2: 4.2.1 Create a vision for redevelopment that is matched with achievable market conditions and promotes desired infill and redevelopment. 4.2.2 Implement the Community Improvement Plans. 4.2.3 Identify viable funding alternatives that enable area-wide as well as specific project improvements such as Community Improvement Districts (CID). 4.2.4 Build public-private-nonprofit partnerships to create effective resources. ## Land Use Goal 5 **Promote development patterns that encourage connectivity and pedestrian orientation.** ### Objective 5.1 Promote well connected growth pattern with an extensive network of vibrant centers and corridors spread throughout the parish. #### Actions to support objective 5.1: 5.1.1 Support mixed-use neighborhood development around Downtown, medical centers, universities, and other employment and light industry job centers. 5.1.2 Create incentives, both procedural and economic, for the revitalization of targeted neighborhoods capable of supporting significant growth. 5.1.3 Support development compatible with surrounding neighborhoods to promote choice in public transit. 5.1.4 Direct public investment (libraries, community centers, schools, transit, parks, etc.) toward neighborhoods identified as needing greater assistance. ### Objective 5.2 Support the creation of places that provide environmental, health, and financial benefits to the community. #### Actions to support objective 5.2: 5.2.1 Encourage pedestrian-oriented neighborhoods as the preferred development standard in appropriate areas. 5.2.2 Improve regulatory standards to remove impediments to pedestrian access. ### Objective 5.3 Promote infill development to bolster areas with prime redevelopment potential. #### Actions to support objective 5.3: 5.3.1 Invest in infrastructure upgrades that support development in areas where change is anticipated. 5.3.2 Revise development regulations to facilitate infill development. ## Land Use Goal 6 **Put procedures, processes and tools in place to effectively and equitably implement FUTUREBR.** ### Objective 6.1 Improve development process. #### Actions to support objective 6.1: 6.1.1 Ensure that all permitting and regulatory processes are responsive, efficient, customer friendly. 6.1.2 Make the UDC more user-friendly. ### Objective 6.2 Involve citizens, stakeholders, and interest groups in the planning process. #### Actions to support objective 6.3: 6.2.1 Encourage applicants for zoning changes to meet with neighborhood organizations prior to the zoning review process. 6.2.2 Regularly update the Planning Commission website to facilitate information for the public. 6.2.3 Continue to implement a public notification procedure that ensures that adjacent property owners and neighborhood associations are notified and given an opportunity to comment prior to Planning Commission action. ## Land Use Goal 7 **Ensure that areas where new growth is occurring benefit from sustainable development.** ### Objective 7.1 Create a more sustainable community. #### Actions to support objective 7.1: 7.1.1 Create a streamlined permitting process to encourage sustainable building practices including building restoration and adaptive reuse. ## Land Use Goal 8 *(See Environment and Conservation element)* **Preserve and enhance environmental assets.** ### Objective 8.1 # LAND USE Part 4: Goals, Objectives and Actions Protect the Parish’s ecology in the land development process. Objective 8.2 Prioritize protection of open space that is of high ecological value. Objective 8.3 Work with other agencies to provide outreach to the public, create guidelines and craft incentive programs to protect the Parish’s ecology. ## Land Use Goal 9 **Establish a mechanism and process to monitor movement toward realizing the Vision.** Objective 9.1 Develop tools to enable citizens to understand and monitor change in a systematic way. Actions to support objective 9.1: 9.1.1 Establish a land use and development program. 9.1.2 Continue to build upon the East Baton Rouge Parish Enterprise GIS. 9.1.3 Coordinate GIS data with other agencies outside of City-Parish government. 9.1.4 Monitor the status of previously approved capital projects to aid in updating the CIP and preparing the annual capital budget. 9.1.5 Establish models for calculating jobs and housing forecasts methods for assessing land capacity that are coordinated with a comprehensive transportation modeling program. 9.1.6 Publish an annual FUTUREBR Progress Report to describe benchmark progress and highlight accomplishments. ## Land Use Goal 10 *(See Community Design and Neighborhoods element)* **Enhance community design character by upgrading components of the built environment.** Objective 10.1 Create and support quality streetscape design for an inviting, vibrant public realm. Elements include street spaces; building setbacks; sidewalks; and aesthetic pieces such as planting strips, street trees, and street furniture. Objective 10.2 Signage along roadways should meet high design standards to improve the visual quality, safety, and convenience of the built environment. Objective 10.3 Urban lighting which illuminate streets, parking areas, commercial storefronts, signage, architectural and landscape features, should meet high design standards to improve safety and visual quality of the environment. Objective 10.4 Public art should be used to provide an important cultural and social expression; it is a key component of the community’s identity and aesthetic quality. Objective 10.5 Support the efforts of community development organizations across East Baton Rouge Parish to provide residents in distressed neighborhoods access to programs and partners to improve and stabilize their neighborhoods. Objective 10.6 Enhance existing neighborhoods by eliminating blighted properties. *** # LAND USE Part 4: Goals, Objectives and Actions ## Land Use Goal 11 *(See Community Design and Neighborhoods element)* **Support a distinctive community identity, enriched sense of place, and high quality of life.** Objective 11.1 Ensure that Baton Rouge consists of a strong identity and character that is appealing to businesses and residents. This includes focusing on the City-Parish’s civic, cultural, environmental, educational and historical assets. Objective 11.2 Use the small area planning process to prioritize areas where change is desired. Objective 11.2 Create community gathering spaces to encourage social interaction. Objective 11.3 Historic resources are protected, preserved, restored and adaptively reused. Adaptive reuse of buildings maintains existing neighborhood patterns and repurposes unused structures through incentivized renovations, façade improvement grants, and related programs. --- ## Circulation — FUTUREBR Transportation Element (Adopted March 20, 2024) - Source: https://www.brla.gov/DocumentCenter/View/19027/Transportation-Element--Adopted-March-20-2024 - Pages: 29 - Covers: circulation - **Transcription findings were recorded for this document;** check figures against the source. # Transportation Introduction | 2 --- | --- **Part 1** Transportation Today | 7 **Part 2** Transportation Tomorrow | 20 **Part 3** Goals, Objectives and Actions | 49 TRANSPORTATION <
> Mississippi River Levee Path <
> I-110 at Night ### Introduction: The Vision for Transportation in East Baton Rouge Parish The FUTUREBR Comprehensive Plan envisions a holistic pattern of development that responds to the needs and desires of citizens, seizes opportunities for economically and environmentally sustainable growth, and continues progress toward our goals. The FUTUREBR Vision calls for a shift in how land use, transportation priorities and decisions are made in the East Baton Rouge region. The region is congested, and conditions are projected to worsen if the current approach to land use and transportation does not change. The Parish will require substantial new investments in roads and streets. However, these investments alone will not provide East Baton Rouge Parish with a modern transportation system. Investments in transit and walking and biking infrastructure will be needed. In addition, coordinating land use and transportation can be one of the most powerful and cost-effective tools available to the Parish. Reducing travel distances can be accomplished by shifting land use patterns to bring homes, jobs, shops, services and educational facilities together in a more accessible environment. Enhancing connectivity and embracing new modes of transportation that connect these walkable centers to the surrounding neighborhoods, city, parish and region are also instrumental in achieving the FUTUREBR Vision. This shift in policy has strongly resonated throughout the public input provided during the FUTUREBR planning process. TRANSPORTATION Introduction **Core Values and Aspirations of the Vision** A diverse group of residents and stakeholders representing all parts of East Baton Rouge Parish provided input through workshops, open houses, interviews, focus groups and survey discussions. Respondents consistently cited the following core values and aspirations they believed should be the foundation for building a vision for East Baton Rouge Parish. Core values that relate to transportation: **Strong neighborhoods and communities:** Neighborhoods in all areas of the City-Parish are desirable places to live and have a range of housing types and nearby amenities to serve residents. **Convenient transportation:** There is a variety of choices for moving both people and goods, as well as improving existing ways to move throughout the Parish. **Healthy environment:** Natural resources are protected and conserved to provide active and passive recreational opportunities, ecosystem services and flood risk reduction. **Sustainability:** The future reflects the creativity and resiliency of East Baton Rouge’s residents and offers a sustainable place for citizens to thrive – with a focus on building a future based on fiscal, physical, environmental, economic and equitable sustainability. # TRANSPORTATION ## Introduction In coordination with this overall vision, our transportation system must meet the needs of all of the residents, whether they choose to locate in the City’s core or the outlying suburbs, and contribute to a desirable quality of life. The intention of this system is to ensure a sustainable network by way of connectivity, efficiency, and flexibility that supports Baton Rouge’s livability, sustainability and overall economic development. As the community of Baton Rouge continues to grow, diverse transportation options and street designs allow for increased efficiency of movement in and around the greater metropolitan area. Flexible street designs consider an array of transportation options —bus, train and bike — that support all sectors of the community. Enhanced street design, pedestrian oriented streetscapes, green space, and a well-defined urban context increase not only the walk-ability and bike-ability of the community, but work to enhance the overall character of the community. It is through the implementation of these elements, and others recommended in FUTUREBR, that Baton Rouge will achieve the vision of this plan. This vision is consistent with the State of Louisiana transportation guidelines, otherwise known as the “Complete Streets Policy,” the intent of which is to establish parameters for a more comprehensive and integrated transportation network that provides safe and diverse transportation options to all Louisianans regardless of “geographic location, physical condition, economic status or service requirements.” The Complete Streets seek to promote a multi-modal design standard that encourages the use of bicycle, pedestrian and transit infrastructure in a safe, unified network for both on- and off- street traffic, including but not limited to: sidewalks, bikeways, trails, and transit. However, specific design standards do not currently exist for the State, allowing communities to develop and implement their own standards that reflect the local context. The Complete Streets Citizens’ Advisory Committee is working on guidelines for contextual Complete Streets implementation. # TRANSPORTATION ## Introduction ### Challenges and Opportunities Those who live, work or travel in East Baton Rouge Parish know that the region has severe transportation problems. Roads are clogged and the transit system is inadequate, making travel both difficult and time-consuming. According to Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s 2021 Annual Urban Mobility Report, Baton Rouge is currently ranked 13 in area delays and delay per auto commuter[^p3-1]. These mobility issues can be traced back to the development of the city itself. Many of these concerns originated from a lack of significant transportation planning during the 1970s when Baton Rouge was transitioning from a small town to an urbanized area. In the years since, the expanding economy and population growth away from the city center has encouraged the expansion of transportation networks rather than the improvement of existing corridors, leaving the city in its current state. Progress has occurred on two fronts in Baton Rouge. In recent years, the State has begun widening two of the interstate routes vital to commuters in the region, while the City-Parish funded a series of significant road improvements through a bond issue known as the Green Light Plan. When these efforts did not address all of the needs of the City-Parish, additional infrastructure investments were funded by MOVEBR. MOVEBR projects include mobility improvements, traffic and pedestrian improvements, traffic calming measures, beautification and streetscaping. The plans work together to invest in and improve transportation. However, even with these efforts, projections show congestion will continue to worsen without a fundamental change in how the City-Parish plans and invests in the transportation system. [^p3-1]: https://static.tti.tamu.edu/tti.tamu.edu/documents/mobility-report-2021.pdf <
> *Mississippi River Levee Path - Downtown at Sunset* # TRANSPORTATION Introduction <
> *Downtown Sidewalk - 3rd Street* <
> *Capitol Park Trolley* To solve traffic, mobility, and transportation equity issues, it is clear that several strategies must be employed: * Integrate land use and transportation facilities by incorporating a “Complete Streets” approach for future transportation improvements * Prioritize and fund strategic congestion relief road projects * Strengthen and enforce connectivity requirements for new development * Fund public transit to service the riders of need while attracting the riders of choice * Improve biking and walking opportunities * Conduct education and outreach programs to teach bicycle safety and etiquette, encourage bike commuting, and increase ridership. All of the above actions will be ineffective if we are not successful in encouraging growth patterns that shorten commutes. It is not possible to build enough roads or supply enough public transit to sustain the current growth patterns. Combining land use planning with strategic transportation investment utilizing the latest technologies for operations is the key to the future of the Parish. This element lays out the background data collection and analysis that was completed throughout the FUTUREBR comprehensive planning process, describes the type of modern transportation system that will help deliver the City-Parish’s long term long-term vision, and lays out a series of policies, tools and strategies for building that system. # Part 1: Transportation Today The current pattern of infrastructure development throughout the parish has led to a localized series of transportation facilities that have little relation to one another in how they were planned or how they function. This has resulted in a system where transportation planning decisions are made that consider only one mode of transportation, thereby pitting the movement of vehicles against pedestrians, bicyclists and transit. FUTUREBR’s transportation vision encourages the development of a multi-modal system that recognizes the need for additional roadway facilities, while acknowledging that the needs of transit users, cyclists and pedestrians must be met and that mode choice can help offset some of the vehicular congestion issues throughout the Parish. ### Current Lack of Transportation Options One of the most visible symptoms of not having a unified transportation plan for East Baton Rouge Parish is the lack of available transportation options. Without working toward a common vision, the automobile becomes the easiest mode of transportation to provide service. In 2008, the City-Parish Department of Public Works (DPW) performed an audit of its streets and found that there were 2,376 miles of roadway in the Parish with only 944 miles (40%) of roadway that included sidewalks. Inside the City limits approximately 48% of roadways have sidewalks. In 2011, only 15.6 miles of bike lanes and 7.5 miles of bike paths existed in the Parish. Since the adoption of FUTUREBR in 2011, bike facilities have increased to 28 miles of dedicated, on-street striped bike lanes and 45 miles of multi-use paths.[^p4-2] <
> *Baton Rouge Traffic Congestion* <
> *Baton Rouge Traffic Congestion* [^p4-2]: EBRGIS # TRANSPORTATION Part 1: Transportation Today The City-Parish studied the existence of sidewalks in the parish by Character Areas in 2023. Downtown had 77% streets with sidewalks, Urban/Walkable had 46% streets with sidewalks, and Suburban had 49% streets with sidewalks. Generally, funding small-scale projects such as intersection improvements or street widening are relatively easy to accomplish compared to the development of a robust multi-modal system. The public notices reductions in congestion when certain intersections are improved and acclaims it as “progress.” Since most of the traveling public utilizes automobiles, the positive impact of added and improved bike and pedestrian facilities is more difficult to quantify. Further, the true benefits of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure won’t be realized until a more complete network is established. This political reality has had a heavy influence on the allocation of transportation funding for the last 50 years. The land development and associated land uses for the past 50 years have increasingly fostered an environment heavily dependent on the personal automobile. Initially, minimizing infrastructure costs was a key component to the profitability of private land development; as a result, the Parish experienced an explosion of one-entrance developments that do not connect, where transit connectivity was not encouraged, and sidewalks were uncommon. Only recently has the market shown a demand for more walkable, connected communities. Developers have begun developing subdivisions with more diversification in transportation; however, implementation has mostly occurred in isolated instances with little thought to area-wide connections. Improving connectivity and capacity must be undertaken to broaden transportation options in East Baton Rouge Parish. <
> # TRANSPORTATION Part 1: Transportation Today ## Connectivity and Capacity ### The Importance of Connectivity A healthy and vibrant street network provides the basic infrastructure or “bones” of a city and the surrounding region. Its placement and design determine how and where residents travel and at what capacity. In a large sense, the road network provides for the cohesive and continuous flow of travel within the region, the local jurisdiction and from one neighborhood to the next. If done correctly, the street network enhances the sense of place within the community and provides opportunities for users to select among alternative routes. Appropriate connectivity within the street network maximizes accessibility and allows choices for people to use different routes and modes of transportation. Well-networked streets provide shorter, more direct routes between destinations. This increases the efficiency and reliability of the road network. During times of congestion or construction, drivers have more opportunities to switch to different routes and avoid delay. This is especially important for emergency responders as they need the fastest, most direct route to a fire or medical emergency. The net effect is that overall transportation demand is spread out over the entire street network rather than concentrated on one or two major streets. As illustrated in Figure 1, a network of narrower streets can handle more traffic (and create more accessible and developable land) than a single multi-lane facility. Redundancy increases the opportunity for drivers to select and avoid routes during delays or construction. In order to expand transportation options in the City-Parish, there are two principal problems that need to be addressed: lack of connectivity and insufficient capacity. <
> Figure 1: A Network of Narrow Streets vs. Multi-lane facility # TRANSPORTATION ## Part 1: Transportation Today <
> ### Regional Transportation System In recent decades, the City-Parish has focused on the road system for regional transportation. However, in recent years, the transit and aviation network have contributed regional connections. The map above shows the interstate system overlaid with Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport, the proposed New Orleans – Baton Rouge passenger rail, and the Bus Rapid Transit route. Unlike local transportation, regional transportation hubs are more permanent and will allow for multi-modal connections for years to come. * Interstate System * Proposed Regional Rail System * Proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) System * Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) --- # TRANSPORTATION ## Part 1: Transportation Today ### Regional Connectivity The Parish regional network is heavily influenced by natural topographic features, namely major rivers and environmentally sensitive areas. The Mississippi River to the west, Amite River to the east and Bayou Manchac to the south have all influenced the existing regional transportation network. Recent studies have indicated that the greater Baton Rouge community has half the number of lanes crossing the Mississippi River as the New Orleans area and half as many lanes as Shreveport-Bossier has crossing the Red River. Additional connectivity is required, particularly across the Mississippi and Amite Rivers. The original street network in some of the oldest areas of Baton Rouge represents a traditional grid. Originally designed to accommodate people – as opposed to the automobile – these streets are at regular intervals with many intersections, are narrower in width, and are highly walkable. As local and regional travel demands have grown over the past 50 years, the street network has not kept pace. An incomplete grid and poor connectivity between roadway classifications has evolved, beginning with the lack of alternative routes for the highest classification of roadways (controlled access interstates) down to the lack of connectivity of regional and local roads and between adjacent neighborhoods. In addition, daily traffic congestion, frequent traffic incidents and crucial evacuation needs along the I-10 and I-12 corridors reinforce that alternative routes crossing both rivers are critical. The lack of alternative and relief routes during these congestion events leads to overcrowding on other State routes as well as on local streets and neighborhoods. In addition to improved connectivity between local subdivisions, gaps within the local street network need to be filled to complete the system and allow better flow throughout the larger network. Due to development patterns over the past 50 years, these gaps in the local network were ignored with more emphasis placed on resolving the individual intersection congestion needs. # TRANSPORTATION Part 1: Transportation Today ### Local Connectivity Historically, conventional suburban street networks provide the basic layout for many of the newer suburban neighborhoods of Baton Rouge. This design lacked connectivity and promoted the automobile as the primary and most logical form of transportation. With single entry and exit points via larger arterials and collectors, these street designs overstressed the arterials and collectors, divided neighborhoods, limited accessibility to community facilities, and minimized the potential of the pedestrian network as a form of travel to and from points of interest. Since 2014, the parish has adopted connectivity requirements in order to improve the roadway network and provide opportunity for other modes of travel. A contrast of the conventional street network versus the more traditional approach is shown in Figure 2. The traditional well-connected local street grid provides more choices which leads to enhanced safety, quicker response time by emergency vehicles and optional routes during traffic incidents. A system of compact blocks and streets increases the opportunities for and performance of other modes of travel, such as walking, bicycling, and taking transit. **Figure 2:** Traditional Vs. Conventional Network Comparison <
> **CONVENTIONAL SUBURBAN NETWORK** *Channels traffic from local streets to the arterial street system. A system of parallel connectors.* **TRADITIONAL URBAN CONNECTED NETWORK** *Provides multiple and direct routes between origins and destinations.* --- # TRANSPORTATION Part 1: Transportation Today ### The Need for Capacity Improved connectivity will provide greater accessibility and increase efficiency and usage of the overall street network. However, improved connectivity will not solve all capacity needs. Several major routes within the Parish experience heavy congestion on a daily basis. These routes provide residents with local access and they are critical regional links to adjacent parishes and other parts of the state. Peak hour demand and delay on interstate systems and major arterials within the Parish has grown in hours of congestion per day. Major congestion on these primary routes trickles down to local arterials and collectors placing an additional traffic burden on an already over-stressed local system. Areas within the Parish that have experienced substantial growth over the past 50 years are underserved by the existing local roadway system. The most congested areas are concentrated within the southern and eastern portions of the Parish. Key local routes need additional capacity within these areas to adequately address current and future needs. These improvements would not only relieve congestion at critical choke points, but promote safer driving conditions, improve accessibility, and encourage increased usage of the corridors by all modes of travel. The Parish’s current transportation system is a product of uncoordinated planning and development; in order to address elements of connectivity and capacity without a coordinated approach to decision-making and funding will be required to ensure that investments are strategic. # TRANSPORTATION ## Part 1: Transportation Today The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is currently working on a project to improve Interstate 10 (I-10) in Baton Rouge. The project, which began in 2023, is expected to be completed in 2028. The goal of the project is to widen I-10 from three lanes to four lanes in each direction, improve safety, and reduce traffic congestion. The project is being divided into two segments: Segment 1 and Segment 2. Segment 1, which is currently underway, covers the area from La. Highway 415 in West Baton Rouge Parish to the I-10/I-12 split. Segment 2, which is scheduled to begin in 2025, will cover the area from the I-10/I-12 split to the I-10/I-20 split. As part of the project, DOTD is also constructing a new I-10 bridge spanning City Park Lake. The new bridge will be wider and taller than the existing bridge, and it will feature aesthetic treatments to improve its appearance. The I-10 improvement project is a major undertaking, and it is expected to cause some traffic disruptions. However, DOTD is working to minimize the impact on motorists. The project is being funded by a combination of state and federal funds. ### INTERSTATE 10 - SEGMENT 1 EXTENSION AREA <
> *** # TRANSPORTATION ## Part 1: Transportation Today Segment 1: * Widening I-10 from three lanes to four lanes in each direction * Improving safety features, such as guardrails and shoulders * Reducing traffic congestion * Constructing a new I-10 bridge spanning City Park Lake Segment 2: * Widening I-10 from three lanes to four lanes in each direction * Improving safety features, such as guardrails and shoulders * Reducing traffic congestion The I-10 improvement project is a critical investment in the future of Baton Rouge. The project will help to improve safety, reduce traffic congestion, and make Baton Rouge a more attractive place to live, work, and visit. # TRANSPORTATION Part 1: Transportation Today ### AGENCIES INVOLVED IN TRANSPORTATION PLANNING **Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD):** *LADOTD addresses state transportation issues and is responsible for design, construction and maintenance of state highways within the Parish. The recently published Statewide Transportation Plan "serves as the blue print for transportation investment." LADOTD is an advocate for multiple modes of transport, and strives to encourage sustainable growth across the States' transit system.* **City-Parish Department of Transportation and Drainage (DTD):** *DTD is responsible for the planning and construction of new infrastructure in the Parish.* **City-Parish Planning Commission (CPPC):** *The Commission is charged with governing the physical growth of East Baton Rouge Parish. The Commission's mission is to be a driving force supporting the development and implementation of the comprehensive plan, providing guidance for growth, development, and restoration, while recognizing the importance of maintaining healthy, diversified neighborhoods, encouraging increased access to economic opportunity, and enhancing the quality of life for all residents of East Baton Rouge Parish.* **Capital Region Planning Commission (CRPC):** *serves as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Baton Rouge area. CRPC serves 11 parishes.* **Capital Area Transit System (CATS):** *Quasi-public organization that provides mass transit via bus operations in the City of Baton Rouge.* **Federal Highway Agency (FHWA):** *FHWA carries out the federal highway programs in partnership with the state and local agencies (LADOTD, DTD, CRPC, etc.) to meet the Nation's transportation needs. The local FHWA office administers and oversees these programs to ensure that Federal funds are used efficiently within the state and the Parish.* **Baton Rouge Recreation and Parks Commission (BREC):** *BREC is the agency that connects people to parks and nature in East Baton Rouge Parish. In addition to providing quality parks, open spaces and recreational activities, BREC is committed to building a robust active transportation network that combines off-road greenways and on-road bike and pedestrian facilities.* ### Institutional Coordination As with most urbanized areas, the transportation system in East Baton Rouge Parish is planned, funded and maintained by numerous sources and agencies. agencies operating independently of one another. Decisions regarding transportation should be made through coordinated planning, and development should address elements of connectivity and capacity. Funding will be required to ensure that investments are strategic. ### Multiple Entities – Multiple Voices Multiple entities within the Greater Baton Rouge Metropolitan Area share similar interest and concerns in terms of transportation options and infrastructure. Collaboration among these entities is vital to prevent overlap of efforts, as well as to provide a stronger and more consistent foundation for transportation efforts within Baton Rouge as they pertain to the Parish, greater region and state. Similarly, discussion across agencies allows for shared resources by way of staff, and technical and financial support. Collaborative efforts allow for a common platform among agencies that enhances and promotes joint ownership, the success of transportation projects. ### Coordination with Others In addition to coordinating with other governmental agencies, the success of FUTUREBR also demands coordination with non-governmental agencies, including the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, BikeBR, the Capital Region Industry for Sustainable Infrastructure Solutions (CRISIS), the Center for Planning Excellence, the Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance, Healthy Baton Rouge, and the Sustainable Transportation Action Committee. Coordination with advocacy groups, non-profits, and private foundations such as those listed is essential to developing the consensus and momentum required to achieve the vision articulated in FUTUREBR. In late 2017, CRISIS released its Capital Region Mobility Strategy, laying out a series of both long and short range actions to address the congestion issues facing the Baton Rouge area. This report, which was endorsed by the Capital Region Planning Commission (CRPC), laid out proposals to enhance the capacity of the transportation system, providing increased travel choices, and adoption of regional policies to more holistically address the transportation issues facing the region. Examples of these proposals include enhanced river crossings, the expansion of active transportation alternatives to promote the use of bicycles as a transportation alternative, and Baton Rouge’s Complete Streets Policy. ### Transportation System Funding and Investment Numerous studies have demonstrated that new road construction alone will not solve the problems of a highly congested, sprawling urbanized area. While new and widened roads are an important element of a congestion solution, other transportation options must be given a high priority when deciding how to spend available dollars, such as transit, Intelligent Transportation Systems and Travel Demand Management. Transportation funding levels are on the decline so strategically utilizing the funding that is available is critical to solving congestion problems. *** # TRANSPORTATION Part 1: Transportation Today ### Where Does Current Transportation Funding Come From? Funding for transportation projects within the Parish is derived from several sources. The LADOTD principally receives funding from a 20-cent per gallon State gasoline tax, federal aid dollars, self-generated revenues and other variable revenues, such as interagency transfers. Four cents per gallon of the State gasoline tax is dedicated to the Transportation Infrastructure Model for Economic Development (TIMED) program for specific projects (none of which are in the Parish), while the remaining 16 cents per gallon is dedicated to the Transportation Trust Fund which funds transportation projects through the legislatively controlled priority program. Federal gas tax dollars are distributed by the LADOTD through various programs such as capacity improvements, congestion mitigation and air quality. East Baton Rouge Parish does not have a permanent revenue stream for roadway transportation projects. In October 2005, the citizens of East Baton Rouge Parish voted and passed an extension - scheduled to sunset in 2030 - to 0.5% sales and use tax for local street and roadway improvements. Seventy percent of the proceeds are used for transportation improvements -- including the construction of new roads, widening of existing roads, intersection improvements and upgrades to traffic signalization and synchronization. The bonding capacity of the Green Light Plan used to manage these funds is estimated to be $550 million. In 2018, the voters approved a half-cent sales tax for the next 30 years to implement MOVEBR Transportation and Infrastructure Improvement Program, a priority list of 70 projects totaling $1 billion road improvements. Transit in East Baton Rouge has a dedicated property tax for citizens living within the city limits of Baton Rouge. The operating budget is derived from fare box revenue, federal, State and local funding, and property tax. TRANSPORTATION Part 1: Transportation Today ### Is Current Funding Enough? The short answer to the question of funding adequacy is “no.” Current transportation funding simply is not enough. Statewide estimates by LADOTD project there is a $14.87 billion backlog in unmet highway construction needs for state routes in Louisiana. This funding gap totals $37.4 billion through 20443. The annual statewide spending on transportation projects has decreased in recent years, with construction dollars spent on State routes within the Parish varying year-by-year depending on the priority of projects statewide. These State routes are crucial because they are the most heavily traveled highways within the Parish; dollars spent on these routes represent a significant portion of the total annual transportation budget. To further compound the LADOTD funding need, the 16 cents per gallon gas tax dedicated to the Transportation Trust Fund is a fixed price per gallon and is not adjusted to account for inflation, meaning it loses value year on year the value of the dollar decreases. The price has not been adjusted since it was enacted in 1984, and as a result, inflation has reduced the purchasing power by almost 60% since its adoption. As vehicles become more fuel efficient, the average person will purchase less fuel to drive the same distance, further impacting available funding. Although gas tax revenue decreases, the needs for roadway maintenance, repair, and other system improvements do not, further eroding state transportation funding. According to a 2016 publication from The Road Information Project, 26% of Louisiana’s Interstate pavements are in poor or mediocre condition, the fourth highest rate in the nation. Louisiana’s Interstate system experienced a 43% increase in vehicle travel from 2000 to 2014, the highest rate in the nation. The fatality rate on Louisiana’s Interstates was the seventh highest in the U.S in 2015[^p10-4]. East Baton Rouge Parish recognized the funding shortfall for State routes within the Parish when the GLP was developed for transportation and street improvement projects within the Parish. Several of the most important projects of the GLP were on State routes that addressed severe congestion and provided relief to citizens within the Parish. Additional needs remain unaddressed on other state and local roadways due to funding limitations. [^p10-3]: Louisiana DOTD Statewide Transportation Plan Update, Chapter 6.4 [^p10-4]: Louisiana Transportation by the Numbers. Meeting the State's Need for Safe, Smooth, and Efficient Mobility, March 2017 <
> *** TRANSPORTATION Part 1: Transportation Today ### MOVEBR The MOVEBR project is a comprehensive transportation plan that aims to improve mobility and connectivity in East Baton Rouge Parish. The project includes a variety of transportation improvements, including road widening, traffic signal synchronization, and the construction of a new bus rapid transit (BRT) system. The MOVEBR project is funded by a combination of federal, state, and local sources. The project is expected to be completed in 2025. Here are some of the specific projects that are underway as part of the MOVEBR project in 2023: * South Choctaw Drive Expansion: This project will see South Choctaw Drive expanded into four lanes from Airline Highway to Central Thruway. * Plank-Nicholson Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project: This project will create a BRT corridor to provide a high-quality rapid transit mode for buses combining physical and operating improvements into the existing integrated transit system while conveniently and efficiently linking the north and south side to the city downtown. * EBR traffic light synchronization: This project is underway to synchronize 470 traffic signals in East Baton Rouge Parish. * MOVEBR video library provides virtual networking opportunities for small businesses: This library provides virtual networking opportunities for small businesses that are participating in the MOVEBR program. The MOVEBR project is a major investment in the future of transportation in Baton Rouge. The project will improve mobility and connectivity, and it will help to create a more sustainable and livable city. <
> # TRANSPORTATION Part 1: Transportation Today <
> *Capital Area Transit System* While the question of whether funding is sufficient for the City-Parish’s transportation goals is a valid question, an equally important issue is how funding is spent. Investing in roads and capacity to relieve congestion is crucial, but long-term investments in bike, pedestrian, and other components of the system will also be required. ## The Importance of Public Transit A modern, choice-rider transit system is the Parish’s goal. Some choice riders in the City-Parish will be attracted to transit because of an array of social values, such as their desire to reduce their carbon footprint and be “green.” In order to attract more choice riders, transit will have to accommodate the needs of prospective passengers with a high quality system that includes fast and frequent service, amenities like bike racks, comfortable and quiet vehicles, and good accessibility from stations and shops to work, home, and other destinations. The Capital Area Transit System’s (CATS) funding sources include funds received from fare box revenues, a dedicated property tax millage approved in 2012, and governmental entities. Services include several established bus routes that provide access throughout the community and CATS On Demand, a para-transit service for elderly and disabled populations for areas not readily served by a fixed transit route. . Today, transit coverage is widespread, but ridership is limited by infrequent service. This leads to a cycle of decline: too few buses and inefficient routes make transit an inconvenient choice, reducing the number of riders, which leads to further service cuts. CATS has to improve transit service to be fast, frequent and reliable – improvements that will better serve existing transit users and encourage potential riders to choose transit because of its convenience compared to driving. New riders can be encouraged to choose transit when it provides a convenient option for getting around, and Baton Rouge’s notorious traffic congestion could prove a strong incentive for taking transit instead. *** # TRANSPORTATION Part 1: Transportation Today ## Regional Transportation Assets While this Transportation element focuses primarily on the public travel realm and streets, the region has several transportation assets linking East Baton Rouge Parish to the nation and world. ### Passenger and Freight Rail Passenger rail service is not currently available in Baton Rouge. A new rail connection from Baton Rouge to New Orleans is being developed to enhance the economy of the entire region, reducing the congestion and travel time along I-10 while providing a reliable, fast and convenient alternative to driving that would cut regional carbon emissions. As Louisiana’s key population and employment centers, the Baton Rouge and New Orleans areas account for 45% of the state’s population, 48% of the state’s jobs and 53% of the state’s GDP. A secure passenger rail link between the two cities would expand business opportunities and attract new visitors to Baton Rouge. A line connecting Baton Rouge and New Orleans could reduce congestion and travel time along I-10 and provide a reliable, fast and convenient alternative to driving in addition to reducing regional carbon emissions. Two freight rail lines serve East Baton Rouge Parish: Canadian Pacific Kansas City⁵ and Union Pacific Railroad. The Canadian National line currently runs through the downtown Baton Rouge riverfront district. Relocating this line with minimal disruption to residential and commercial properties in the area could enhance the downtown environment and reduce crossing conflicts. Currently there is only a single freight rail bridge that crosses the Mississippi river; adding an additional rail bridge would improve freight capacity. ### Aviation The City of Baton Rouge owns and, through the Greater Baton Rouge Airport District, operates the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR). BTR occupies about 1,250 acres of land and has two runways designed for air carrier aircraft operations. Over 60 daily flights depart from BTR. BTR undertook an update to their master plan in 2016 to serve as a general guide for future growth. Located just off I-110 at the Harding Boulevard interchange, the airport is strategically located to service economic drivers in areas such as downtown, Southern University and LSU. The chemical manufacturing plants located near the capital and US 61 are also be served by the airport. Currently, there is very little transit service to the airport. A single bus route, Route 54, travels along Airline Highway to Southern University and serves the BTR passenger Terminal. However, automobiles – including taxis, personal vehicles, rideshares and rental cars – make up nearly all traffic to the airport. <
> *Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport* [^p11-5]: https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/business/approval-of-railroad-merger-a-big-big-day-for-baton-rouge-to-new-orleans-passenger/article_4c22ac14-c436-11ed-b0e2-dbc53c4ef47a.html # TRANSPORTATION Part 1: Transportation Today ## Maritime The Port of Greater Baton Rouge is located across the Mississippi River in Port Allen at the convergence of the Mississippi River and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. One of the key features of the port is that it is adjacent to the Port Allen Lock, which is the northernmost point on the Mississippi River where barges can access the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. Through the Mississippi River inland waterway system, the port is linked to other major ports along the Gulf Coast between Florida and Texas. The port provides easy accessibility to world markets and the Panama Canal. The port ranks among the top ten U.S. ports in the nation6 and ranks 65th in the world by total annual tonnage. The Port of Greater Baton Rouge provides excellent accessibility to intermodal transportation. The port is located adjacent to U.S. Interstate 10, and is in close proximity to U.S. Interstates 12, 49, 55, and 59; U.S. Highway 61, 65, and 90 and LA Highway 1. The port's public infrastructure and connectivity provide direct access to ship, barge, freight truck and rail. Its strategic location provides ready access to the nation's heartland via nearly 15,000 miles of inland water transportation as well as to the Gulf of Mexico and ocean trade lanes to and from Latin America and the rest of the world. [^p12-6]: https://www.bts.gov/content/tonnage-top-50-us-water-ports-ranked-total-tons # TRANSPORTATION Part 2: Transportation Tomorrow Given the existing conditions, institutional needs and funding challenges outlined above, the FUTUREBR Transportation Element outlines six major actions that must be taken. The overall goal is to build a system that will lead to improved quality of life and the opportunity to fully achieve the region's economic potential. The six recommended actions are: * Integrate land use and transportation facilities by implementing the Complete Streets Policy adopted in 2014 for future transportation improvements * Prioritize and fund key congestion relief road projects * Continue implementing connectivity requirements * Improve public transit to service the riders of need while attracting the riders of choice * Improve biking and walking opportunities * Implement the latest technology in traffic control systems to manage existing transportation infrastructure <
> Barge Traffic <
> Florida Street **BASIC PRINCIPLES** **OF COMPLETE STREETS:** * Balance safety, mobility, community and environmental goals in all projects * Involve the public and stakeholders early and continuously throughout the planning and project development process * Use an interdisciplinary team tailored to project needs * Address all modes of travel * Apply flexibility inherent in design standards * Incorporate aesthetics as an integral part of good design # TRANSPORTATION **Part 2: Transportation Tomorrow** ## Complete Streets Solutions: ### Multi-Modal Transportation Approach Currently East Baton Rouge Parish uses a conventional transportation decision-making process. Street type and size are determined by – travel demand and level of service, ignoring neighborhood identity and community character considerations. In contrast, a Complete Streets Solutions (CSS) approach, as promoted by the Federal Highway Administration and the Institute of Transportation Engineers, is a collaborative, interdisciplinary decision-making process that balances the needs of diverse stakeholders and offers flexibility in the application of design controls, guidelines, and criteria, resulting in facilities that are safe and effective for all users regardless of the mode of travel they choose. While travel demand and level of service are considered, CSS takes conventional transportation planning one step further and marries the roadway to its surrounding context, establishing a street design which considers context-sensitive criteria such as the natural environment, short and long term goals and objectives set by the Parish, community character, and land use, to name a few. The safe and timely movement of multi-modal traffic is achieved through the efficient use of three travel realms, which together, comprise a single right-of-way: context realm, travelled way realm, and the streetside realm. CSS focuses on streets that play the most significant role in the local transportation network and that offer the greatest multi-modal opportunities – arterials and collectors. In order to facilitate the implementation of CSS, the City-Parish adopted a Complete Streets Policy and inaugurated a Complete Streets Committee in 2014. The Committee was created to provide stakeholder input on ordinances, policies, design criteria, standards, procedures and guidelines pertaining to the development of Complete Streets. *** # TRANSPORTATION **Part 2: Transportation Tomorrow** Although the realms operate to serve a single purpose, each realm maintains a unique function that ensures the safe and efficient movement of traffic. Figure 3: Complete Street Travel Realms <
> Source: Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. and Digital Media Productions as published in the ITE publication, Design Walkable Urban Thoroughfares: A Context Sensitive Approach. ### STREETSIDE REALM The streetside or pedestrian realm is most commonly identified as the sidewalk which parallels the street. However, this area is not limited to the sidewalk and is inclusive of all areas between the curb and building interface. Planting buffers, furnishings, signs, shelters, bicycle parking and other pedestrian amenities are located in this realm. ### TRAVELED WAY REALM This realm is most commonly referred to as the street. It represents the public right-of-way that extends from curb to curb and allows for the transport of more general traffic including cars, trucks, transit, and bicycles. Medians, transit stops, parking, and temporary stops, such as loading zones, may also be found in the Traveled Way Realm. ### CONTEXT REALM This realm identifies those properties (private or public) that are adjacent to the public right-of-way and may include residential homes, businesses, offices, and educational facilities, among others. The locations of these establishments are universal and range in placement from more urbanized to suburban context. These elements determine the overall character of the roadway in terms of the type, scale and other modifications required of the adjacent travelway and pedestrian realm. # TRANSPORTATION Part 2: Transportation Tomorrow Integrating Context Sensitive Solutions with Existing City-Parish Planning The Major Street Plan provides a hierarchical street classification that distinguishes streets based on their ability to move automobile traffic and focuses on minimizing automobile travel time and congestion at the regional level. It does not often consider that thoroughfare design needs to find a balance between the goals of transportation mobility and land access, and also provide for a range of modes of transportation. This one-size-fits-all approach to roadway design does not allow adjustments to roadways as they move through varying land uses. The number and type of elements that should be implemented along a roadway vary depending on context, such as the buildings, businesses, and nearby neighborhoods that determine who uses the road. Traditional cross sections consist of similar design elements on a roadway, regardless of adjacent land uses. Because transportation and land use are inextricably linked, a context-sensitive approach is needed to ensure that streets respond to the uses they serve. How arterials and collectors relate to larger freeways and smaller residential streets is a major issue when planning road network improvements. A network design that fails to account for land uses will produce overly saturated or underutilized roadways and unnecessary expenses or wasted resources. The recommended approach is to maintain the traditional street functional classification system which defines a roadway based on its specific function as it relates to both user mobility and accessibility of the greater transportation network while providing a Complete Streets framework to promote multi-modal street development in targeted areas. ROAD WIDTH STANDARDS The current Major Street Plan is based on an Arterial, Collector and Local Street hierarchy. 7 Lane = 200’ ROW* Curb and Gutter 6D** Lane = 200’ ROW 6D Lane = 150’ ROW Curb and Gutter 4D Lane = 150’ ROW Curb and Gutter 4D Lane = 125’ROW Curb and Gutter 4D Lane = 100’ ROW (Existing) 4 Lane = 100’ ROW Curb and Gutter 4 Lane = 80’ ROW Curb and Gutter 3 Lane = 60’ ROW Curb and Gutter 3 Lane = 80’ ROW Curb and Gutter 2 Lane = 80’ ROW 2D Lane = 60’ ROW Curb and Gutter 2 Lane = 60’ ROW Curb and Gutter 2 Lane = 45’ ROW Curb and Gutter *ROW = Right of Way **D = Divided # TRANSPORTATION Part 2: Transportation Tomorrow <
> Source: EBRGIS A detailed map may be found on the City-Parish map portal # TRANSPORTATION Part 2: Transportation Tomorrow ## Street Cross Sections Use of a complete streets approach to transportation planning is a vital element to building public-private partnerships to develop centers, corridors, and neighborhoods to support the FUTUREBR Vision. This approach recognizes that thoroughfare planning must balance the regional, sub-regional and neighborhood functions of roadways in relation to desired community character. The following cross sections balance elements of conventional level-of-service analysis with other context-related criteria, including community objectives, thoroughfare type and the type and intensity of the adjacent land uses. **FUTUREBR Street Cross Sections include:** Mixed-Use/Downtown Commercial Neighborhood Agricultural/ Rural *** # TRANSPORTATION Part 2: Transportation Tomorrow ### Transportation Street Cross-Sections <
> *Downtown Street. Source: StreetMix* **MIXED-USE/DOWNTOWN** Mixed-use and Downtown street cross sections serve a mix of land uses at varying densities. Buildings are close to the street. These streets promote a mix of transportation modes. **Characteristics may include:** * Diversity in land use - retail, restaurants, offices, services and a variety of housing * Residential above first floor shops * Business districts and pedestrian friendly, mixed-use centers * Local and regional traffic * Short setbacks and active street face * High pedestrian traffic * High transit and alternative modes of transportation **Priority elements:** * Wide sidewalks with transit access * Dedicated transit lanes * Bicycle lanes on designated routes * Bicycle facilities * On-street parking * Curb extensions * Shared parking * Medians and planting strips # TRANSPORTATION Part 2: **Transportation Tomorrow** <
> *Commercial Street. Source: StreetMix* ### COMMERCIAL Serve primarily single-use land uses at lower densities – commercial, residential, institutional or industrial. Buildings are typically set back from the road. Streets are dominated by motor vehicle traffic and have less pedestrian and bicycle activity. These streets are often wide and/or serve faster moving traffic. *Characteristics may include:* * Adjacent to strip development, big box stores or industrial warehouses * Long blocks with low connectivity but easy vehicular accessibility * High levels of traffic at moderate speeds *Priority elements:* * Travel lanes * Medians * Transit accommodations * Protected turn lanes * Wide pedestrian buffers * For industrial areas, wide lanes * Bikes lanes on designated routes * Bicycle facilities --- # TRANSPORTATION Part 2: **Transportation Tomorrow** <
> ### NEIGHBORHOOD Serve residential areas at a range of densities, with low levels of motor vehicle traffic. Depending on the development, block length can vary. Small to medium sized setbacks allow for residential lawns and landscaping where desired. *Characteristics may include:* * Residential yards * Street extension of pedestrian realm (crosswalks, children at play) * High sense of community * Low speed limits * High pedestrian traffic * Varied block length, depending on development * Varied setbacks to allow for residential lawns and landscaping *Priority elements:* * Sidewalks a minimum of 5 feet * On-street parking * Planting strips # TRANSPORTATION Part 2: Transportation Tomorrow <
> *Agricultural/Rural Street. Source: StreetMix* ### AGRICULTURAL/ RURAL Serve very low density rural areas with large tracks of land. Have multiple access points, a mix of auto and truck traffic, and are faster moving. *Characteristics may include:* * Single family homes on large rural lots * Farming and low density industrial or ancillary uses * Moderate traffic on larger thoroughfares * Moderate speeds *Priority elements:* * Controlled access * Wide lanes to accommodate agricultural vehicles *** ### Special Purpose and Signature Street Overlays Additional elements beyond land use and traffic demand influence street design. Coordination with transit, biking, natural areas and special purpose streets such as transit streets or parkways requires additional considerations, as shown in the following Special Purpose/ Signature Street. These Special Purpose and Signature Street Types can be overlaid onto the core street types to provide further guidance to creating a robust, multi-model streets system. <
> *Transit Street. Source: StreetMix* ### Transit Streets These are streets that serve high levels of transit activity – i.e. streetcars, bus rapid transit, and fixed rail. This category is not intended to encompass all streets where transit exists – rather the more transit-intensive streets. The cross-sections are intended for illustrative purposes to highlight ways in which transit services can be integrated into complete street concepts as corridors are developed. In addition, the cross-sections illustrate the appropriate placement of bicycle and pedestrian options within corridors where the right-of-way permits the inclusion of these elements. ### Parkways Streets that extend through/along natural areas where there is a desire to maintain or create a park-like feel to the roadway, such as wider landscaped medians, natural materials on structures, and shared use paths alongside the road instead of sidewalks. This category also includes urban residential parkways where speeds are lower, but with a similar aesthetic. <
> *Parkway. Source: StreetMix* # TRANSPORTATION Part 2: Transportation Tomorrow ## Linking Street Design to Planned Land Use Integrating land use and transportation facilities and building the Parish's multi-modal street system through a complete streets approach are a fundamental basis of the Parish's future transportation system. The transportation building blocks are designed to work hand-in-hand with land use policy to create spaces that are vibrant and lively where people have a choice in how to get around on a daily basis. Baton Rouge has made significant efforts to focus on pedestrian improvements within its existing transportation network. However, the Parish's current conventional framework slows the pace and consistency with which multi-modal measures are implemented, resulting in patchwork street types that lack progression throughout the transportation network. The CSS approach uses context types – which are typical patterns of land use found throughout the City-Parish – to define proposed thoroughfares, creating a consistent and efficient transportation system. The transportation building blocks allow for flexibility, so the street can work with and enhance adjacent uses. For example, an avenue located within a Main Street context should have a wider pedestrian realm to accommodate more foot traffic and pedestrian activity. Similarly, a sidewalk along an industrial corridor is less of a priority since pedestrians are not likely to use it, but larger industrial vehicles are common. <
> *Downtown Sidewalk - 3rd Street* <
> *Bike Lane - Glenmore Avenue* ## Implementation Techniques Incorporating designs for street facilities to ensure that new and rebuilt facilities support FUTUREBR's overarching goals of a flexible, multi-modal transportation system is also important. The following techniques should be incorporated into the City-Parish's transportation design manuals and standards. ## Managing Transitions How certain transportation amenities, such as roadways, sidewalks, bike lanes and transit transition from one street type to the next must be considered to ensure the successful implementation and utilization of the entire right-of-way. Transitions are most commonly due to street width limitations and include the modified progression of traffic through the traditional street functional classification system as defined above. Transitions may include traditional geometric design changes, such as smooth tapers where lanes change, and speed limit changes where design speeds change. Based on surrounding context, transitions may extend beyond geometric changes and include multi-modal considerations, as well as visual cues to the change in context. Transitions of these types can indicate that changes in the emphasis on pedestrians, the width of the street, or entering or leaving a special district or corridor. ## Designing Intersections In any street network the design and operation of intersections is significant. Multi-modal systems require the safe movement of passenger vehicles, transit, heavy vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians through the intersection. Intersection design encompasses the intersection itself and the approaches to the intersection, and may impact adjacent land uses. As with corridors, certain types of intersections are appropriate to specific land uses. <
> *Stanford Avenue* <
> *CPEX Better Block - Government Street* # TRANSPORTATION Part 2: Transportation Tomorrow The Institute of Transportation Engineers publication, *Context Sensitive Solutions in Designing Major Urban Thoroughfares for Walkable Communities*, identifies the following principles for the design and operation of intermodal intersections: * Minimize conflicts between modes * Accommodate all modes with the appropriate levels of service for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit, and motorists * Avoid elimination of any travel modes due to intersection design * Provide good driver and non-driver visibility * Minimize pedestrian exposure to moving traffic on roads with high speeds by greater separation * Design for low speeds at critical pedestrian-vehicle conflict points * Avoid extreme intersection angles and break up complex intersections with pedestrian refuge islands * Ensure ADA compliant pedestrian opportunities to accommodate all people * As with other design considerations in the Context Sensitive Design approach, accepted engineering guidelines should be used In urban areas, intersections have a significant design function as well as a transportation function. All too often, intersections in the Parish have been expanded to ease congestion with little to no regard to the context of the area. Intersections should be designed to be as compact as possible in urban contexts. Intersections should minimize crossing distance, crossing time, and exposure to traffic, while encouraging bicycle and pedestrian travel and increaseing safety. The extension of curbs into the parking lane at intersections, otherwise known as “bulb-outs” is a common approach to terminate parking lanes for improved sight lines, narrowing the crossing distance and enhancing cross-walk delineation. Intersections in urban contexts may use contrasting colors, patterns or textures for pedestrian crossing movements, which increases safety by delineating safe cross-walks for pedestrians and providing visual cues for drivers. Where safe, midblock crossings should be considered for long blocks with high pedestrian use. <
> *Example of “Bulb-Out” intersection* <
> *Example of contrasting colors and materials for pedestrian facilities - LSU* *** # TRANSPORTATION Part 2: Transportation Tomorrow Outside of urban context areas, the purpose of roads shifts from access of properties to mobility of the traveling public. The design of intersections changes accordingly. In suburban and rural areas, roundabouts are an effective solution for intersections on roads serving up to 25,000 vehicles per day for single-lane roads and 40,000 vehicles per day for dual-lane roundabouts. Roundabouts have been proven to reduce crashes compared to conventional four-way stop or signal controlled intersections. Roundabout intersections can accommodate pedestrians, bicycles and transit. These types of intersections also provide opportunities for landscaping and public art. For higher volume roads, several alternative intersection designs have emerged and could be employed to address the significant traffic congestion in the City-Parish. These innovative intersections modify how left turns are completed and dramatically reduce delay, while costing less than grade-separated alternatives (i.e. overpasses). Signalization enhancements could address timing ensuring signals along major corridors are coordinated. <
> *Roundabout - Capitol Access Road* <
> *Roundabout - LSU* TRANSPORTATION Part 2: Transportation Tomorrow ### Access Management “Access Management” means regulating access to streets, roads and highways from public roads and private driveways. Measures may include, but are not limited to, restrictions on the siting of interchanges, restrictions on the type and amount of access to roadways, and use of physical controls, such as signals and channelization including raised medians, to reduce impacts of approach road traffic on the main facility. Access Management is an important concept since it improves safety for vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles. It also improves traffic flow and vehicle capacity, which in turn improves freight mobility by getting goods and services to businesses more efficiently. ### Design Components Context sensitive design gives consideration to a number of design components that respond to the multi-modal nature of the transportation system. Guidance documents including the Institute of Transportation Engineers publication, *Context Sensitive Solutions in Designing Major Urban Thoroughfares for Walkable Communities*, and various publications of American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials should be consulted for the proper and safe application of each of these components. <
> *Context Sensitive Solutions in Designing Major Urban Thoroughfares for Walkable Communities* ### Baton Rouge Electric Vehicle (EV) Strategic Plan The Baton Rouge Electric Vehicle (EV) Strategic Plan identifies key strategies to support the growth of EVs throughout the City-Parish. As EVs become more prevalent in the region and more people opt to drive them, it will be critical for Baton Rouge’s success to ensure that supportive infrastructure exists within the community. There is also a significant funding opportunity as a result of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which has billions of dollars set aside to fund EV charging infrastructure and vehicle purchases. This is complemented by the recent passage of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which extends financial incentives for the adoption of EVs and invests in domestic manufacturing to support clean energy production. With this EV Strategic Plan, the City-Parish can: 1) take a methodical approach to plan for its future transportation network, 2) support the needs of area residents, and 3) position itself to be competitive for grant funding opportunities. <
> TRANSPORTATION Part 2: Transportation Tomorrow <
> *Woman’s Hospital* Below-grade medians can serve as low impact stormwater treatment facilities. Curb cuts allow runoff to collect and infiltrate in the median. Hydric vegetation (those species adapted to a wet habitat) can aid water filtration and add beauty to the urban environment. Having established a system wide approach to transportation design, the following three sections of this plan address specific implementation topics: relieving congestion, expanding connectivity, and improving transit, biking, and walking infrastructure. Each topic draws upon a Complete Streets approach, so that even near-term traffic congestion relief projects should be planned and constructed to also improve multi-modal travel in the City-Parish. A roadway reconfiguration known as a road diet should be considered for traditional four-lane undivided highways. Road diets offers several high-value improvements at a low cost. In addition to low cost, the primary benefits of a road diet include enhanced safety, mobility and access for all road users and an environment to accommodate all transportation modes where possible. A classic road diet typically involves converting an existing four-lane, undivided roadway segment to a three-lane segment consisting of two through lanes and a center, two-way left-turn lane. # TRANSPORTATION Part 2: Transportation Tomorrow <
> *Example of well-connected street network - Downtown Baton Rouge* ## Connectivity Improvements and Policy The transportation system is a network of streets and highways that serves and connects multiple places and people via multiple modes of travel. A network approach to transportation projects focuses on connecting people to places — ultimately allowing places to become more intense centers of social and economic activity. A highly networked system of streets, with at least 150 intersections per square mile, provides multiple routes between destinations, compact block sizes, sidewalks, bicycle facilities, narrower streets and a greater capacity than unconnected street systems. ### Immediate Improvements Immediate improvements to the transportation network can be made by providing additional grid connections — that is, more routes to get from one place to another. These improvements will reduce travel time, save travel costs, reduce congestion and improve access for commuters, local trips and emergency vehicles. Some of these needed connectors also provide access for areas anticipated to grow, particularly within the southern portion of the Parish. As these corridors are improved, they should incorporate applicable Complete Street principles to promote their use by all modes of traffic. *** # TRANSPORTATION Part 2: Transportation Tomorrow ### Connectivity Policy One of the major actions to fulfill the FUTUREBR vision is improving the connectivity of local streets between subdivisions and neighborhoods, particularly for new development. Strengthening the enforcement of connectivity required for future development is a key to achieve a critical goal of improving the overall street network. In the past, waivers have been granted due to public pressure. The Unified Development Code was updated in 2017 to prohibit waivers. To ensure that new development in the City-Parish supports and enhances connectivity, private development should be designed with a well-connected street system. Neighborhoods designed with one or two streets feeding into a collector or arterial have several negative impacts. Trips are typically longer, even when “as the crow flies” distances are short. They usually require a motorist or pedestrian to make some portion of the trip on a major road or arterial. All of these factors add to greater capacity needs on arterials, thus increasing capital and maintenance costs, while discouraging short trips on foot. A well-connected street system, in contrast, has many short streets and intersections and few dead-ends. Travel can be more direct, because the network provides many different routes, instead of one or two main corridors. Trips between destinations within the neighborhood can stay within the neighborhood, lessening the need for more arterial capacity. Travel by foot or bicycle is easier on these networks. These networks can include cul-de-sacs, as long as they are not so frequent as to impede direct travel. ### General Criteria and Street Connectivity Standards A proposed development or subdivision should provide direct connections in its local street system to and between local destinations, such as parks, schools, and shopping, without requiring the use of arterial streets. New development or subdivisions should incorporate and continue all collector and local streets stubbed or planned at its boundary. Dead-end streets that are not cul-de-sacs should not be permitted except in cases where such streets are designed to connect with future streets on abutting land. New developments and subdivisions should be designed with a context sensitive approach. Connectivity standards are not intended to force new development to take place only on a grid-type layout. Curvilinear streets can be a pleasure to travel on while still providing good connections. By using a set of flexible standards, like those above, developers will still have a great deal of flexibility in how they design their projects. ### DOTD ADOPTS A COMPLETE STREETS POLICY * On all new and reconstruction roadway projects that serve adjacent areas with existing or reasonably foreseeable future development or transit service, DOTD will plan, fund and design sidewalks and other pedestrian facilities. The appropriate facility type will be determined by the context of the roadway. * On all new and reconstruction roadway projects, DOTD will provide bicycle accommodations appropriate to the context of the roadway – in urban and suburban areas, bicycle lanes are the preferred bikeway facility typed on arterials and collectors. The provision of a paved shoulder of sufficient width, a shared use trail, or a marked shared lane may also suffice, depending on context. ### Connectivity and State Routes Considering capacity and connectivity, State routes are some of the most significant roads in East Baton Rouge Parish. For the Parish to accomplish the Vision of the Comprehensive Plan, Parish and State agencies must be aligned in their goals and missions. To achieve this, several initiatives must be agreed upon by all parties. It is essential that the Parish and the State agree to cross-sections and road contexts that promote the components of FUTUREBR land use and transportation aims. A cooperative endeavor agreement between the two agencies could ensure the success of this partnership. LADOTD is currently looking to reduce the amount of lane miles they maintain the Parish can accept these roads through the LADOTD Road Transfer Program with sufficient funding for maintenance. <
> *Capital Area Transit System* ### Advancing the FUTUREBR Vision for Transit Strengthening the transportation system starts with the development of bus lines that provide fast, frequent and reliable service and attract new riders with quality facilities and amenities. A strong foundation of bus lines creates a transportation option that has broad support. High-frequency routes should provide transit route services at a frequency of at least 20 minutes during the peak periods and 30 minutes in the off-peak periods for many routes throughout the current service area. It should provide service to the Parish's educational facilities and the service levels needed for students. Adding express services that are more suited to park-and-ride transit further expands the foundation needed to support a full transit system for the City-Parish. A backbone system of higher capacity transit corridors working in conjunction that interact with the foundational bus service provides fast, reliable transit services that supports the growing activity and employment centers that are central to the FUTUREBR Vision. These high-capacity transit corridors provide opportunities for well-connected catalyst projects and spur while spurring desired development within targeted growth centers. Data suggests that most people in the United States are “comfortable” walking no more than a ¼ mile to or from public transit stops. The first mile/last mile problem arises when a potential rider is further than this “comfortable distance” to a fixed-route stop. Unless a potential transit rider’s home and destination (work, shopping, or entertainment) are both within ¼ mile of a fixed transit stop, that person is unlikely to consider transit a viable option for the trip. Using technology, arrangements for on-demand transportation can be used to eliminate the first mile/last mile barriers and encourage additional transit ridership. Finally, it is imperative to improve access for transit users with mobility impairments and disabilities. # TRANSPORTATION Part 2: Transportation Tomorrow <
> Proposed Bus Rapid Transit route with stops along Plank Road and Nicholson Drive. Source: MOVEBR, https://movebr.brla.gov/form/baton-rouge-bus-rapid-transit-project-page # TRANSPORTATION Part 2: Transportation Tomorrow ### Proposed Elements of an Expanded Transit **Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)** Bus rapid transit is a relatively new technology that combines the efficiency aspects of rail transit with the route flexibility of buses. It can operate on exclusive transit ways, high occupancy vehicle lanes, expressways, or ordinary streets. A BRT system offers potential advantages by combining priority transit lanes, alternative fuel technology, cleaner and quieter operation, rapid and convenient fare collection, and integration with land-use policy. The Plank-Nicholson Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor will provide high-quality, rapid transit for buses combining physical and operating improvements into the existing integrated transit system while conveniently and efficiently linking the north and south side of the city. The BRT is designed to provide enhanced bus service along the corridor by reducing travel times and providing a high level of passenger amenities including frequent service, specially designed stations, real-time schedule information displays at stations, level boarding at stations, improved station lighting, improved pedestrian and bicycle connections to stations, and bicycle amenities at stations. The BRT will expand local and regional mobility options, improve job access, support transit-oriented development and enhance livability along the corridor. In addition, the project proposes to reduce traffic congestion and improve access for pedestrians and cyclists through intersection and signal improvements, access management, and sidewalk connections along the Florida Boulevard and Plank Road portions of the BRT route. Consideration will be made for incorporation of green infrastructure practices where practical. Street lighting improvements will be considered as an integral part of enhancing the safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and all users of the roadway and the aesthetic appearance of the corridor. Findings from the Plank Road Master Plan, Florida Boulevard Corridor Enhancement, Corridor Enhancement, Segment 2 (Dawson Drive to Harding Boulevard) Projects must be taken into consideration for this project. **High Frequency Bus** High frequency bus service operates in mixed traffic and has short stop spacing. Increased efficiency of this service comes from intelligent system operations. Priority and preemption is used at intersections and real-time information is given at stops through the utilization of Global Positioning Satellite technology. **Regional Commuter Rail** Commuter rail is passenger rail service that connects people in larger distances – such as Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Stations are being considered in Mid City near the former Entergy site, in the Medical District near Bluebonnet Boulevard, and North Baton Rouge. Unlike city bus or tram, commuter trains run several trips a day. Commuter rail typically operates in designated rights of way separate from other forms of transportation. **Light Rail** Light rail would provide accessible, frequent and reliable services that can quickly carry many people to heavily visited areas such as medical districts. It could provide attractive short-trip urban circulation and help establish street life and public spaces all along its route. Service would be frequent, with a new light rail arriving every 15 to 20 minutes during peak times. Stations could be placed every 2-4 blocks to maximize efficiency. **Park and Ride** Park and ride parking lots provide a great way for people in the outer areas of the City-Parish to be able to drive less, access frequent service transit, and reduce urban traffic congestion. Proposed park and ride locations include Cortana Mall, Airline Highway and Foster Drive, and the Medical District/Mall of Louisiana (also proposed site of a regional commuter rail station). Biking and Walking Opportunities FUTUREBR recognizes that the transportation system of tomorrow’s great cities will be truly multi-modal and that pedestrian and bicycle access throughout the Parish will be critical to developing a modern transportation system. Bicycle and pedestrian facilities are often overshadowed by larger, more expensive projects given their localized impacts and lower project cost implications. But it is these neighborhood-scale improvements that make it possible and even preferable to leave the car at home. By developing a system of on- and off-street facilities that complements the Parish’s major roadway and transit projects, the City-Parish will be able to extend the effectiveness of the overall system and increase quality of life through the Parish. The City-Parish, along with LADOTD and BREC released a Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan in 2020. The Plan establishes the routes for a complete active transportation network and prioritizes projects. The 2024 update also provides Bike and Pedestrian facility definitions and minimum standards to guide the implementation of the network. Trail Network and Facilities An off-street system of multi-use paths is another significant element of the bicycle and pedestrian network, serving as the complement to on-street facilities such as sidewalks and bike lanes. BREC’s Greenways and Trails Division set forth an ambitious plan for an off-street network of trails and pathways, which were incorporated into the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. Connections to and expansions of the BREC Greenway system is targeted for areas that connect people to parks, neighborhoods, shopping and jobs. By ensuring that on-street and off-road trail improvements are coordinated with each other and other transit options, and by closing gaps in the system, bicyclists and pedestrians will have safe routes to get where they need to go. The resulting alternative transportation network will increase the overall effectiveness of the transportation system, improving health, quality of life, and reducing congestion. Furthermore, the provision of access for pedestrian and bicycles can improve commuting options throughout the Parish. Connections into existing neighborhoods using bicycle and pedestrian scale infrastructure improvements can help alleviate localized congestion by promoting the use of non-motorized modes for short trips such as those to a park or between neighborhoods. In addition, this type of solution can provide a way for children and elderly populations to access community resources that might be contained within the neighborhood centers without accessing heavily travelled automobile corridors. A well-connected pedestrian and bicycle network can help to facilitate the expansion of the effective service area for the transit system within the Parish. By providing more direct routes to transit stops and reducing circuitous routes, system efficiencies can be gained through pedestrian and bicycle connections that greatly increase the ability for people to utilize mass transit options. In addition to the many road facilities needed for bicyclists, there is also a need for centralized bike facilities downtown and in other employment centers. The relative cost of centralized bicycle facilities is small, and they can remove barriers that keep would-be cyclists from commuting by bike. Securing funding sources for these bike system improvements will be a major step in making the bicycle a viable alternative to driving. <
> The Complete Streets Citizens’ Advisory Committee (CSCAC) has approved a ten-year build out map of the East Baton Rouge trails. It includes a combination of BREC, City-Parish, and state projects to create a transportation networks throughout the Parish. Source: EBRGIS # TRANSPORTATION Part 2: Transportation Tomorrow ## Bike Share Recently, bike share programs have risen in popularity. A bike share system is integral to the development of an urban bicycle system and diversifying transportation mode choice for short distance and point-to-point trips. Bike share startups such as Hubway and Zagster have significantly affected mode choice in cities such as Boston and Winston-Salem. The Baton Rouge Area Foundation, local government, BREC, LSU, Southern University and the business community have delivered a bike share program with stations located at sites of greatest demand. The program’s membership structure is designed for an array of user preferences, and subscriptions allow access to a bike without the cost of owning and operating one. Bike share systems can also be designed to interface with mobile app technology for user convenience and data collection to streamline and improve the bike share program. *** # TRANSPORTATION Part 2: Transportation Tomorrow ## Bike and Pedestrian Opportunities Toolbox <
> *Sidewalks - 3rd Street* Sidewalks are important to pedestrian travel. Wider sidewalks in commercial areas facilitate a mix of uses, and the addition of streetscaping can promote pedestrian use. <
> *Bike Lanes - North Boulevard Greenway* Bike lanes are located on the edge of a street or between the travel lanes and parking lanes. Typically, they are 5-6 feet wide and allow cyclists to have a protected space on the street. <
> *Multi-use Path - Mississippi River Levee Path* A multi-use path accommodates pedestrian and bicyclists, separating their travel from automobiles. At least 10 feet wide, a multi-use path allows for a high volume of users. Hardscape paths generally serve commuters; crushed stone paths tend to be recreational. <
> *Streetscaping - Florida Street* Streetscaping refers to the use of planted areas and other beautifying techniques along transit corridors that can attract pedestrians and make pedestrian and bicycle use more pleasant. <
> *Pedestrian Crossing - LSU Campus* Pedestrian crossing connect neighborhoods and can be at intersections or mid-block. Signal timing and pedestrian “islands” can improve safety for walkers. <
> *Sharrow - Dalrymple Drive* Sharrows are special lane markings for roads too narrow to accommodate a separate bike lane. These markings alert drivers to the likelihood of encountering bicyclists. <
> *Woonerf - Madison, Wisconsin* A Woonerf is a living, social street concept originally implemented in the Netherlands. This technique uses shared spaces, traffic calming, low speeds, and often flattens the grade separation between the pedestrian realm and the travel realm to create a pleasant environment for users of all modes. <
> *Cycle Track - Montreal, Canada* Cycle tracks are bike lanes separated from automobile traffic by curbs or other street surface treatment such as a rumble strip or special paving. Cycle tracks are useful for heavily trafficked bicycle routes. <
> Source: Downtown Development District # TRANSPORTATION **Part 2: Transportation Tomorrow** <
> --- # TRANSPORTATION **Part 2: Transportation Tomorrow** *Full network of Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan including MoveBR Improvement Projects* ### Adoption of the East Baton Rouge Parish Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan The pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan was adopted in 2020 through a collaborative planning process, led by the State Department of Transportation and Development, in partnership with BREC, using consultants to lead the public input process and final creation of the report. The plan outlines two networks of facilities that will complement each other. The first is the Active Transportation Network, which consists primarily of on-street bicycle facilities and sidepaths. The second is the BREC Trails Network, which builds on the 16-year effort of creating linking greenways and trails through out the parish. Concerns of safety, health, equity and heavy reliance on the automobile prompted the creation of this plan, including the designation of Baton Rouge as a focus city by the Federal Highway Administration in 2015. Focus cities are those with pedestrian and bicycle fatalities. The plan analyzes the existing conditions and current programs to identify strengths and weaknesses. It provides recommendations for updates to existing policies and non-engineering programs to support implementation of projects. The Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan can be found as an appendix to the Transportation Element. ### Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan Recommendations: 1. Continue to prioritize opportunities to create a complete transportation network 2. Create a dedicated funding set aside for pedestrian and bicycle projects. 3. Provide funding to support local planning for active transportation and walkable, bikeable, transit-oriented development. 4. Adjust project selection criteria to further prioritize investments in connected pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, pedestrian and bicycle safety, and walkable, bikeable, transit-oriented development patterns. 5. Continue support and implementation of East Baton Rouge Parish’s Complete Streets Policy. 6. Support a Safe System/Vision Zero approach to traffic safety. 7. Develop guidance resources on context-appropriate pedestrian and bicycle design and pedestrian and bicycle-supportive land-use regulation. 8. Provide training and technical assistance to support walkability/bikeability, pedestrian and bicycle safety. 9. Work to facilitate state and local coordination on active transportation issues. 10. Coordinate review of functional classifications and provide input to LADOTD on changes necessary to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety or implement bicycle network recommendations in this plan. 11. Coordinate review of speed limits through a parishwide comprehensive vehicle speed reduction study and collaborate with local stakeholders and LADOTD on changes necessary to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety. 12. Coordinate with transit to improve parish-wide connections between bus shelters, bus stops, and medical facilities. 13. Develop programs that encourage events related to active transportation modes. 14. Publish a parish wide bicycle map to inform the public of existing bicycle facilities and recreational destinations. 15. Incorporate equity into all aspects of regional transportation planning, project selection, and implementation. 16. Help develop a culture that supports and encourages walking and bicycling. 17. Collect better data on walking and bicycling. # Part 3: Goals, Objectives and Actions to Achieve the Vision This section details the transportation goals, objectives and actions that will move East Baton Rouge Parish toward the community's Vision. Goals are the big overarching ideas, changes or practices that are essential to realize the community's Vision. Objectives establish specific, measurable, attainable and realistic goals that guide how the Comprehensive Plan is implemented in a way that will achieve the Vision. Actions outline the steps needed to achieve the objectives. ### TRANSPORTATION GOALS 1. Establish a road network with improved and acceptable local and regional traffic congestion levels. 2. Establish and support the development of connectivity throughout the transportation system. 3. Implement complete streets policies and design concepts. 4. Develop a modern, choice-rider transit system. 5. Enhance the bicycle and pedestrian network throughout the Parish. 6. Improve coordination between agencies to improve communication and transportation results. 7. Reduce vehicular emmissions. ## Transportation Goal 1 Establish a road network with improved and acceptable local and regional traffic congestion levels. ### Objective 1.1 Pursue strategic investments to reduce congestion related delay #### Actions to support objective 1.1: 1.1.1 Coordinate with the Capital Region Planning Commission (CRPC), the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD), and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and other influencing agencies on the development of a Comprehensive Transportation Plan that can be adopted by Metropolitan Council. 1.1.2 Prioritize transportation projects by order of need and cost effectiveness in the transportation plan. 1.1.3 Incorporate into the UDC a requirement for a traffic impact study to be completed by developers on projects over a certain size. Such studies should recognize and provide incentives for alternative modes of transportation. 1.1.4 Update the Comprehensive Transportation Plan in conjunction with the City-Parish Comprehensive Plan every five years to ensure maximum effectiveness of transportation investments. 1.1.5 Utilize Intelligent Transportation Systems and other innovative concepts to maximize the efficiency of the existing network. ### Objective 1.2 Improve regional mobility through identification and prioritization of required projects and consequent funding of the projects at the state and federal level. #### Actions to support objective 1.2: 1.2.1 Prioritize regional transportation projects, facilitate adoption within the MPO's Transportation Improvement Program and LADOTD's Surface Transportation Improvement Program. 1.2.2 Promote regional transportation projects at the state and federal levels to ensure that their importance is fully understood and supported. 1.2.3 Coordinate with LADOTD and FHWA as relevant projects move through funding and implementation processes. ### Objective 1.3 Adequately fund priority projects. #### Actions to support objective 1.3: 1.3.1 Develop programs to effectively compete for new federal grants and funding sources as they become available. 1.3.2 Maximize available state funds spent on local transportation projects by coordinating the Comprehensive Transportation Plan with LADOTD/CRPC and working at all levels of government to insure priority is given to regional transportation challenges. 1.3.3 Leverage available funds with private investment to achieve a positive land use-transportation connection; seek to improve mobility, enhance air quality, support economic growth, and ensure the financial stability of the transportation system. 1.3.4 Identify and pursue other potential funding sources. These potential sources include local taxing and bonding, public private partnerships and innovative federal programs. # TRANSPORTATION Part 3: Goals, Objectives and Actions 1.3.5 Develop project metrics that include a bonus in the scoring of multi-modal corridors for future consideration. ## Objective 1.4 Develop the transportation system to facilitate the economic needs and development of the Parish and region. ### Actions to support objective 1.4: 1.4.1 Develop appropriate adequate facilities for movement of freight traffic within and through the region. 1.4.2 Identify and prioritize upgrades to intersections and interchanges to increase accessibility and safety. 1.4.3 Utilize the Ferry Feasibility Study to determine if a ferry connection is needed between West Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge, including downtown and the universities. ## Transportation Goal 2 **Establish and support the development of connectivity throughout the transportation system.** ### Objective 2.1 Establish a network of streets to further reduce congestion, and ensure public and private development consistently supports the goal of connectivity for the street network. ### Actions to support objective 2.1: 2.1.1 Require connectivity in new developments through appropriate codes and ordinances to ease congestion and more evenly distribute traffic. 2.1.2 Enforce and prioritize connectivity at every level of government. 2.1.3 Reduce one-way streets where appropriate to reduce crashes, enhance pedestrian safety, and create an integrated urban grid. ## Objective 2.2 Add connections to the existing street system, where possible, to improve the existing network of streets. ### Actions to support objective 2.2: 2.2.1 As part of the Comprehensive Transportation Plan, identify all locations where achievable connections can be made that improve the street grid. 2.2.2 When roadway connections are not possible, provide convenient connections to other modes of transportation through implementation of well-connected streets. 2.2.3 Provide bicycle or pedestrian facilities along riparian areas, rights-of-way and drainage servitudes when possible. 2.2.4 Collocate intermodal connections – including transit stops, station areas, enhanced bicycle facilities such as wayfinding and short-and long-term parking, high quality pedestrian infrastructure, and shared public parking – particularly at mixed-use centers and employment centers. ## Objective 2.3 Manage access to higher volume roadways. ### Actions to support objective 2.3: 2.3.1 Develop access management plans to maintain traffic flow and reduce vehicular accidents. ## Transportation Goal 3 **Implement Complete Streets policies and design concepts.** ## Objective 3.1 Ensure Complete Street policies and standard cross sections are institutionalized and practiced throughout the Parish ### Actions to support objective 3.1: 3.1.1 Develop and implement Complete Streets cross section standards, including provisions for roundabouts. 3.1.2 Ensure streets with significant traffic volumes and transit routes incorporate appropriate transit pullouts and as part of their street design to maintain traffic flow. 3.1.3 Work in partnership with LADOTD to leverage corridors and funding mechanisms that would be of mutual benefit for Complete Streets applications. 3.1.4 Utilize Complete Street cross section revisions whenever corridor reconstruction or reconfiguring occurs. 3.1.5 Develop and adopt a Complete Streets Design Manual that includes a process for project prioritization and guides public and private improvements–both new construction and retrofits. ## Objective 3.2 Construct corridors to demonstrate how streets contribute to the urban environment. ### Actions to support objective 3.2: 3.2.1 Pursue and construct multi-modal enhancements using a context sensitive solutions process. ## Transportation Goal 4 **Develop a modern, choice-rider transit system.** ## Objective 4.1 Build and fund a robust transit network that serves as a backbone to future system expansion. ### Actions to support objective 4.1: 4.1.1 Develop an ADA Transition Plan for correction of deficient transit stops. 4.1.2 Improve access between job centers, educational institutions, convention centers and other key areas of the city. 4.1.3 Increase the use of micro transit in areas of the City-Parish that need connections to the fixed CATS system. Possibilities include connection past the Parish line, park and rides, and colleges and universities. ## Objective 4.2 Identify high capacity transit corridors for future implementation. ### Actions to support objective 4.2: 4.2.1 Develop services that are expected to attract a high ridership to new activity centers. 4.2.2 Develop strategies that further develop the system along other corridors. 4.2.3 Pursue funding opportunities for system enhancement. 4.2.4 Coordinate with relevant agencies to pursue regional passenger rail service. ## Transportation Goal 5 **Enhance the bicycle and pedestrian network throughout the Parish.** ## Objective 5.1 Develop a network of bicycle and pedestrian facilities. ### Actions to support objective 5.1: 5.1.1 Utilize the Complete Street Technical Committee and Advisory Committee to continuously review the bike and pedestrian master plan with the BREC # TRANSPORTATION **Part 3: Goals, Objectives and Actions** Trails Master Plan and other trail network plans to create a multi-modal path system. 5.1.2 Require bicycle and pedestrian facilities on new and existing developments. 5.1.3 Continue coordination with the Baton Rouge Area Foundation to implement a Bike Share Program. 5.1.4 Maintain facilities that can be used for bicycle access, such as wide shoulders. 5.1.5 Continue to expand the pedestrian and bicycle network throughout the Parish, as identified in the Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan. **Objective 5.2** Improve the pedestrian environment along major arterial corridors. *Actions to support objective 5.2:* 5.2.1 Ensure that continued development of sidewalk and crosswalk improvements occur with other road improvements where opportunities to enhance the pedestrian environment exist. 5.2.2 Review and update the City's current sidewalk maintenance policy to include developing a dedicated funding source for sidewalk maintenance and enhancement, and/or the use of local improvement districts to fund streetscape improvements—including sidewalks, street furniture, trees, and other amenities. 5.2.3 Develop an ADA Transition Plan for correction of deficient sidewalks and crosswalks. 5.2.4 Develop a standard to apply midblock crosswalks in long block sections. **Objective 5.3** Increase public access to information on the bicycle and pedestrian network. *Actions to support objective 5.3:* 5.3.1 Collaborate with other agencies to create a web-based or mobile application providing access to bicycle and pedestrian facilities. ## Transportation Goal 6 **Improve coordination and communication between agencies.** **Objective 6.1** City-Parish departments and outside agencies collaborate in support of the Transportation Element and recommendations. *Actions to support objective 6.1:* 6.1.1 Coordinate multi-modal planning of transportation improvements between the City-Parish, Airport Commission, CATS, Greater BR Port Commission, railroads, CRPC, LADOTD. 6.1.2 Utilize the Complete Streets Technical and Advisory Committees in coordination of greenway and multi-use trail-related projects. 6.1.3 Coordinate with the Downtown Development District to incorporate their strategic plan into the Major Street Plan. **Objective 6.2** Coordinate transportation plans with the master plans of the port and airport. *Actions to support objective 6.3:* 6.2.1 Support the latest Master Plan Update of the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport. 6.2.2 Support the Port of Greater Baton Rouge by way of maritime and roadway infrastructure investment. ## Transportation Goal 7 **Reduce vehicular emissions.** **Objective 7.1** Establish evaluation tools and programs to reduce vehicular emissions. *Actions to support objective 7.1:* 7.1.1 Evaluate the performance of existing programs and alternatives for promoting ride-sharing, van pooling, park and ride facilities, and use of public transportation to identify and recommend improvements. 7.1.2 Encourage and expand electric vehicle infrastructure throughout the City-Parish according to the Baton Rouge Electric Vehicle (EV) Plan. --- ## Housing — FUTUREBR Housing Element (Adopted March 20, 2024) - Source: https://www.brla.gov/DocumentCenter/View/19023/Housing-Element-Adopted-March-20-2024 - Pages: 13 - Covers: housing # Housing Introduction | 2 --- | --- **Part 1** Housing Today | 4 **Part 2** Future Housing Need | 10 **Part 3** Goals, Objectives and Actions | 19 # Introduction: Housing Planning and developing housing for current and future residents is something that affects every resident of East Baton Rouge Parish. Maintaining a healthy balance of well-planned housing and jobs is important for the long-term sustainability of the region. Well-planned and balanced housing means that Baton Rouge residents have homes that they can afford and are able to choose from a variety of housing styles, sizes and neighborhoods. From a more long-term perspective, it also means ensuring housing availability and affordability that will keep people in Baton Rouge and attract new residents and jobs to the City-Parish. Creating housing options that answer the needs of East Baton Rouge’s diverse population, while sustaining and supporting existing neighborhoods, will result in a more prosperous, vibrant and inviting city. <
> Today, East Baton Rouge Parish is not meeting the demands of current types and varieties of housing choices of all residents. The housing element identifies the housing market segments that are well-served in East Baton Rouge Parish now, as well as those that will meet the needs of target segments in the City-Parish’s future population. As demographics within the country and Louisiana change, East Baton Rouge Parish must ensure that its housing profile is well matched to meet the needs of the City-Parish’s future population and economy. If East Baton Rouge Parish cultivates a balanced housing mix that builds on emerging market dynamics, it will have a major competitive economic advantage over its peer cities. ### Core Values and Aspirations of the Vision A diverse group of residents and stakeholders representing all parts of East Baton Rouge Parish provided input through workshops, open houses, interviews, focus groups and survey discussions. Respondents consistently cited the following core values and aspirations they believed should be the foundation for building a vision for East Baton Rouge Parish. Core values that relate to housing: **Equity:** All residents have access to a good education, public services, housing and job opportunities. **Safety:** People feel safe where they live, work and play. **Diversity:** The City is known for embracing diversity and accepting other cultures, ethnicities and groups. **Strong neighborhoods and communities:** Neighborhoods in all areas of the City-Parish are desirable places to live and have a range of housing types and nearby amenities to serve the City-Parish’s residents. **Sustainability:** The future reflects the creativity and resiliency of East Baton Rouge’s residents and offers a sustainable place for citizens to thrive – with a focus on building a future based on fiscal, physical, environmental, economic and equitable sustainability. # Part 1: ## East Baton Rouge Parish’s Housing Today The first step in planning housing that will meet East Baton Rouge Parish’s future needs is to evaluate existing housing stock and compare it to housing preferences and affordability. Housing affordability is commonly defined as spending not more than 30 percent of gross household income on housing. By this definition, many renters and owners live in housing they cannot afford.[^p3-1] According to the Mayor-President 2023 State of the City report, 52% of East Baton Rouge residents spend more than one-third of their income on housing. [^p3-1]: https://archives.hud.gov/local/nv/goodstories/2006-04-06glos.cfm <
> *Spanish Town* <
> *Ogden Park* Housing affordability certainly goes beyond just housing costs and income. It also directly relates to transportation costs of getting around. People living in low-density housing on the periphery of a region rely almost exclusively on cars as the primary mode for transportation, often travelling many miles for everyday needs. These households are particularly vulnerable to fuel price shocks and traffic delays. The Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) has pioneered today’s evolving definition of housing affordability as it relates to transportation. CNT found that combined housing and transportation costs should be less than 45% of gross household income in order to be affordable.[^p3-2] [^p3-2]: https://cnt.org/tools/housing-and-transportation-affordability-index In East Baton Rouge Parish, the average expenditure for housing and transportation in East Baton Rouge Parish is 48% of median household income. By increasing transportation and housing options to address changing market demands, the City-Parish will go a long way toward creating many affordable neighborhoods. East Baton Rouge Parish has an opportunity to plan today for housing in neighborhoods that are accessible to pedestrians and bicyclists and that are served by transit. *** ## Average Housing + Transportation Costs % Income Factoring in both housing *and* transportation costs provides a more comprehensive way of thinking about the cost of housing and true affordability. <
> *Average Housing and Transportation Costs: East Baton Rouge Parish.* *Source: H+T Index, 2019.* Conventionally, housing was determined to be affordable if it consumed no more than 30% of a household’s income. Affordability is more accurately measured by considering housing and transportation costs. According to the Housing and Transportation Index, on average housing and transportation costs comprise 48% of income in East Baton Rouge Parish; housing costs 25% of income, while transportation costs 23% of income. | | Housing Costs | Transportation Costs | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **2015** | **$13,536** | **$12,483** | | **2019** | **$14,532** | **$13,732** | *Source: H+T Index* # HOUSING Part 1: Housing Today ## Rental Housing In recent years renting has become an increasingly desirable, and in many cases necessary, option for individuals and families. Within the Parish, more than half (55%) of African-American households rent, compared with 39% of white households.[^p4-3] An increasingly mobile workforce values flexibility; renting allows for flexibility and choices that homeownership does not. Younger households and students contribute greatly to rental demand. Renter occupied units made up of 44% of residents under 35 years old.[^p4-4] This trend is projected to continue over the long term. Forty percent of the Parish’s housing is renter occupied. As of 2015, renter-occupied median household income was $29,729, compared to $69,865 for owner-occupied median household income. Both represent moderate increases from $25,370 for renter-occupied, and $63,792 for owner-occupied respectively, since the comprehensive plan was originally adopted in 2011. The median gross rent in 2021 was $990, a $148 increase from the monthly gross rent in 2015. In 2021, the median gross rent is $11,880 and the median housejold income for renters is $33,987, which causes those making less than the renter-occupied household income to spend more than 30% of their income.[^p4-5] Approximately 51% of East Baton Rouge Parish’s renters spend more than 30% of their incomes on housing. Unaffordable housing costs have most greatly affected renter households earning less than $15,000, making them particularly prone to overpaying – spending anywhere from 35% to 50% of their incomes on housing.[^p4-6] | Gross Rent as % of Household Income in Past 12 Months | Estimate | Percent of Population | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total: | 68,175 | 39.79% | | Less than 10.0 percent | 3,709 | 2.16% | | 10.0 to 14.9 percent | 5,101 | 2.98% | | 15.0 to 19.0 percent | 6,881 | 4.02% | | 20.0 to 24.9 percent | 6,286 | 3.67% | | 25.0 to 29.9 percent | 6,225 | 3.63% | | 30.0 to 34.9 percent | 5,317 | 3.10% | | 35.0 to 39.9 percent | 4,483 | 2.62% | | 40.0 to 49.9 percent | 5,630 | 3.29% | | 50.0 percent or more | 18,369 | 10.72% | | Not computed | 6,174 | 3.60% | *Source: American Community Survey 2021 5-Year Estimates* The above chart tabulates gross rent as a percentage of household income in the past 12 months and estimates the number of households in each grouping. Of the 18,369 households, or 11% of the renting population, monthly gross rent is 50% or more of household income, which mean that households are spending more than what is affordable. This is a slight decrease from the last five year update which was at 12% of renters. <
> *Motor City Apartments* [^p4-3]: American Community Survey 2021 5-Year Estimates [^p4-4]: American Community Survey 2021 5-Year Estimates [^p4-5]: American Community Survey 2021 5-Year Estimates [^p4-6]: https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2022/12/housing-costs-burden.html # HOUSING Part 1: Housing Today ## Owner-occupied Housing Most of the owner-occupied housing in East Baton Rouge Parish is detached single-family, which suggests an opportunity to build more compact single-family housing types that include townhomes, condos and cottage homes. In 2021, 60% of housing in East Baton Rouge Parish was owner-occupied households, the same from 2015. The EBR median household income is $58,167. The EBR median household income for owner-occupied households is $84,266, which is over a $14,000 increase since 2015. Within the Parish, 62% of households with a white householder are owner-occupied, whereas 33% of households with an African-American householder are owner-occupied.[^p5-7] In addition, age plays a key role in homeownership within the Parish. In 2021, 10.9% of households with a householder under the age of 35 were owner-occupied, compared to 21.5% of those with a householder between 55-64 and 20.5% for 65-74. According to the Prosperity Scorecard, the homeownership rate is 60.2% in East Baton Rouge Parish, 67.3% in Louisiana and 65.4% in the U.S. Consumer research by Arthur C. Nelson at the University of Utah, Robert Charles Lesser and Company (RCLCO) and others shows that consumers increasingly demand denser housing. If local and national trends hold true, much of East Baton Rouge Parish’s future demand for ownership units will be dwellings with smaller footprints on smaller parcels. These products could run the spectrum from basic entry-level condos for first-time homebuyers to luxury townhomes and detached smaller single-family homes. [^p5-7]: American Community Survey 2021 5-Year Estimates # HOUSING Part 1: Housing Today | | Occupied Housing Units | Owner-Occupied Housing Units | Renter-occupied Housing Units | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | 171,349 | 103,174 | 68,175 | | **Household income in the past 12 Months** | | | | | **Less than $5,000** | 4.80% | 2.40% | 8.50% | | **$5,000 to $9,999** | 3.10% | 1.50% | 5.50% | | **$10,000 to $14,999** | 4.50% | 2.30% | 7.90% | | **$15,000 to $19,999** | 4.70% | 2.70% | 7.70% | | **$20,000 to $24,999** | 5.40% | 3.30% | 8.60% | | **$25,000 to $34,999** | 9.10% | 6.50% | 13.10% | | **$35,000 to $49,999** | 12.10% | 10.00% | 15.20% | | **$50,000 to $74,999** | 16.50% | 16.40% | 16.60% | | **$75,000 to $99,999** | 10.10% | 12.00% | 7.10% | | **$100,000 to $149,999** | 14.00% | 19.10% | 6.30% | | **$150,000 or more** | 15.70% | 23.80% | 3.50% | | **Median Household Income (dollars)** | $58,167 | $84,266 | 33,987 | *Source: American Community Survey 2021 5-Year Estimates* The chart above tabulates household income in the past 12 months by occupied housing units and owner-occupied housing units. As the chart demonstrates, owner-occupied housing tends to have higher incomes than renter-occupied housing. <
> *The Lakes at Harveston* # Part 2: ## Future Housing Need ### Emerging Market Segments American demographics are shifting, and Baton Rouge is certainly no exception. One of the biggest of these demographic shifts is declining household size. Decades ago, the housing market was focused on providing single-family housing that met the needs of families with children. Today, the majority of new homes are one- and two-person households. The occupants of these small households may be any age – ranging from students and young professionals to retired seniors. In particular, aging baby boomers are a huge and growing group whose housing must be met. Urban Land Institute (ULI) recently published Housing in America, a report that summarized the four demographic groups that will drive the new housing market nationally over the next several decades: * Baby boomers (born 1945-1965), who will constitute a senior population unprecedented in size, and whose housing demands will include more compact housing, townhomes, and apartments. * Generation X (born 1965-1980), many of whom will be unable to sell their current suburban homes to move to new jobs. * Millennials (born 1980-2000), who may be renting housing far longer than did past generations. * First- and second-generation immigrants, who may want to move to the suburbs but may find housing there too expensive, even after the current drop in prices. RCLCO’s national housing research specifically suggests that Millennials may be the largest target market for the urban housing types. People in this generation seek housing that is pedestrian-oriented, convenient, and within a diverse and balanced neighborhood. The research estimates that 77 percent of Generation Y plan to live in an urban core. In order to grow and retain its share of regional growth, East Baton Rouge Parish will specifically need to attract Millennials and encourage recent LSU and Southern graduates to stay after graduating. Additionally, many baby boomers will seek housing that is convenient, social, and low maintenance – another prime urban target. The demographic diversity within the Parish points to the need for East Baton Rouge Parish to provide life cycle housing – a concept designed to allow a people to live in the same neighborhood through all phases of life. Apartments, condos, townhomes, and some compact single-family homes can be designed for a household’s entire life cycle. These housing types are described further on the next page. <
> The Reserve at Howell Place rendering <
> Commerce Building # HOUSING Part 2: Future Housing Need # Housing Types <
> *Fieldhouse Condos* ### APARTMENTS, CONDOS Multi-family housing – with two or more units – has become stigmatized in East Baton Rouge Parish and other parts of the country as only a low-income rental housing type. However, a number of successful multi-family developments, at a range of price points and scales, are helping to break this stigma. East Baton Rouge Parish’s future multi-family housing will be designed to fit into the scale of the existing neighborhoods. For example, mid- and high-rise units would be reserved for downtown Baton Rouge or other higher density neighborhoods. And while most multi-family units in East Baton Rouge Parish today are renter-occupied, changes in future demographics point to high demand in the future for both high-quality rental units and owner-occupied condominium units. In addition to multi-family in single-use buildings, many cities have developed areas with mixed-use buildings that include both commercial and residential uses. Mixed-use multi-family units are combined with ground floor retail or office space, usually on a main street or transit corridor. They typically feature internal access so the street frontage is reserved for storefronts. These buildings can be owner or renter occupied. In some cases they could also provide student housing near Louisiana State University, Southern University or Baton Rouge Community College. <
> *Beltline* ### TOWNHOMES, LIVE-WORK UNITS Townhomes are generally two to three stories tall and are designed to fit well in many types of residential neighborhoods, including as neighborhood infill housing. Townhomes can also be clustered around environmental constraints such as slopes or bodies of water on parcels that could not effectively support single-family development. Townhomes can vary considerably in design and architectural style, and may be either owner or renter occupied. Live-work units are similar to townhomes but are designed to combine residential and small business space. The “work” area is typically located on the ground floor and features large windows and flexible spaces for offices, retail or services. The “live” area is typically on the upper floors. Live-work units are well-suited for the needs of neighborhood and personal services. ### MANUFACTURED HOMES Manufactured home is a structure built to the standards of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that is transportable in one or more sections designed for use as a dwelling built on a permanent chassis and designed for use with or without permanent foundation when connected to required utilities. The “missing middle” refers to housing types between detached single-family homes and large apartment buildings. This includes duplexes, triplexes, townhomes and small apartments. <
> *Old South Baton Rouge* ### SMALL-SINGLE FAMILY, COTTAGE HOUSING Many residents of Baton Rouge will be seeking a single- family option. With this in mind, East Baton Rouge Parish has an opportunity to develop new single-family homes on lots under 5,000 square feet in size. Some small lot single-family designs include homes oriented around a communal courtyard or cottage-style homes. Others are designed in more traditional patterns. These smaller lot single-family homes would be primarily owner occupied. ### ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (ADUS) Accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a smaller, independent residential dwelling unit located on the same lot as a standalone (i.e., detached) single-family home. ADUs can be converted portions of existing homes, additions to new or existing homes or new stand-alone accessory structures. They often called granny flats, elder cottage housing opportunities (ECHO), mother-daughter residences or secondary dwelling units. There are many benefits to ADUs, such as providing the opportunity to offer an affordable and independent housing option to a relative who is younger and just starting out on their own or to an elderly parent who may need assistance close by. ADUs can also be leased out to unrelated individuals which can serve as supplemental income, which can offset the high cost of housing.[^p7-8] [^p7-8]: https://www.planning.org/knowledgebase/accessorydwellings/; https://planning-org-uploaded-media.s3.amazonaws.com/document/PASQuickNotes19.pdf *** # HOUSING Part 2: Future Housing Need ## Sustainability and Resiliency The national movement toward addressing climate change and reducing carbon dioxide emissions will have broad implications for East Baton Rouge Parish’s housing sector. The housing types described previously have lower energy costs and a lower carbon footprint, even those houses built using conventional materials. This is due to smaller unit sizes, new materials with high-quality insulation, and shared walls in many of the units. Homes designed with energy efficient features not only reduce energy use, but also save residents significant money every month. While it is certainly important to develop energy efficient features in new housing, the reality is that the majority of the City-Parish’s housing in 2030 will be some variation on the housing stock that exists today – meaning that the City-Parish must actively work with homeowners and renters to increase the energy efficiency of existing homes. East Baton Rouge Parish should explore opportunities to partner with the private sector to expand these efforts in the future. To protect against nature’s powerful forces, housing must incorporate the latest building techniques to handle weather extremes. A common strategy is to elevate housing structures using approved fill and/or a solid structure to ensure sites are well above base flood elevations. If possible, providing freeboard tends to compensate for the many unknown factors that contribute to flood heights exceeding calculated expectations. The need for resiliency is nowhere more evident than in the aftermath of the devastating flood event of August, 2016, which inundated approximately 35,000 structures in East Baton Rouge Parish. The heat map on the following page illustrates the geographic concentrations of flooded residential structures in East Baton Rouge Parish. Sustainable and resilient building practices, such as the elevated structure pictured above can ameliorate some of the devastation caused by more frequent and intense rain events. Another challenge for East Baton Rouge Parish’s housing stock is age of housing. According to the Mayor-President 2023 State of the City report, nearly half the homes in the Parish were built before 1970, making the median home age over approximately 50 years old. <
> *Tall Oaks - Elevated Home to Protect Against Flooding* HOUSING Part 2: Future Housing Need <
> ### The Importance of Housing Diversity The cities of the future will serve as magnets for creativity. Baton Rouge is well-positioned to expand its role in this arena – and will likely be competing with other metro areas in the Southeast. A common thread among economic sectors attracted to the Parish is the need for a high-quality workforce. Baton Rouge’s higher education and research facilities and relatively low cost of living, compared with its competitor cities, are attractive to these well-educated demographics. However, it’s important that the City-Parish also plan for a broad mix of housing types, including the urban types such as townhomes, apartments, ADUs, and condos that are not readily found in the City-Parish today. The City-Parish is commiteed to providing more housing choices that meet the needs of all residents. ### Technology and Housing High speed Internet access at home is a part of everyday life for many residents in the City-Parish. While most homes in East Baton Rouge Parish have access to broadband, federal data indicates that 21,363 of households do not have an internet subscription (12%)[^p8-9]. It is important that the City-Parish remain aware of the needs of these households in the future. The City-Parish must work to provide internet access for these and other households which, due to lack of training, hardware or funds to afford service, remain disconnected. From an economic development perspective, bridging the digital divide means that residents are able to search for employment opportunities, work from their homes, participate in distance-learning and communicate with friends and others. New technologies can lead to an increase in home-based businesses, which means fewer transit trips and cars on the road at peak hours. [^p8-9]: American Community Survey 2021 5-Year Estimates # HOUSING Part 2: Future Housing Need ## What Do These Trends Mean for East Baton Rouge Parish’s Housing? Even cities that already host a robust housing mix are not always adequately planning for their future housing. The housing demands of East Baton Rouge Parish’s future market segments will differ from the housing demands of the past and become of demographic shifts. To tie these housing trends with East Baton Rouge Parish’s future, FUTUREBR included growth scenarios based on an aspirational housing forecast. This forecast shows the City-Parish growing by more than 48,000 households. As such, over the coming decades, East Baton Rouge Parish could expect an average of more than 2,400 new households per year by 2030 – highlighting the critical role housing planning will play for the City-Parish’s future. According to the demographic forecasts of the U.S. Census and the State of Louisiana (available at the parish level), an aging, population profile is developing in East Baton Rouge Parish, consistent with national trends. Reflecting these demographic shifts, a future housing profile has been forecast for the City-Parish. This housing profile should be considered the midpoint of a range, since the housing forecast and housing needs may vary. Persons 65 and older in the U.S. is 16.8%, Louisiana is 16.5% and East Baton Rouge Parish is 15.3%. 19% of East Baton Rouge Parish do not have enough affordable housing to meet the needs of residents, leaving 900 residents at risk of homelessness annually and 3,500 people seeking housing assistance services.[^p9-10] Fifty-eight percent of affordable and housing choice households are with elderly or disabled residents. Among renters over 65 year old, 58.8% were found to be cost burdened.[^p9-11] According to the Prosperity Scorecard Now[^p9-12], the affordability of homes (median housing value : median household income) in East Baton Rouge is 3.6x, Louisiana 3.7x and the U.S. 4.x. “3.6x” means that the median household income in East Baton Rouge Parish is 3.6 times the amount needed to afford a median-priced home. This is higher than the affordability index of Louisiana (3.1x) and the United States (3.3x). In other words, homebuyers in East Baton Rouge Parish need to earn a higher income relative to the home price in order to afford a median-priced home. This can make it more difficult for low- and middle-income households to purchase a home in the parish. The aspirational forecast points to opportunities to meet East Baton Rouge Parish’s future housing needs at both the lower and upper ends of the market. In particular, developing subsidized affordable housing for households earning less than $25,000 (and preserving the affordable housing options that exist today) will be critical. Equally important will be encouraging the market to provide additional housing options to owner and renter households earning between $35,000 and $100,000 annually. Because these households can afford $875-$2,500 per month in housing costs, a larger range of housing types should become feasible for development. <
> Red Stick Lofts [^p9-10]: https://healthybr.com/community-health/programs-and-coalitions/housing-first-alliance [^p9-11]: https://ebrpha.org/ [^p9-12]: Local Outcome Report - East Baton Rouge Parish, LA. Prosperity Now Scorecard *** # HOUSING Part 2: Future Housing Need ## Housing Targets for the Future East Baton Rouge Parish is expected to experience a large population increase of Millennials, the 25-44 age group and the early parts of the 45-64 age groups, in 2030. Additionally, the Baby Boomers moving into their senior years means that East Baton Rouge Parish will need to provide housing for more than 18,000 new senior-led households. Based on the national research summarized above and the forecasts for the City-Parish, a total of 48,000 new housing units will be needed by 2030. Based on demographic analysis, the mix of housing needed to address future housing needs in 2030 will be different from housing available today. New homes will need to include a large mix of compact housing types. Detached homes will comprise about 57 percent of new units, but most of these will be compact infill styles. Up to 39 percent of new housing will be in the form of compact single-family homes. Attached housing will comprise around 43 percent of new homes. Diverse housing types would fit well in many types of neighborhoods within the City-Parish. Downtown Baton Rouge is a prime area for apartments, condos and some townhomes. Neighborhoods such as Mid City and Old South have potential for infill mixed-use development, townhomes, and some compact single family. The areas around LSU and Southern University are ideal not only for student housing, but also for people of all ages who are looking for a vibrant, youthful neighborhood. New neighborhoods, such as Ardendale, could accommodate a mix of townhomes and compact single-family homes along with more traditional single-family homes. In short, Baton Rouge must supply a more equitable distribution of housing in the future to meet the needs of every family. ## Health and Housing Health equity is defined as the ability to be one’s healthiest self, no matter the race, gender, sexual orientation, status in the community or zip code. However, there are health disparities based a person’s zip code. These disparities are reflected in differences in life expectancy, quality of life, access to health care, disease and infant mortality. The Community Needs Index (CNI) uses data to identify the severity of health for every zip code in the nation and demonstrates the linkage between community need, access to healthcare and preventable hospitalizations. According to the HealthyBR 2021 Community Health Needs Assessment, the CNI score of East Baton Rouge Parish indicates that there are health disparities among residents located in a specific area of the parish. There are seven zip codes located in the northern part of the parish that have a CNI score of 4.2 (70801, 70802, 70805, 70806, 70807, 70811 and 70812), which represents an area of highest need based on income, housing barriers, education and insurance. These seven zip codes represent 29% of the East Baton Rouge Parish population. There is also a stark contrast in neighboring census tracts. For example, Census Tract 22, west of Park Boulevard, has a median home value of $76,900, 35.7% vacant housing units, 31% of the population living in poverty, compared to census tract 23, east of Park Boulevard who has a median home value of $314,400, 17.1% vacant housing units, 5.7% of the population living in poverty. <
> Ben Hur # HOUSING Part 2: Future Housing Need The Center for Disease Control (CDC) defines Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) as “Conditions in the places where people live, learn, work and play that affect a wide range of health risks and outcomes.” The Kaiser family Foundation illustrated the categories and subcategories of SDOH of what goes into ones’ health. Socioeconomic factors, such as education, income and job status take up 40%, the physical environment takes up 10%, health behaviors such as diet and exercise and drug use take up 30%, and health care take up 20%. The socioeconomic factors play a huge part considering that East Baton Rouge Parish has 4.4% unemployment rate, 25% children in poverty, 38% children in single-parent households and 5.6 income inequality according to County Health Rankings. To reach the goal of safe, equitable and sustainable housing, one must pay critical attention to not just where housing is being located but other factors that overall affect human health. Housing located in areas where there is little to no access to crucial services like medical care and grocery stores will lead to an increase of health and income disparities. Not addressing the larger issue of socioeconomic drivers will lead to situating people in poor conditions that are detrimental to human health. Coordinating and collaborating with healthy initiatives, health organizations and stakeholders will foster a better and healthier life for all residents of East Baton Rouge Parish.[^p10-13] [^p10-13]: HealthyBR 2021 Community Health Needs Assessment # HOUSING Part 2: Future Housing Need ### HOME ARP ACTION PLAN #### 1.1 OVERVIEW The Baton Rouge Office of Community Development (OCD) administers federal and state funds through programs designed to advance the development of affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families, support for the unhoused, drives disaster recovery efforts, and invests in community development initiatives. In keeping with its mission to ensure that every Baton Rouge resident can obtain safe, healthy, hopeful communities, the OCD prioritizes services to offer solutions to people at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Due to the nationwide impact of COVID-19, Congress through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) appropriated $5 billion to communities across the U.S. to provide housing, services, and shelter to individuals experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable populations. These funds were then allocated by formula to jurisdictions that qualified for funding through the HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME Program) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This special round of funding is called the “HOME-ARP” program. HUD published detailed guidance in the CPD Notice 21-10: Requirements for the Use of Funds in the HOME-ARP Program (September 13, 2021). This Notice establishes all HOME-ARP requirements, as well as the applicable suspensions, waivers and alternative requirements. Funding for this grant must be expended on eligible activities by the year 2030. While Baton Rouge received an allocation as a Participating Jurisdiction in the Entitlement Program, there was also an additional allocation for the “LA Non-Entitlement” areas that is administered by the Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) that we are able to coordinate with to serve the Greater Baton Rouge region. Louisiana was also allocated funding for the “Entitlement” areas or major cities at noted in the table below, which will be administered by the local jurisdictions directly. The overall goal is to cooperate regionally across the state with all grantees to ensure the needs of the vulnerable populations are met in a coordinated way. <
> # Part 3: Goals, Objectives and Actions to Achieve the Vision This section details the housing goals, objectives and actions that will move East Baton Rouge Parish toward the community’s Vision. Goals are the big over-reaching ideas, changes or practices that are essential to realize the community’s Vision. Objectives establish specific, measurable, attainable and realistic goals that guide how the Comprehensive Plan is implemented in a way that will achieve the Vision. Actions outline the steps needed to achieve the objectives. ### Housing Goals 1. Create a balanced housing supply. 2. Coordinate housing planning with the region. 3. Ensure that East Baton Rouge Parish’s existing neighborhoods are stable and strong. 4. Coordinate housing and economic development efforts. 5. Promote sustainable, energy-efficient housing in transportation-efficient neighborhoods. *** ### Housing Goal 1 **Create a balanced housing supply.** **Objective 1.1** Determine the existing housing conditions and promote a greater range of housing types, sizes, densities, and price points to enhance lifestyle choices, affordability, and diversity. *Actions that support objective 1.1:* 1.1.1 Conduct a housing needs assessment to determine the amount, location, condition and cost of rental and ownership housing in East Baton Rouge Parish. 1.1.2 Identify areas where affordable housing is needed. 1.1.3 Provide incentives for revitalization and rehabilitation of existing houses. 1.1.4 Support the development of units for the middle-income market. 1.1.5 Periodically review the effectiveness of housing strategies. 1.1.6 Maintain and monitor a database of housing permit activity, developable land supply, and residential zoning capacity to track progress. 1.1.7 Revise UDC and permit by right small lot development in areas of the Parish where small lots are typical. 1.1.8 Increase appropriately scaled housing supply. 1.1.9 Support the development of affordable housing options. 1.1.11 Encourage the development of non-traditional and “missing middle” housing such as ADUs **Objective 1.2** Leverage partnerships to create affordable housing options. *Actions that support objective 1.2:* 1.2.1 Use existing federal, state and local government # HOUSING Part 3: Goals, Objectives and Actions programs, public-private partnerships, and incentive programs to identify and meet the housing needs of low- and moderate-income residents. 1.2.2 Research an affordable housing trust fund to help leverage local and federal funds that can be used to create affordable housing. 1.2.3 Coordinate HUD Consolidated Plan recommendations with FUTUREBR policies. 1.2.4 Encourage the use of CDBG, HOME and other HUD funds to support housing goals. 1.2.5 Partner with non-profit housing developers to create high-quality affordable housing. 1.2.6 Develop incentives for private developers to encourage affordable housing and a range of housing prices in private developments. 1.2.7 Continue rehabilitation programs in the form of grants or loans for low-income households. 1.2.8 Simplify the process for acquiring clear title on adjudicated properties (properties that have been placed in state or local government hands because property taxes have not been paid) so that public agencies and private developers can revitalize neighborhoods and create decent affordable housing. **Objective 1.3** Provide supportive and transitional housing for the Parish’s special needs populations. *Actions that support objective 1.3:* 1.3.1 Partner with non-profit organizations to reduce homelessness. 1.3.2 Identify the individuals using the most public services and offer them priority access. 1.3.3 Research and provide basic needs assistance for eligible individuals and families affected by disaster, domestic violence, or homelessness. 1.3.4 Continue providing separate transitional services that include housing, education and workforce training for youth under the age of 24, such as the Youth Oasis. **Objective 1.4** Provide many affordable housing options for seniors. *Actions that support objective 1.4:* 1.4.1 Continue providing services to senior seeking to “age in place.” 1.4.2 Continue to support the development of new senior housing that is near transit, medical facilities and other services. **Objective 1.5** Encourage higher density housing in downtown, inner neighborhoods and university districts. *Actions that support objective 1.5:* 1.5.1 Amend UDC to provide for infill development strategies. 1.5.2 Support LSU, Southern University and BRCC to create new student housing options within walking distance of each campus. ## Housing Goal 2 **Coordinate housing planning with the region.** **Objective 2.1** Coordinate housing planning with long-range land use and transportation planning in Central, Baker, and Zachary. *Actions that support objective 2.1:* 2.1.1 Maintain and build strong working relationships with planning staff and commissioners in Central, Baker and Zachary. 2.1.2 Share GIS and housing data with neighboring jurisdictions. ## Housing Goal 3 **Ensure that the Parish’s existing neighborhoods are stable and strong.** **Objective 3.1** Promote a transparent development review process. *Actions that support objective 3.1:* 3.1.1 Develop a centralized clearinghouse for neighborhood programs and activities. 3.1.2 Improve communications between the City-Parish and neighborhood associations. 3.1.3 Promote educational workshops on affordable housing development, home repair and homeownership. 3.1.4 Facilitate and coordinate grant applications from housing-related agencies. 3.1.5 Coordinate support services to first-time home owners persons with HIV/AIDS, person experiencing housing challenges. **Objective 3.2** Strengthen neighborhoods that are lagging behind the Parish as a whole. *Actions that support objective 3.2:* 3.2.1 Work with the Build Baton Rouge to monitor plan implementation in disinvested areas. 3.2.2 Develop improved procedures to speed up condemnation of abandoned property and provide adequate funding for condemnation and demolition of dilapidated and dangerous properties. 3.2.3 Seek legislation to ensure the ability to attain clear title to properties acquired through the adjudicated properties process. 3.2.4 Promote grant funding for City-Parish neighborhood improvement, including code enforcement and facade improvement. 3.2.5 Continue to reduce blight by using data to give better focus on the needs of the community. 3.2.7 Improve health outcomes and environmental justice by limiting concentration of environmental hazards related to climate change, especially near historically disadvantaged and vulnerable populations. ## Housing Goal 4 **Coordinate housing and economic development efforts.** **Objective 4.1** Meet the housing needs of major Baton Rouge employment clusters. *Actions that support objective 4.1:* 4.1.1 Develop balanced housing targets for the region. 4.1.2 Support the creation of an Employer Assisted Housing (EAH) program in which major employers provide incentives for their employers to live nearby. 4.1.3 Ensure that every home has the infrastructure to connect to high speed broadband Internet. ## Housing Goal 5 **Promote resilient, energy-efficient housing in all neighborhoods.** **Objective 5.1** Ensure that East Baton Rouge Parish residents have housing options that result in lower energy and transportation costs. # HOUSING Part 3: Goals, Objectives and Actions Actions that support objective 5.1: 5.1.1 Promote sustainable building practices including: energy efficiency, material efficiency, waste reduction, and durability. 5.1.2 Increase affordable housing production, promote investment in disinvested neighborhoods, improve aging housing stock, and encourage implementation of energy efficiency and weather resiliency improvements. 5.1.3 Encourage development in downtown Baton Rouge, the City’s inner neighborhoods, and in transportation-efficient locations across the City-Parish. 5.1.4 Promote transit-oriented developments via housing incentives with transit investments for future bus, bus rapid transit and streetcar lines. 5.1.5 Create a streamlined permitting process to encourage sustainable building practices. 5.1.6 Create development incentives (density bonuses, reduced parking requirements, etc.) for projects that use high efficiency building technologies. 5.1.7 Promote reuse of existing structures and create development incentives for adaptive reuse of existing structures. 5.1.8 Promote building practices that protect from extreme weather and natural disasters. --- ## Conservation — FUTUREBR Environment and Conservation Element (Adopted March 20, 2024) - Source: https://www.brla.gov/DocumentCenter/View/19022/Environment-and-Conservation-Element-Adopted-March-20-2024 - Pages: 16 - Covers: conservation # Environment and Conservation Introduction | 2 --- | --- **Part 1** Environmental Analysis & Recommendations | 4 **Part 2** Goals, Objectives and Actions | 27 # Introduction: # Environment and Conservation The vision for FUTUREBR is for the Parish to protect its environmental assets, and to foster a green, active, ecologically diverse and economically sound community. East Baton Rouge Parish has an extensive existing environmental network, most of which is currently held in private ownership. Existing BREC parks, conservation areas, and preserved wetlands include approximately 6,600 acres of land that cannot be developed. The Baton Rouge Parks and Recreation Commission ensures these properties are protected and properly managed for habitat quality, biodiversity, and ecosystem services are provided to the community. However, the majority of the existing park land includes recreation facilities that do not provide wildlife habitat or significantly contribute to the total City-Parish tree canopy. In fact, protected lands constitute only 2 percent of the land area of the entire Parish. <
> *BREC Bluebonnet Swamp in Spring* *** ### Core Values and Aspirations of the Vision A diverse group of residents and stakeholders representing all parts of East Baton Rouge Parish provided input through workshops, open houses, interviews, focus groups and survey discussions. Respondents consistently cited the following core values and aspirations they believed should be the foundation for building a vision for East Baton Rouge Parish. Core values that relate to environment and conservation: **Strong Neighborhoods and Communities:** Neighborhoods in all areas of the City are desirable places to live and have a range of housing types and nearby amenities to serve the City-Parish’s residents. **Healthy Environment:** Natural resources are protected and conserved to provide active and passive recreational opportunities for current and future residents. **Sustainability:** The future reflects the creativity and resiliency of East Baton Rouge’s residents and offers a sustainable place for citizens to thrive – with a focus on building a future based on fiscal, physical, environmental, economic and equitable sustainability. # Part I: # Environmental Analysis and Recommendations Recent public outreach and surveys have found that Parish residents are ready for a more proactive approach to local natural resource conservation. A public needs assessment commissioned by the East Baton Rouge Recreation and Parks Commission (BREC) identified the following citizen perceptions: * Development is negatively affecting plant and animal habitats. * Areas of archaeological significance are endangered by lack of conservation. * The amount of farmland is declining. * Habitat loss is the most significant cause of loss of species diversity. * Citizens are supportive of conserving natural resources. <
> *Roseate Spoonbill* *** ## Floodplains, Terraces, and Fault Lines <
> *Two major east-west fault lines demarcate the upper, middle, and lower topographic terraces. The northern terrace exhibits more topographic relief and better soil drainage.* # ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION Part 1: Environmental Analysis <
> # Water Management Baton Rouge is strongly influenced by water. Flat topography, heavy rainfall, wetlands and the channelization of the Mississippi River combine to create a unique ecosystem that has been shaped over the last 300 years by both natural and human impacts. ## Watersheds Watersheds are basin-like landforms defined by high points and ridge lines that descend into lower elevations and stream valleys. Even in the relatively flat topography of East Baton Rouge Parish, there are ridge lines that form boundaries between watersheds. East Baton Rouge Parish is within the Lake Pontchartrain Basin and the Lower Mississippi Basin. Within a watershed, the natural and built systems capture and move precipitation, filter and store water, and control its release over time. Impervious surfaces – anything that prevents rainfall from soaking into the ground, such as buildings, roads, or parking lots – have a significant impact on the watershed functioning because they prevent infiltration and increase stormwater runoff. Watersheds are nested systems, meaning that many small watersheds make up the larger regional watershed. The hydrology of the Parish naturally divides into three main watersheds, which are subdivided into a total of 704 micro-watersheds. The eastern part of the Parish drains into the Amite River and the southern part of the Parish drains into Bayou Manchac. The northwest portion of the Parish drains into the Mississippi River. Louisiana Watershed Initiative (LWI) is a holistic approach to watershed management, that goes beyond mitigation measures and incorporates nature-based solutions[^p4-1]. By using computer models to better understand flood risk and select projects that are best suited for investment in each watershed. Currently the LWI is working on four projects in the Parish. * Cypress Bayou Green Infrastructure * University Lakes Flood Risk Reduction Project * Jones Creek Detention Improvements * Ward Creek Floodplain Acquisition Water management and management of biodiversity and other natural systems is best handled at the watershed level. Remediation or mitigation of such changes, therefore, should take place within the same watershed to achieve ecological benefits and maintain the integrity of the watershed. Under the Clean Water Act, waterways on the Impaired Waterbodies List must undergo watershed modeling to assess the loads of each pollutant for which they are listed. Termed “Total Maximum Daily Loads” (TMDLs), these models calculate the reduction in the pollutant that will be necessary for the waterway to be removed from the Impaired Waterbodies List. TMDL calculations performed in the Pontchartrain Basin so far have resulted in substantial reductions in pollutant loads. In addition, under the Clean Water Act, urban areas are mandated to meet standards of the EPA’s [^p4-1]: 1 Louisiana Watershed Initiative (LWI) is a holistic approach to watershed management. Louisiana Watershed Initiative (LWI). East Baton Rouge Stormwater Master Plan. (2021, August 20). Retrieved March 7, 2023, from https://stormwater.brla.gov/lwi-2/ # ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION ### Part 1: Environmental Analysis Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) Program. The MS4 program requires that urban areas eventually monitor their stormwater discharges as a point source of pollution. Water quality limits must be set on these discharges and urban areas are responsible for meeting the limits. The Stormwater Advisory Committee provides community-based recommendations for a course of action with the stormwater utility. This committee is composed of community members, leaders, and stakeholders that will advise and recommend stormwater management priorities. This includes recommendations on immediate financial requirements, long term funding, and public eduction. ## Surface Water Historically, the focus of storm drainage planning and design throughout the U.S. has been to move stormwater as quickly as possible away from it falls and into pipes and channels. As a result, many of the urban streams and canals have been made straighter, deeper, and concrete lined to accommodate increased runoff volumes and velocities. Stormwater has been treated as a waste product rather than a resource. Time has proven this to be a flawed approach and has resulted in localized flooding throughout the Parish. Corporation Canal is an example of this outmoded approach to stormwater management. Before the Corporation Canal was straightened and lined with concrete in 1971, it was known as Bayou Duplantier. The engineered modification did not alleviate the problem *Corporation Canal* <
> **NATURALIZING THE PARISH’S STREAMS** Naturalization of streams and watersheds is a priority for East Baton Rouge Parish. Concrete channelization of additional waterways within the Parish should be avoided whenever possible. An interdepartmental review of Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) should be conducted whenever drainage improvement or CIP initiatives are in conflict with environment and conservation goals. *** # ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION ### Part 1: Environmental Analysis Advantages of natural channel design include: * Natural channels can be managed to accommodate the water flow of major storm events without channel incision or flash flooding. * Natural channels can support a healthy ecosystem during both normal, low flows and high flows during storm events. * A natural riparian buffer maintains higher water quality. <
> *Monte Sano Bayou - Before and After Restoration. Source: Brown+Danos* <
> *Cypress Creek, Houston. Source: Brown+Danos in partnership with Lee Forbes, KBR* # ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION ## Part 1: Environmental Analysis and the community continues to experience substantial flooding. The channelization of a portion of Bayou Duplantier was a missed opportunity to manage flooding in a more effective manner which would have enhanced the community’s connection to the bayou. However, in the LWI, $8.5 million has been set aside to acquire approximately 200 acres of natural forested floodplain land along Bayou Duplantier. The proposed project will preserve some of the existing floodplain as well as the natural channel conveyance path; along with preserving the land’s existing wildlife habitat and provide future environmental recreational opportunities. As Baton Rouge moves forward, priority should be given to using drainage areas as public space for trails and wildlife corridors. Restoration of waterways should include naturalization of stream banks and lake edges, development of riparian buffers along stream corridors, and reestablishment of wetland systems for better stormwater collection and treatment. <
> *** # ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION ## Part 1: Environmental Analysis ### Impervious Surfaces in East Baton Rouge Parish <
> HUC 16 Microwatersheds by Percent Impervious Area (2022) | | | | :--- | :--- | | | 0% - 10% | | | 11% - 25% | | | 26% - 40% | | | 41% - 60% | | | 61% - 100% | ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION Part 1: Environmental Analysis Floodplain Concerns Almost half of East Baton Rouge Parish lies within the FEMA-designated base floodplains of one or more of the following creeks and rivers: Mississippi, Amite, Comite, Bayou Manchac, Ward, Dawson, Hurricane, Bayou Duplantier. Most areas in the U.S. regulate development within the base floodplain also referred to as the 100-year floodplain. Building in the floodplain comes with significant risk and it is inherently more expensive to build within because of regulations. In August 2016, Baton Rouge was impacted by one of the worst natural disasters to have affected the United States. Record rainfall resulted in many areas of the parish inundated with floodwater as the water from this 1,000-year storm quickly exceeded the capacity of the drainage system. Recognizing the importance <
> *** ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION Part 1: Environmental Analysis | # | Restoration Task | Adjacent Stream | Priority | Length (ft) | |---|---|---|---|---| | 1 | Stream naturalization, bank widening | Corporation Canal | High | 600 | | 2 | Stream naturalization | Ward Creek | Moderate | 1,800 | | 3 | Stream naturalization | Monte Sanyo Bayou | High | 2,000 | | 4 | Stream naturalization, bank widening, riparian enhancement | Jones Creek | High | 3,500 | | 5 | Stream naturalization, bank widening, riparian enhancement | Jones Creek | High | 1,500 | | 6 | Stream naturalization, bank widening, riparian enhancement | Jones Creek | High | 4,000 | | 7 | Stream naturalization, bank widening, riparian enhancement | Lively Bayou | High | 2,800 | | 8 | Stream naturalization, bank widening, riparian enhancement | Ward Creek | High | 3,000 | | 9 | Stream naturalization, bank widening, riparian enhancement | Clay Cut Bayou | High | 2,000 | | 10 | Stream naturalization, bank widening, riparian enhancement | Hurricane Creek | Moderate | 3,000 | <
> # ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION Part 1: Environmental Analysis of assisting with recovery, the Planning Commission worked with the City-Parish departments to revise flood regulations that might otherwise have hindered the recovery effort. While these efforts were focused on immediate recovery, the City-Parish also began working to examine opportunities to enhance protection from future events. This effort began with meetings with the Planning Commission, LSU’s Coastal Sustainability Studio, Louisiana Sea Grant, and the Center for Planning Excellence to assess how well existing regulations performed. As the discussions continued, other entities, including the Stephenson Disaster Management Institute and the Department of Homeland Security joined the discussions with a goal of developing computer models to assess the possibility that storms of this magnitude might return with increasing frequency and, evaluating their potential impact, recommend additional changes to strengthen our flood regulations. It is important to recognize different types of flooding, and that different parts of the parish may be more or less vulnerable to one type or another. We recognize four different types: 1) flash-flooding--i.e. local neighborhood flooding immediately during/after a rain event; 2) headwater flooding--i.e., flood flow moving rapidly downstream and unaffected by conditions further downstream; 3) backwater flooding—i.e. when downstream conditions impede the flow of water, resulting in water backing up and causing upstream flooding; and 4) coastal flooding caused by wind-driven events. Such events are predicted to increase in frequency and severity. The floods that impacted East Baton Rouge Parish in August 2016 were devastating, but the City-Parish responded to the challenge posed by the flood, helping with recovery efforts and working to look at the issue from a long-term perspective in order to develop the data necessary to enhance our sustainability in the future. <
> Near LSU, August 2016 Flood. *** # ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION Parish 100-year Floodplain Map Part 1: Environmental Analysis <
> The 100 year base floodplain is a FEMA-determined geography that is based on elevation and the risk of flooding. This geography has a 1 percent chance of flood in a given year. Source: FEMA FIRM; EBRGIS ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION Part 1: Environmental Analysis # Stormwater Master Plan Concerns about flooding in Baton Rouge have prompted the city-parish to move forward with a stormwater master plan. This plan outlines a list of projects to address drainage. The projects will reduce flooding along 5 sub-basins thorughout the Parish, including Jones Creek, Ward Creek, Bayou Faountain, Blackwater Bayou, and Beaver Bayou. The projects are expected to help prevent day-to-day flash floods during heavy rainstorms, along with preventing floods during 50-year and 100-year flood events. The stormwater master plan looks ahead 20 years, and it will also look farther than just Baton Rouge's boundaries. It included hurricane storm surge-related flooding as well as the types of flooding encountered in the August 2016 event and subsequent events. # Unified Development Code Revisions The Metropolitan Council requested the Planning Commission and the Department of Development propose potential amendments to Chapter 15 (Floodways, Floodplains, Drainage and Water Quality) to revise the standards for storm water facilities and protection from flooding with Resolution 53127. As a response, the Planning Office, Department of Development, Department of Transportation and Drainage, Department of Maintenance, the Growth Coalition and local design professionals met as a working group to review Chapter 15 and Chapter 20, Definitions. UDC revisions as a result of the stormwater master plan include floodplain conveyance zones with off-site drainage assessments, community defined Special Flood Hazard Areas and Floodplain Conveyance Zones, Flow Conveyance check, and stream setbacks. The changes will strengthen the Stormwater regulations and help further reduce the risk of flooding in the Parish. New developments are required to design for the 2-, 10-, 25-, 50-, and 100-year design storm events, and ensure that post-development runoff rates do not exceed the predevelopment runoff rates, at all outflows, for the design storm events. The changes took effect April 1, 2023. # Drainage Modeling The Parish applied the hydraulic model and data to recognize flood hazard risks for better understanding of when, where, and why flooding occurs. The model also assesses different recommendations to test their efficacy in a variety of scenarios. <
> *** ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION Part 1: Environmental Analysis # Water Quality Concerns Some of East Baton Rouge Parish's surface waters, which include lakes, rivers, streams, and bayous are among the most adversely affected water bodies in Louisiana. Water quality evaluations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) have demonstrated that the rate of pollution in the Parish's water bodies is increasing. Most of the rivers, streams, and bayous in the Parish are listed as impaired and found to be "not supporting" for any of its designated recreational uses or fish and wildlife propagation. The Amite River, Comite River, and Bayou Manchac and its tributaries are severely impaired, at levels that require substantial intervention to remediate to fishable and swimmable conditions. Industrial discharge and stormwater run-off contribute to the impaired water quality in the Parish. Impairment is determined by water quality Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) testing and assessments of dissolved oxygen, nitrate, phosphorous, chlorides, sulfates, ammonia, and fecal coliform. Besides industry contributing to the impairment of water quality, commercial and residential developments could also be a factor contributing to runoff. Development of natural and pervious land into impervious surfaces can lead to the accumulation of pollutants from buildings, streets, motor vehicles, heavy machinery, fertilizers and pesticides with TMDL contaminants introduced into the stormwater system. New developments are required to prepare a Water Quality Impact Study (WQIS) to ensure that water quality is not impaired and the expected pollutant levels are treated or removed during construction and post-development conditions. WQIS studies are used to create a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) which details the implementation of water quality best management practices during construction by utilizing natural and mechanical equipment to remove debris, retain sediment on site, prevent erosion and control overall runoff from a developed property. # Sediment, Nitrate and Phosphate Erosion pollutes water bodies with sediment, which reduces the level of dissolved oxygen that is a life source for aquatic life. At construction sites, federal, state, and local laws require soil stabilization measures such as installation of silt fences and mulching. However, without strict enforcement of these laws, site erosion and sediment washes into nearby surface water. Heavy use of fertilizers on residential lawns are a primary source of high concentrations of nitrate and phosphate. # ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION Part 1: Environmental Analysis <
> Water quality is monitored for physical, chemical and biological factors. The monitoring results are assessed against EPA approved water quality standards or thresholds. Water can be impaired, meaning it is not able to be used for certain purposes. The condition of a waterbody is dynamic and can change at any time, and the information in How's My Waterway should only be used for general reference. https://mywaterway.epa.gov/ *** # ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION Part 1: Environmental Analysis ### Sewage Treatment Systems The LDEQ has estimated that more than 10,000 individual packaged treatment systems have been installed in East Baton Rouge Parish. Typically, individual systems are not maintained to the same standards as municipal systems. Leakage from individual packaged treatment systems enter water bodies and includes fecal coliform, a bacterium dangerous to humans in high concentrations. When the City-Parish expands its municipal sanitary sewer system, properties with individual systems should be required to migrate to the municipal system. To comply with the Clean Water Act TMDL levels MS4 requirements, the parish requires that new lots within 500 feet of the municipal systems are required to connect to the systems to prevent additional individual systems provided there is adequate capacity. Also, new lots further than 500 feet must be larger than the underlying zoning requires to minimize the number of septic systems in an area. The Parish should explore growth management principles outside of the service area of the municipal sanitary sewer system. Another source of contamination is from untreated runoff and effluent. In some locations, stormwater runoff and treated sewer effluent from wastewater treatment plants are piped directly into the Mississippi River. A wholesale review of the Industrial Areas should be explored to find solutions that would mitigate this issue. From a regional environmental perspective, this practice is not sustainable because the Mississippi River is a source of drinking water for many parishes downstream of East Baton Rouge. <
> **SALTWATER INTRUSION** Groundwater is the primary source of fresh water in Baton Rouge. Saltwater intrusion threatens the area's groundwater supply. **AQUIFER DEPLETION** As demand for fresh water increases in the next 20 years, the effects of increased withdrawals on groundwater levels, as well as the need to pump for water from deeper areas are a cause for concern. Water from the aquifer system is being withdrawn at a faster rate than it is being recharged. Recharge, which is the addition of water to the aquifer, occurs by a few pathways including: 1. Direct infiltration of rainfall in outcrop areas in southwestern Mississippi and northern Florida. 2. Flow between the three aquifers in the system. 3. Movement of water between the aquifers and the Mississippi River. Approximate altitude of base of fresh groundwater ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION Part 1: Environmental Analysis # Groundwater East Baton Rouge Parish currently obtains virtually all pumped water, for public and industrial consumption, from groundwater sources within the sands of the Southern Hills Aquifer. The Capital Area Ground Water Conservation District (CAGWCD) water use report indicated approximately 150 million gallons of groundwater per day was pumped in the Baton Rouge area[^p11-3]. Of that, more than 70 million gallons per day is withdrawn for industrial use, this equates to 42 percent of the total water consumption for the Parish for industrial use. Surface water obtained from the Mississippi River accounts for only 12 percent of the total water withdrawals for the Parish; the surface water is used for industrial purposes only. The increased withdrawal rate is causing inflow of saline groundwater to encroach from the south in several of the sand aquifers. Long-term water level monitoring is essential in order to stop the saline intrusion on potable groundwater. If salt water intrusion into the aquifer becomes substantial, the aquifer water will be rendered unfit for consumption or industrial use. Protecting and conserving existing groundwater resources is the most economically sound and environmentally sustainable response to this problem. [^p11-3]: Capital Area Groundwater Conservation District. https://www.capitalareagroundwater.com/contact <
> **Residential Development Near Bluebonnet** This shaded relief image shows the expansion of residential development – streets in green and buildings in red that are encroaching into the Bluebonnet Swamp in dark grey. *** ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION Part 1: Environmental Analysis # Wetland Loss Wetlands continue to be developed in the Parish, significantly modifying the hydrology. Often property owners mitigate wetland loss by purchasing replacement wetlands where land is less expensive, often outside of the watershed or even outside of the state. Over time, this practice results in significant degradation of the hydrology within East Baton Rouge Parish. Bluebonnet Swamp, near Perkins Road and Bluebonnet Boulevard, is an example of the detrimental impacts of urbanization in wetland areas. Studies by the City-Parish Planning Commission and Louisiana State University indicate substantially increased sediment levels in Bluebonnet Swamp after residential areas were constructed. High sediment loads impair the swamp’s health and productivity – covering vegetation and aquatic animals with silt, reducing light penetration, oxygen content, and overall water storage capacity of the area. To prevent further wetland loss and to restore the health and value of wetland areas, four main strategies are recommended: 1. Conduct a detailed analysis of the value of existing wetlands. Wetland value is determined by its hydrology and the size of the drainage area. Value is also determined by the health and productivity of vegetation, contiguous size and its shape (a wetland with larger interior area is more valuable than a long, narrow wetland), the type and extent of wildlife species it supports, and the types of surrounding land uses. Conducting a wetland assessment will help develop priorities for conservation and restoration. 2. Protect the highest valued wetland areas from future development. This can be accomplished by purchasing land or establishing easements. Non-profit organizations including the Trust for Public Land and The Nature Conservancy should be partners in this process. Land owners should be encouraged to donate the wetlands for tax purposes or establish property as wetland mitigation banks to generate income. 3. Require wetland mitigation to occur within the same watershed as the affected wetland. Mitigation of wetland impacts are regulated by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, and mitigation permits are under the exclusive jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Ensuring that mitigation for loss of local wetlands is conducted within the same watershed would require cooperation and collaboration with the Corps. 4. Enhance degraded and low-value wetland areas. A wetland assimilation system should be developed in which treated sanitary wastewater or other approved wastewaters are introduced into suitable wetlands. This would increase overall wetland growth and health, as well as filter the water before it reaches surface water bodies. This technique has proven successful in other areas of South Louisiana, including Houma, Thibodaux, and Mandeville. This strategy supports water quality goals and would be part of the solution to the Parish’s sanitary sewer problems. # ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION ## Part 1: Environmental Analysis # Biodiversity It is vital for East Baton Rouge Parish to protect, restore and enhance existing open space and habitat areas. The Parish has many natural features that provide wildlife habitat, including the Comite River and the Amite River which run north-south through the Parish and meet near Highway 190/Florida Boulevard. In fact, a portion of the Comite River within the Parish is designated natural and scenic by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The Parish also has several contiguous forest tracts. These unfragmented areas are particularly important for many species. The size of habitat area is the best predictor of species diversity as a whole. Large areas of 100 acres or more are more resilient to environmental stresses. Animals have territory requirements—some require extremely large areas and others need only a few acres. The visual quality and character of the Parish is also enhanced when continuous natural areas are accessible to residents and visitors. In addition, soil in continuous natural areas provides a larger permeable area for infiltration of stormwater, reducing localize flooding. <
> Though under private ownership, this large area of open space remains in the southern part of the Parish, providing picturesque views and contributing to infiltration of storm water. <
> BREC preserves and manages several designated conservation areas, including Forest Park, Bluebonnet Swamp, Blackwater Nature Preserve, and Frenchtown Road Conservation Area. *** # ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION ## Part 1: Environmental Analysis # Tree Canopy Preserving and restoring the tree canopy is an important goal for the Parish. It also provides significant credit for saving existing trees of value, depending on species and size. New policies at the City-Parish level reduce site clearing prior to construction. A new development amendment was adopted into the UDC requiring a permit to clear sites, and the documentation showing how much will be cleared. Full enforcement of the UDC’s site clearing requirements is critical. There are significant improvement opportunities in this ordinance that would help preserve mature, native trees and the tree canopy within the Parish, including expanding the ordinance to include properties that are less than one acre. # Tree Canopy Coverage <
> 3 MAIN PLANT COMMUNITIES IN THE PARISH: * Longleaf pines: Historically, the longleaf pine community was found in the northeastern portion of the Parish, but it has been largely replaced with spruce and slash pines. * Upland hardwoods: This community is characterized by large shade-tolerant deciduous trees with an understory of woody shrubs and herbaceous groundcover plants. * Bottomland hardwoods and cypresses: These trees are located primarily along the western and southern edges of the Parish, following the Mississippi River and Bayou Manchac. Tree canopy ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION Part 1: Environmental Analysis # Air Quality Air quality is an important health concern for residents of East Baton Rouge. East Baton Rouge Parish does not currently meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s primary or secondary ambient air quality standards for ozone. Emissions from industrial plants in northern East Baton Rouge Parish are the primary source of high levels of ozone in the Parish. In Louisiana, ozone is currently monitored at numerous sites, most of which are located within the Baton Rouge metropolitan region. BREC’s is also committed to protecting, enhancing the parish’s environmental assets and to foster a green, active, ecologically diverse, and economically sound community: BREC’s efforts in the conservation of natural resources and the use of sustainable management practices is rooted in its mission, values and its Natural Resource Management Plan (NRMP). The purpose of NRMP is to provide a framework for guiding BREC’s natural resource management efforts. The NRMP is the overarching document which outlines BREC’s environmental protection procedures, resiliency planning, trail/amenity design and maintenance and habitat management protocols. The Plan is used to coordinate BREC agency-wide conservation efforts to achieve the goals through specific actions and measurable metrics. BREC’s five main conservation goals are to: 1. Promote recreational and educational activities focusing on appreciation and understanding of the natural environment. 2. Protect and restore unique, healthy, and historically representative habitats. 3. Preserve biodiversity and reduce the loss of native species. 4. Conserve, restore and expand ecosystem services for the benefit of local residents. 5. Manage resources adaptively using innovative approaches. ### MONITORED SITES IN THE METROPOLITAN REGION * Carville * LSU * French Settlement * Grosse Tête * Dutchtown * Capitol * Bayou Plaquemine * Baker * Pride * Port Allen ### IMPROVING AIR QUALITY The Parish can reduce emissions to meet and surpass clean air standards through a combination of policies and targeted emission reductions such as: * Reducing stationary source pollution such as buildings and industry. * Reducing mobile source pollution such as vehicle emissions. * Instituting new policies such as improved transportation, transit systems and changes in land use development, prohibition of burning and dust abatement during construction. Daily AQI Values, 2017 to 2023 East Baton Rouge Parish, LA <
> <
> Source: U.S. EPA AirData Generated: June 8, 2023 *** ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION # Part 2: Goals, Objectives and Actions to Achieve the Vision This section details the environment and conservation goals, objectives and actions that will move East Baton Rouge Parish toward the community’s Vision. Goals are the big overarching ideas, changes or practices that are essential to realize the community’s Vision. Objectives establish specific, measurable, attainable and realistic goals that guide how the Comprehensive Plan is implemented in a way that will achieve the Vision. Actions outline the steps needed to achieve the objectives. # ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION Part 2: Goals, Objectives and Actions ## Environment and Conservation Goals 1. Preserve and enhance environmental assets. 2. Protect watersheds, wetlands, and floodplains. 3. Improve and protect the quality and quantity of surface water and groundwater. 4. Preserve and restore the tree canopy. 5. Improve air quality to meet or exceed national ambient air quality standards. 6. Protect, preserve, and enhance land resources and natural features. # ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION Part 2: Goals, Objectives and Actions ### Environment and Conservation Goal 1 Preserve and enhance assets. *Objective 1.1* Protect the Parish’s ecology in the land development process. *Actions to support objective 1.1:* 1.1.1 Provide for the conservation of open space as part of the land development process. Focus on the preservation of habitat, endangered plant and wildlife habitat, wetlands, floodplains and other natural resources. 1.1.2 Map and establish buffer requirements for developments that are adjacent to forested habitat, riparian habitat, wetlands, and water bodies. 1.1.3 Establish open space requirements for development based on land use category. 1.1.4 Create incentives to encourage use of native plant materials in meeting the landscape code through outreach program for developers, designers, engineers, and contractors. *Objective 1.2* Prioritize protection of open space that is of high ecological value. *Actions to support objective 1.2:* 1.2.1 Identify, purchase, and manage land or conservation easements in priority ecological areas. 1.2.2 Include identification and consideration of preservation and management of prime agricultural land and significant natural areas in Small Area Planning Programs. 1.2.3 Collaborate with BREC to acquire land and establish conservation lands and continue to implement the BREC Natural Resource Conservation Plan. 1.2.4 Protect and enhance riparian corridors and stream setbacks to preserve water flow and water quality in City-Parish waterbodies. *Objective 1.3* Work with other agencies to provide outreach to the public, create guidelines and craft incentive programs to protect the Parish’s ecology. *Actions to support objective 1.3:* 1.3.1 Establish procedures for inter-agency coordination to address issues relating to planning, acquisition, exchange and development of conservation lands, stream corridors, tree canopy, and wetlands. 1.3.2 Collaborate with other agencies to provide development or tax incentives for significant land donations. 1.3.3 Partner with East Baton Rouge Parish, Livingston Parish, Ascension Parish, and Iberville Parish to acquire part of the woodland areas for conservation and water quality purposes. ### Environment and Conservation Goal 2 Protect watersheds, wetlands, and floodplains. *Objective 2.1* Develop a watershed-based strategy for the region with inter-parish and state agency coordination. *Actions to support objective 2.1* 2.1.1 Continue to analyze watersheds within East Baton Rouge Parish for use in watershed management and water quality improvement. 2.1.2 Consider appointing a watershed coordinator with authority to collaborate with City-Parish agencies and adjacent Parish coordinators to make watershed based policies and decisions. 2.1.3 Develop a Parishwide water management plan at the sub-watershed level. 2.1.4 Improve water quality by monitoring TMDLs on impaired waterways and participating in the MS4s program as mandated in the Clean Water Act 2.1.5 Work with industry near the Mississippi River to encourage use of river water rather than groundwater for circumstances when non-potable water is sufficient for industry needs. 2.1.6 Maintain and Improve the City’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) rating in order to reduce flood risk and NFIP premiums. ### Objective 2.2 Reduce impacts and restore natural hydrology in sensitive watersheds. *Actions to support objective 2.2:* 2.2.1 Develop stricter water quality requirements for development in prioritized watersheds. 2.2.2 Continue to enforce existing UDC water quality requirements, including the requirement to preserve and utilize existing drainage or enhanced natural drainage on development sites. 2.2.3 Institute stricter penalties for violations to more effectively discourage activities that pollute. 2.2.4 Naturalize bayous, streams, rivers, and creeks that have been channelized, straightened, or lined with concrete, based on the Stream Restoration priority map. 2.2.5 Daylight priority drainage channels that have been covered based on the Stream Restoration priority map. 2.2.6 Seek grants and partner with nonprofit environmental organizations to implement a stream restoration plan. 2.2.7 Work with the Army Corps of Engineers to require wetland impact mitigation to take place within the watershed being adversely affected. 2.2.8 Create or revise the regulatory documents of the City-Parish to address the amount of impervious surfaces allowed within the area currently served by drainage infrastructure. 2.2.9 Continuously update the inventory of watersheds within East Baton Rouge. 2.2.10 Develop regulations to reduce the amount of impervious surfaces permitted within impaired areas. 2.2.11 Prioritize naturalization of waterways in the Parish and ensure it is in-line with the Stormwater Master Plan and coordinated with greenways that are planned along the waterways. ### Objective 2.3 Mitigate existing adverse impacts to watersheds and water quality. *Actions to support objective 2.3:* 2.3.1 Identify and purchase land or conservation easements in critical undeveloped areas at confluences of major tributaries to Bayou Manchac. 2.3.2 Identify, restore, and enhance critical wetland areas. 2.3.3 Promote the development of green or living roofs. 2.3.4 Continue to require that post-construction stormwater runoff levels do not exceed pre-construction levels to minimize water quality impacts and hydrologic modifications within a watershed. 2.3.5 Educate the public on water quality and watershed issues through public service announcements, events, and collaboration with media outlets. ### Objective 2.4 Protect the flood storage capacity of the floodplains. *Actions to support objective 2.4:* 2.4.1 Limit development in high hazard flood areas. 2.4.2 Discourage development in floodplains by requiring floodplain mitigation above the level of impact. 2.4.3 Require full mitigation within each watershed of floodplain impacts allowed in the watershed. 2.4.4 Encourage use of design alternatives in development projects to maximize on-site stormwater retention. 2.4.5 Update flood protection and stormwater regulations to ensure they reflect best practices. 2.4.6 Continue to update Chapter 15 in UDC as data becomes available. ## Environment and Conservation Goal 3 Improve and protect the quality and quantity of surface water and groundwater. ### Objective 3.1 Reduce pollutant discharges to surface and groundwater bodies to meet applicable federal, state and local standards and maintain human health and the environment. *Actions to support objective 3.1:* 3.1.1 Continue to support and participate in state and federal clean water programs, representing the Parish's concerns and assuring affordable and equitably funded wastewater facilities to meet existing and future requirements. 3.1.2 Support continued monitoring and enforcement of the Louisiana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System requirements for wastewater treatment in the Parish. 3.1.3 Prepare and adopt a sedimentation erosion control ordinance to reduce adverse impacts of urban development and redevelopment on surface water quality. 3.1.4 Develop a local groundwater protection strategy for East Baton Rouge Parish consistent with the Louisiana Ground Water Protection Strategy. 3.1.5 Monitor efforts to clean up and eliminate hazardous waste facilities that pose a threat to ground water protection, while enforcing proper siting, construction, maintenance and operation of all wells and waste disposal facilities. ### Objective 3.2 Prevent sanitary sewer overflows and leaks. *Actions to support objective 3.2:* 3.2.1 Continue improvements to the City-Parish sanitary sewer system as required by the consent decree. 3.2.2 Locate and map existing packaged treatment systems that were previously installed throughout the Parish and develop a program for regular inspection and enforcement of maintenance, repair, or replacement requirements. 3.2.3 Minimize permitting of additional individual packaged treatment systems. ### Objective 3.3 Educate the public on water quality issues and resource management to promote the protection of groundwater resources through water conservation programs and incentives for residential and nonresidential uses. ### Actions to support objective 3.3: 3.3.1 Expand and support the wastewater reduction public education program, which encourages commercial and industrial users to reduce wastewater flows and treatment costs and to conserve groundwater. ## Environment and Conservation Goal 4 ### Preserve and restore the tree canopy. ### Objective 4.1 Minimize loss of tree canopy through site clearing. ### Actions to support objective 4.1: 4.1.1 Increase penalties for non-permitted site clearing and removal of existing trees. 4.1.2 Provide incentives for preserving and protecting existing trees on development sites. ### Objective 4.2 Enhance the Parish's tree canopy. ### Actions to support objective 4.2: 4.2.1 Identify and prioritize areas for urban reforestation. 4.2.2 Collaborate with Baton Rouge Green and the Louisiana Chapter of ASLA to develop incentives and programs for tree preservation. 4.2.3 Set targets for increasing the urban tree canopy. 4.2.4 Partner with arborists and landscape contractors to promote and train in proper tree care, including pruning to ensure the health and viability of trees in the Parish. 4.2.5 Enforce the requirement that licensed arborists be engaged in the maintenance of identified specimen trees of valued species identified in the UDC. ## Environment and Conservation Goal 5 ### Improve air quality to meet or exceed national ambient air quality standards. ### Objective 5.1 Minimize air pollutant emissions from mobile and stationary sources to reduce emissions and improve air quality. ### Actions to support objective 5.1: 5.1.1 Collaborate with LDEQ to require reductions in industrial emissions. 5.1.2 Encourage major employers to designate prime parking spaces for low-emission and low-fuel consumption vehicles. 5.1.3 Provide infrastructure for additional transportation modes, including transit, bicycles, and pedestrians (See Transportation element). 5.1.4 Encourage use of alternative modes to reduce vehicle miles traveled and mobile emissions (See Transportation and Land Use elements). ### Objective 5.2 Increase public awareness and education about air pollution. ### Actions to support objective 5.2: 5.2.1 Continue support of the Baton Rouge Clean Air Coalition in its efforts to monitor and develop an aggressive ozone reduction program. 5.2.2 Encourage use of renewable energy sources and energy efficient appliances. ## Environment and Conservation Goal 6 (See Land Use Element) ### Protect, preserve, and enhance land resources and natural features. ### Objective 6.1 Remediate brownfield sites to prevent further pollution and utilize land for other uses. ### Actions to support objective 6.1: 6.1.1 Continue and expand the highly successful Planning Commission Brownfields Program to encourage infill development and preserve land resources. 6.1.2 Provide incentives for private sector cooperation to reduce the creation of hazardous wastes, the cleanup of brownfield sites, and the return of land to productive uses while establishing appropriate measures for long term environmental protection. ### Objective 6.2 Develop guidelines for the preservation of view corridors and restoration of natural resources. ### Actions to support objective 6.2: 6.2.1 Provide incentives for mining site property owners to reclaim and reuse their sites through environmental enhancements such as grading and vegetation renewal. 6.2.2 Coordinate conservation and development of important natural resources by establishing a committee that represents the views of the federal, state, and local agencies involved in these efforts, including private and non profit agencies. 6.2.3 Establish guidelines that preserve significant natural views and vistas, important visual linkages and/or corridors through establishment of landscaping standards, sign control, and other urban design techniques. --- ## Open Space — FUTUREBR Parks and Recreation Element (Adopted March 20, 2024) - Source: https://www.brla.gov/DocumentCenter/View/19028/Parks-and-Recreation-Element-Adopted-March-20-2024 - Pages: 12 - Covers: open_space # Parks and Recreation Introduction | 2 --- | --- **Part 1** A Growing Parks System | 4 **Part 2** Goals, Objectives and Actions | 15 PARKS AND RECREATION <
> Blackwater Conservation Area <
> Hooper Road Park # Introduction: # Parks and Recreation Parks not only provide accessible open spaces and recreational opportunities for residents, but are a source of intrinsic environmental, aesthetic, and social benefits to our cities – from economic development, measurable health benefits from providing direct contact with nature, opportunities for physical activity and social interaction, important settings for arts and cultural programs, play spaces that provide hands-on learning environments to match the varied learning styles of children, and increased social capital of a community. Parks provide green infrastructure – the interconnected system of green spaces that conserves natural systems, sustains clean air and water, and helps to manage storm water. Green infrastructure is a community’s natural life support system. Just as growing communities need to upgrade and expand access through their built infrastructure of roads, trails, bike paths, sewers, and utilities, they also need to upgrade and maintain their infrastructure of green spaces, greenways, parks and conservation areas. Since the great flood of 2016, recent hurricanes, and the Covid 19 Pandemic, the importance of parks to the citizens of the Parish has risen dramatically. They’ve served as an urban refuge from the hustle and bustle of daily life – providing psychological, emotional, and overall well-being through stress reduction, and improvement to cognitive functioning. During these difficult times, BREC parks served as red cross shelters, food and other social service distribution locations, and even provided free wi-fi to citizens. PARKS AND RECREATION Introduction ### Core Values and Aspirations of the Vision A diverse group of residents and stakeholders representing all parts of East Baton Rouge Parish provided input through workshops, open houses, interviews, focus groups and survey discussions. Respondents consistently cited the following core values and aspirations they believed should be the foundation for building a vision for East Baton Rouge Parish. Core values that relate to parks and recreation: **Equity:** All residents have access to a good education, public services, housing and job opportunities. **Safety:** People feel safe where they live, work and play. **Strong Neighborhoods and Communities:** Neighborhoods in all areas of the City are desirable places to live and have a range of housing types and nearby amenities to serve the City-Parish’s residents. **Healthy Environment:** Natural resources are protected and conserved to provide active and passive recreational opportunities for current and future residents. **Sustainability:** The future reflects the creativity and resiliency of East Baton Rouge’s residents and offers a sustainable place for citizens to thrive – with a focus on building a future based on fiscal, physical, environmental, economic and equitable sustainability. # PARKS AND RECREATION <
> *Comite River Park* <
> *Downtown Greenway* ## Part I: ## A Growing Parks System East Baton Rouge Parish has an extensive but largely under-used network of existing green spaces. Neighborhood parks, community parks, downtown parks and plazas, parks for organized sports, festivals and concerts are all part of the parks network in East Baton Rouge Parish. The parks and recreation vision for FUTUREBR includes improving existing parks, making strategic investments and increasing maintenance expenditures to enhance the quality of existing parks. FUTUREBR seeks to promote BREC (Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge) priority actions and recommendations and establish additional programs for land and natural resource conservation and management. In addition, policies that encourage walking, biking, and the alternative transportation networks will create more livable and healthy communities. A high-quality system of parks and recreation resources provides a multitude of community benefits: protecting our environment, preserving wildlife habitat, strengthening local economies, attracting new businesses, contributing to the local tax base, increasing property values, and promoting healthy lifestyles. *** # PARKS AND RECREATION Part 1: A Growing Parks System BREC is well known for providing community and local parks throughout the City-Parish, as well as extensive, award-winning recreational programs. The majority of BREC’s parks are oriented toward active recreation activities, such as sports and athletic fields and playgrounds. BREC has been expanding its inventory of parks to include more focus on the natural environment, such as the very successful Bluebonnet Swamp Conservation Area and Nature Center, the Blackwater Conservation Area, and Frenchtown Conservation Area. Further, BREC’s growing greenway system provides opportunities for alternative transportation, connects people to parks and open spaces, and promotes healthy living and physical fitness. With the establishment of 12, soon to be 13, community parks through the 2004 Imagine Your Parks (IYP) and 2014 Imagine Your Parks 2 (IYP2) Strategic Plans, BREC has already raised the standard for parks and recreation facilities in the parish. BREC’s park system contains over 6,600 acres across 175 parks, requiring the operations and maintenance of $350-million in assets. Based on the findings of the BREC Strategic Plan, East Baton Rouge Parish has a well-distributed system of parks and recreation facilities that meets a wide range of needs. There are plenty of opportunities for future park development, including: establishing pedestrian connections between these parks and neighborhoods, enhancing and maintaining existing parks, and working toward setting new standards in quality. BREC and the City-Parish are now challenged to maintain their existing infrastructure of aging parks and to bring its parks and recreation system into a new century of needs, wishes and conditions. In 2014, BREC developed its 10-year strategic plan – IYP2. With 12 community parks as an outgrowth of the first Imagine Your Parks strategic plan, BREC has transformed the park and recreation experience in the parish. IYP2 is a vision and action plan for parks and recreation in East Baton Rouge Parish that builds upon the successes of BREC’s original Imagine Your Parks plan. It takes into account changes in the park system, recent trends in recreation, changes in parish demographics and economy, and input from the community. <
> *Scotlandville Parkway* **HOW DO RESIDENTS USE THE PARKS?** According to the BREC survey conducted in 2023, City-Parish residents use area parks for a variety of activities. The five highest priorities for Parks and facilities were: * Neighborhood parks - 40% * Natural areas/conservation areas - 25% * Large community parks - 22% * Playground areas - 22% * Paved walking trains within parks - 16% <
> *Liberty Lagoon* # PARKS AND RECREATION ## Part 1: A Growing Parks System <
> Perkins Road Park PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES OWNED BY BREC, THE STATE, AND OTHER AGENCIES: * 6,568 acres of parks * 3,350 acres of conservation land * 3,218 developed park acres * 14.9 acres provided per 1,000 citizens * 122 playgrounds IYPs establishes eight strategic directions for BREC to focus on in the next decade and lays out an action plan for getting there, including a set of actions BREC can take to move each strategic direction forward as well as detailed action steps that support each action. BREC’s continued to implement their strategic plans and goals all in while dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and serious weather events. 88 projects, some large scale, were in planning or construction in 2021. The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association awarded BREC with the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. BREC’s update to their strategic master plan includes several transformative projects added to the more than 120 large scale projects completed under the original IYP plan. As BREC nears completion of IYP2 the planning process for the third version is set for 2024. As part of the accreditation process for BREC, a strategic plan is implemented every 10 years. The Action Plan is driven by eight Strategic Directions: 1. Continue to place a priority on the wise use of taxpayer dollars. 2. Continue innovation in recreation programming. 3. Continue to raise the standard for parks and recreation facilities, and ensure equitable access to park and recreation experiences across the parish. 4. Strengthen and increase natural resource related recreational opportunities. 5. Enhance connectivity by improving the network of multi-use trails to, within, and between parks and community assets. 6. Increase local awareness of BREC’s programs and facilities and the overall value of BREC. 7. Work with partners and the BREC Foundation to achieve common goals and leverage resources. 8. Ensure that BREC’s parks and facilities are operated and maintained efficiently and according to best practices and to define standards for park types. --- # PARKS AND RECREATION ## Part 1: A Growing Parks System <
> *BREC Parks and Greenways. Source: EBRGIS* # PARKS AND RECREATION Part 1: A Growing Parks System ### Urban Parks and Plazas As the City-Parish fosters new development within the core of Baton Rouge, it’s important to provide access to quality open space within Downtown. The East Baton Rouge Parish Comprehensive Plan supports Plan Baton Rouge in its effort to set the stage for providing quality pedestrian corridors that link urban parks and give shoppers, workers, and residents an opportunity to rest, converse, and people watch. The Riverfront Levee path provides an area for Downtown workers and residents to exercise and be close to the river. Additional parks and public spaces are owned and maintained by the State of Louisiana and other City-Parish agencies. The State owns the extensive passive parklands around the State Capitol known as Capitol Park and Arsenal Park. The Old State Capitol grounds on River Road provide another park space. BREC owns and operates Convention Street Park, Expressway Park, and Spanish Town Park. The City-Parish owns and operates the River Center convention facility and adjacent City Hall, which are connected on the western side by a large public plaza built in the 1970s. Repentance Park, located on River Road between the Old State Capitol and the River Center, was redesigned and completed in 2012. Part of that plaza known as Galvez Plaza, along with public space along and in the median of North Boulevard between River Road and Interstate 110, was redeveloped into North Boulevard Town Square. Town Square, managed by the Downtown Development District, provides substantially more public space and makes the spaces highly usable and accessible. Davis Rhorer, the Director of the Downtown Development District and longtime serving commissioner passed away in March 2021. Rhorer served as Chairmen of the Planning and Park Resources committee and was a member of several other committees. Known as the “Godfather of Downtown”, Rhorer worked closely with BREC on several projects including bicycle and pedestrian projects like the downtown Greenway and the Mississippi River Trail. The Metropolitan Council renamed City Hall Plaza to Davis S. Rhorer Plaza to honor him for all the hard work he has done to make the city a better place. <
> *Repentance Park* <
> *College Town Park* <
> *North Sherwood Forest Community Park* *** ### BREC Neighborhood Parks BREC has over 135 neighborhood parks that provide a place to play, relax, and convene for neighborhood residents. Each neighborhood park varies in the amenities it provides, but common amenities include playgrounds, small sports fields, picnic areas, and places to walk with or without pets. They serve as a gathering place for the neighborhood, where neighbors can chat and kids can play together. Neighborhood parks are usually accessible by foot, bicycle, or public transit within a half-mile radius of residences, providing easy access to green space especially for children and senior adults. ### BREC Community Parks As of 2016, BREC has developed 12 community parks. These parks serve a larger geographic area than neighborhood parks and are designed to engage people in a variety of activities for longer periods of time. Higher levels of maintenance, security, and recreational opportunities are offered by community parks. Recreational opportunities at community parks can include large sports fields, skate parks, golf courses, dog parks, tennis courts, botanic gardens, trails, large pavilions, theaters, aquatic facilities, and lakes for paddling and fishing. <
> *BREC NATIONAL GOLD MEDAL AWARD* In 2022, the Baton Rouge Parks and Recreation system was awarded the National Gold Medal Award by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA). This is the third time that BREC has won this prestigious award, which is given to the best park and recreation system in the United States. BREC was recognized for its innovative programs, its commitment to environmental stewardship, and its ability to provide quality recreation opportunities for all members of the community. <
> *Knock Knock Children's Museum* # PARKS AND RECREATION Part 1: A Growing Parks System ### BREC Recreational Centers As of 2021 BREC operates 56 recreational centers. BREC recreational centers are facilities that support park activities and programs, including sports and other recreational activities appropriate to the population or community that uses the park. The facilities serve an important purpose, providing education and recreation to all ages and groups across the Parish. However, the provision of these services is costly, and many of the facilities have undergone substantial wear and tear. In 2019, BREC commissioned a parish wide survey to assess the needs of the community to create new programs and events and guide future development. The survey established the 87% of East Baton Rouge population utilizes BREC parks[^p6-1]. 28 capital improvements were completed with a total of 83 underway. They include the bridge crossing and trailhead for the Ward’s Creek bicycle and pedestrian trail, an urban farm and state-of-the-art fitness court at Howell Community Park, the creation of a Championship Field and improved lighting at Burbank Soccer Complex in partnership with the Baton Rouge Soccer Association, Our Lady of the Lake Foundation and St. Joseph’s Academy Foundation, nine neighborhood parks and the master plan for the largest project in BREC’s history: the reimagination of the Baton Rouge Zoo and Greenwood Community Park. 2020 BREC continued its aggressive construction efforts to keep construction companies and their subcontractors working through the pandemic. The team completed 26 capital projects with a total in planning, design and construction including the reimagination of the Zoo and Greenwood Community Park, dredging and revitalization of the Lakes area, a master plan for the 13th community park at Airline Highway, new recreation centers at Howell and Jackson Community Parks, nature station at Frenchtown Road Conservation Area and a 7-mile greenway to connect Scotlandville Parkway to Downtown Baton Rouge. 2021 Expansion and Improvements – BREC’s planning team continued its aggressive effort to complete construction projects in the park system keeping an important sector of the economy in business. The team had 88 projects of varying scope and size underway in 2021 in design/planning and construction. They include: * The reimagination of the Zoo and Greenwood Community Park. * Dredging and revitalization of the Lakes area. * A master plan for the 13th community park at Airline Highway. * New recreation centers at Howell and Jackson Community Parks. * Education building and master plan for Frenchtown Road Conservation Area. * A 7-mile greenway to connect Scotlandville Parkway to Downtown. * The first turfed fields in the system at Central Sports Park. * Incorporating green infrastructure into all major projects to prevent flooding. [^p6-1]: Note taken directly from BREC time line expansion and improvements https://www.brec.org/75-years-of-brec *** # PARKS AND RECREATION Part 1: A Growing Parks System 2022 Despite supply chain issues and skyrocketing inflation due to the COVID-19 virus, large-scale projects are nearing completion including: * Renovations to Jackson Community Park. * Nature station at Frenchtown Road Conservation Area. * New dog park at Lovett Road Park. * Expansion of the dog park at City-Brooks Community Park. * New and elevated Recreation Center, swimming pool and pool house at Howell Community Park. * Bicycle/pedestrian trail to connect Americana to Zachary Community Park. * Turfed fields and improvements at Oak Villa Sports Complex. * The dredging of the Lakes. * The largest project in BREC’s history to reimagine the Baton Rouge Zoo and Greenwood Community Park. * Construction will begin later in the year on the 13th community park in BREC’s inventory at Airline Highway. * Greenway to connect Scotlandville Parkway with Memorial Stadium. * Boat launch at Manchac Park. * New master plans for Perkins Road Community Park and Bluebonnet Swamp. * More sections of the Health Loop Greenway. ### BREC Special Use Facilities BREC special use facilities include facilities that serve a single, specialized purpose, such as the Baton Rouge Zoo, sports parks, golf courses, Cohn Arboretum, Farr Park Equestrian Center, Magnolia Mound Plantation, Magnolia Cemetery and Knock Knock Children’s Museum. ### BREC Trails and Links for Pedestrians and Bicyclists BREC currently operates and maintains more than 170 parks within the City-Parish, future development will establish pedestrian and bicycle connections between these parks and neighborhoods, while working to enhance and maintain existing trails. In 2020, BREC partnered with the City-Parish and DOTD to incorporate the routes identified in its BREC’s Capital Area Pathways Project (CAPP) into the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. The CAPP Plan illustrated proposed trails, identified existing segments as well as those implemented in cooperation with other local organizations (including the proposed EBRP Loop and Levee Trail and on-street pathways), and located in BREC parks. # PARKS AND RECREATION ## Part 1: A Growing Parks System The BREC Commission approved the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan in 2020. The routes indicated in BREC’s Greenway Network were derived through public input at workshops held to identify the most desirable trail corridors that provide access to BREC parks and other points of interest in the community. BREC, has primarily planned its greenways within public rights of way such as utility, stream, and drainage corridors, though some on-road facilities are planned to provide vital connections. The planned multi-use trails are intended to provide alternative transportation opportunities that connect people to parks, neighborhoods, shopping and work places. They also promote healthy and active lifestyles, spur economic development and neighborhood revitalization, enhance public safety, promote tourism, attract corporate citizens, spark recreation-oriented businesses, and improve the environment. ### Background The inception of the CAPP program can be linked to the “Imagine Your Parks” Strategic Planning Process in 2004 and prior planning processes. Public interest was focused on trails and the desire to use them for exercise or to commute to parks. In 2006, BREC held a Trail Route Planning meeting to engage the public and gather input for connectivity trail routes. The 2014 “Imagine Your Parks2” Strategic Planning process indicated continued interest in recreational trails as the public’s highest requested amenity. $5 million has been budgeted for CAPP trails in the 10-year Capital Improvement Plan Budget. * 2014 – Ward Creek Bridge goes into redesign in the interest of reducing construction costs. Bridge implementation stalls due to high implementation cost, project enters litigation. Siegen Extension project to Tuscany Villas enters design phase. * 2015 – CAPP Proposed Parish Trails Master Plan approved by the BREC Commission on October 22, 2015. Full time Trail Planner hired to implement Master Plan. Perkins Road Park and Pennington Trail enter construction phase. CAPP Ward Creek “Health Loop” becomes CAPP Ward Creek “Health Loop” to coincide with the name change of the new Baton Rouge “Health District” whose focus is on promoting healthy living * 2016 – Perkins Road Park/Pennington Trail construction completed and opened to the public. Design contracts signed for Greenwood Park and Bluebonnet Extension Projects. Siegen Extension project to Tuscany Villas enters construction phase. Grant funding received from LA Recreational Trail Program toward implementation of Ward Creek “Health Loop” Pecue Extension project will extend the trail to Pecue Lane and provide recreational trail benefits to residents in the southeast portion of the parish. Staff working on solutions to provide a bridged crossing of Ward Creek. * 2017 – BREC receives $3.7 million Congestion, Mitigation, and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant to construction trail from Scotlandville Parkway to Downtown. *** # PARKS AND RECREATION ## Part 1: A Growing Parks System * 2017 – BREC creates Blueway Concept plan and constructs first Blueway launch at Highland Road Park on Bayou Manchac. * 2019 – Siegen Extension from Siegen Overpass to Tuscany Villas. * 2019 – Ward Creek Bridge connects the initial segments that terminate at Ward Creek and provides a public crossing to destinations geographically separated by the waterway. * 2020 – The East Baton Rouge Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan was approved and adopted by the BREC Commission and EBR City-Parish. The CAPP plan was incorporated into the overall master plan. * 2023 – Construction begins on Phase 2 of the Greenwood Greenway ### Implementation BREC has a big vision to connect the northern and southern parts of the parish via an alternative transportation network that combines off-road greenways and on-road bike and pedestrian facilities. This connectivity is critical for a multitude of reasons—from transportation equity and active recreation to ecosystem services and environmental justice. The result will be a safe bike/ped route linking Southern University to Louisiana State University (utilizing the Downtown Greenway and I-10 Greenway that will be built as part of the I-10 Widening Project), and eventually the Health Loop. As of 2023, BREC has constructed several segments of the Ward Creek and Dawson Creek greenways to create a “Health Loop.” It is envisioned as a comprehensive 10-mile greenway system that will connect several medical facilities and destinations and be accessible to residents, healthcare staff, and patients and their families for recreation and transportation. The greenways consist of a 12 ft. wide, barrier free concrete pathway designed for pedestrians and cyclists. Portions are complete on Dawson Creek at Quail Drive to BREC Perkins Road Community Park. Complete segments on Ward Creek area at Essen Lane to Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital and Bluebonnet Boulevard to Siegen Marketplace. Plans to connect the Ward Creek Greenway and Dawson Creek Greenway to complete the “Health Loop” are underway. BREC’s current focus is on implementing the priority greenway projects identified in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, while providing support and advocacy for implementation of community trail efforts. BREC is continuing to develop network connectivity to BREC parks as well as providing in-park trail circuits for walkers and joggers for exercising within an individual neighborhood or community park. With funding by the City-Parish and expertise from Bike Baton Rouge, BREC, and Capital Region Planning Commission (CRPC), bike lanes and share the road signs have been installed in downtown and the college campus areas. Additionally, the Scotlandville Parkway Master Plan was completed in 2023, which reimagines the corridor as a multi-modal active transportation system with opportunities to connect with nature and recreate along the way. # PARKS AND RECREATION ## Part 1: A Growing Parks System Every 10 years, BREC completes the Imagine Your Parks Strategic Plan, a community-driven plan that reveals the public's recreational priorities. Both the 2004 and 2014 Strategic Plans recognized trails and connecting park systems as a leading priority, leading to the EBR Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan, adopted by the BREC Commission and the EBR Metropolitan Council in 2020. The Blueways trail vision has been developed into a concept plan that focuses on Bayou Fountain, Ward Creek and Bayou Manchac. The first parish waterway access was completed in 2017 at Highland Road Community Park on Bayou Fountain. Additional waterway accesses are planned at Airline Highway Park on Ward Creek and Bayou Manchac Park on Bayou Manchac. The City-Parish is seeking an active role in providing information and wayfinding for cyclists. For example, the City-Parish has painted pavement markings known as “sharrows” on key roadways throughout the City-Parish to indicate that bicycle riders use the road for travel. Bike Baton Rouge maintains bicycle riding routes and other information online and organizes regular bicycle rides. The City-Parish Planning Commission also has an interactive mapping application called BikeBR (www.brgov.com/839/BikeBR) to provide bicycle route information to the public. Enhancing connections to open spaces for bicycles and pedestrians within existing neighborhoods is a key component of the vision for the future of East Baton Rouge Parish. ## Health Loop Guided by the CAPP plan and recommendations from the Health District Infrastructure Committee, BREC began implementing components of Ward Creek and Dawson Creek greenways to create a “Health Loop.” It was envisioned as a comprehensive greenway system that would connect several medical facilities and destinations and be accessible to residents, healthcare staff, and patients and their families for recreation and transportation. The greenways consist of a 12 ft. wide, barrier free concrete pathway designed for pedestrians and cyclists. Portions are complete on Dawson Creek at Quail Drive to BREC Perkins Road Community Park. Complete segments on Ward Creek area at Essen Lane to Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital and Bluebonnet Boulevard to Siegen Marketplace. Plans to connect the Ward Creek Greenway and Dawson Creek Greenway to complete the “Health Loop” are underway. ### UNIVERSITY LAKES MASTER PLAN The University Lakes Project is a project to improve the health of the six lakes surrounding Louisiana State University's campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The project will also provide new and enhanced recreational opportunities. The University Lakes Project is being implemented by University Lakes. LSU owns University Lake and three of the smaller lakes near it. BREC owns City Park Lake and Lake Erie. The University Lakes Project will create a sustainable lakes system through ambitious environmental restoration. It will also add recreational value for all people of Baton Rouge. <
> *** # PARKS AND RECREATION ## Part 1: A Growing Parks System <
> *Ten-Year Build Out of the Trail System, in conjunction with BREC and City-Parish Government.* # PARKS AND RECREATION Part 1: A Growing Parks System ### BREC SURVEY RESULTS BREC routinely commissions statistically valid surveys to identify needs and establish priorities for the future development of the parks system. As a result of these efforts, BREC found that the citizens of East Baton Rouge Parish want to see: * Improved existing neighborhood parks * Improved trails that connect parks * Development of new outdor pool/aquatic centers * Improved existing athletic fields * Land preserved for natural areas <
> *Bluebonnet Park Nature Center* ### BREC Conservation Areas and Natural Reserves Currently, there are few federal or State designated land management areas within East Baton Rouge Parish. While privately owned properties do provide a small percentage of land conservation efforts, the large majority of the City-Parish is subject to future development. BREC currently protects over 3,300 acres of conservation land within East Baton Rouge Parish under several different conservation land designations including Nature Reserve, Conservation Unit, Conservation Management Area and Greenway. BREC Conservation Areas are protected from further development and encroachment for the sole purpose of preserving wildlife habitat, environmental quality and the loss of species, as outlined by BREC’s Natural Resource Management Plan. Each type of park has different restrictions based on shared use and habitat quality. Nature Reserves are restricted from human disturbance outside of scientific study, environmental monitoring and education. Alternatively, Conservation Areas and Conservation Management Units are designed to conserve biodiversity and habitat while allowing nature appreciation and education activities in order to increase the public’s understanding of the natural world and foster their conservation ethic. These areas play an important role in the Parish, providing quiet and serene trails for hikers, promoting the ecology and biodiversity of the Parish, and providing specific educational opportunities for East Baton Rouge Parish residents of all ages including programming by BREC’s Conservation, Outdoor Education and Environmental Education (CORE) Division. Passive, low-impact recreational activities such as bird watching, hiking, wildlife viewing and geocaching will be encouraged in these areas on designated trails. Additionally, greenway’s are linear areas established to act as a natural buffer or passage corridor which link BREC parks or trails to one another. These areas play a crucial role as ecological corridors allowing wildlife to migrate and species to interchange and/or their ability to more effectively and safely connect people to parks. Combined, these protected lands will provide outlets to the parish on a variety of levels while conserving and restoring historic habitats throughout the parish and protecting high quality areas from future development. The acquisition of such natural areas should remain a priority for BREC and the City-Parish, increasing the amount of land protected as the parish’s population also increases. BREC’s Natural Resource Management Plan, Imagine Your Parks Plan2, and Capital Area Pathways Project (CAPP) propose new parks, conservation areas, and trails along with goals regarding management of BREC’s natural resources to promote biodiversity and healthy historically represented habitats. Individual management plans and Biodiversity Assessment Reports for Nature Reserves, Conservation Units and Conservation Management Areas will include scientific surveys of habitat quality and provide restoration suggestions and justification for use restrictions. The Imagine Your Parks2 Plan sets forth a series of action items that BREC is undertaking to strengthen and increase natural resource recreational activities. # PARKS AND RECREATION Part 1: A Growing Parks System ### IMAGE YOUR PARKS2 PLAN: ACTION ITEMS 1. Implement BREC’s Natural Resources Management Plan 2. Develop and implement a land acquisition and easement program focused on creating a connected parish-wide network of natural resources, particularly greenway and blueway corridors. 3. Develop, integrate, and promote nature-based education and recreation programming across ages and skill levels. 4. Promote conservation stewardship volunteerism that provides opportunities for individuals and organizations to leave a positive legacy in the park system. 5. Build on BREC’s “Geaux Green” movement to strengthen sustainability policies across the organization. # PARKS AND RECREATION Part 1: A Growing Parks System ## Priorities for Parks ### Improving and Maintaining Existing Parks East Baton Rouge Parish residents wish to see their existing parks improve. Of the 155 parks inventoried as part of the 2014 BREC Strategic Master Plan, only eight were rated as excellent. There were 115 parks, or 70 percent, rated as fair or poor. These parks will require a major investment in capital to reach an acceptable service level. The most common perceived issues regarding parks in the City-Parish are the increasing age of park inventory, a lack of uniformity of maintenance operations, insufficient security, and the lack of ADA access to parks and their facilities. East Baton Rouge Parish residents wish to see additional amenities within their parks, including rest rooms, additional trails, picnic shelters and picnic tables. ### Increasing Access to Parks East Baton Rouge Parish residents overwhelmingly travel by car to visit parks within the City-Parish. About 89 percent of respondents to the 2014 BREC survey indicated they travel by car to use parks and recreation facilities, compared to 28 percent who sometimes walk, and 16 percent who sometimes bike. An analysis of the active park network within the City-Parish limits shows that most residents live within walking distance (i.e., straight line distance of 0.5 miles or less) of a public park or facility. However, many parks are located within areas where safe street connections are not frequent enough to be within a reasonable walking distance for most users. BREC Greenways have been sited to provide connections from residential areas to parks in the attempt to provide safe walking and biking access. The use of small neighborhood parks that are owned and governed by homeowners’ associations are another way to provide access to additional parks within neighborhoods. <
> *University Lake* # PARKS AND RECREATION Part 2: ## Goals, Objectives and Actions to Achieve the Vision This section details the parks and recreation goals, objectives and actions that will move East Baton Rouge Parish toward the community’s Vision. Goals are the big over arching ideas, changes or practices that are essential to realize the community’s Vision. Objectives establish specific, measurable, attainable and realistic goals that guide how the Comprehensive Plan is implemented in a way that will achieve the Vision. Actions outline the steps needed to achieve the objectives. # PARKS AND RECREATION Part 2: Goals, Objectives and Actions ### Parks and Recreation Goals 1. Increase quality of existing parks, access to parks and recreation facilities, and diversity of programs. 2. Improve and expand pedestrian and bicycle paths and trails to promote active recreation and to provide better connections to parks. 3. Expand the City-Parish's nature parks while providing educational and recreational opportunities to Parish residents. ### Parks and Recreation Goal 1 **Increase the quality of existing parks, access to parks and recreation facilities, and diversity of programs.** *Objective 1.1* Improve and maintain existing parks and increase park safety. *Actions to support objective 1.1:* 1.1.1 Leverage available resources and forge and strengthen strategic ties to operate, maintain, and develop parks, programs, and facilities. 1.1.2 Partner with BREC to enhance the quality of existing parks through establishing design criteria and guidelines. 1.1.3 Increase safety and security in all City-Parish parks. 1.1.4 Employ Crime Prevention through Environmental Design guidelines to the planning and development of recreational facilities and open spaces where appropriate. 1.1.5 Evaluate and study existing parks, facilities and programs. Work with BREC to develop and implement performance measures for East Baton Rouge Parish parks, including information about program participants and park users. 1.1.6 Maintain park and recreation agency accreditation standards as defined by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies. *** ### Objective 1.2 Provide a balanced range of park types, including active and passive recreation, conservation parks, and neighborhood parks as recommended in Imagine Your Parks2. *Actions to support objective 1.2:* 1.2.1 Collaborate with BREC to implement the latest strategic plan's recommendation to meet a the plans standards. 1.2.2 Develop an equity-based framework and new delivery model for recreation centers. 1.2.3 Upgrade some existing recreation centers as determined in the new delivery model to provide close-to-home needs or unique program opportunities. 1.2.4 Implement and maintain the Riverfront Master Plan as an identity feature for Baton Rouge and support the park corridor plans as detailed in Plan Baton Rouge. 1.2.5 Update the "Imagine Your Parks Strategic Plan2" on a ten-year cycle. ### Objective 1.3 Ensure that parks and recreational facilities meet the needs of all residents within the City-Parish. *Actions to support objective 1.3:* 1.3.1 Provide public planning opportunities for new parks projects and review input from concerned citizens regarding the planning and development of recreational and open space facilities. 1.3.2 Acquire additional parkland in strategic growth areas and existing neighborhoods that have few park access opportunities. 1.3.3 Promote safe, fun, and inclusive environments for recreational and leisure activities by using appropriate accessibility and environmental design guidelines for planning and development of recreational facilities, including but not limited to: ADA, NRPA, EPA, etc. ### Parks and Recreation Goal 2 **Improve and expand pedestrian and bicycle paths and trails to promote active recreation and to provide better connections to parks.** *Objective 2.1* Prioritize implementation of new trails as greenways for access to natural resources. *Actions to support objective 2.1:* 2.1.1 Continue coordination with LADOTD and BREC to develop and implement a bicycle and pedestrian master plan. 2.1.2 Implement the Greenway Network established in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, taking into consideration the development of regional links and coordination when new routes are established. Review and update the plan as needed. 2.1.3 Invest in a network of multi-use bike pedestrian connecting trails that will link connect people to parks, neighborhoods, shopping, jobs, and other important places. Focus trail development in riparian areas, # PARKS AND RECREATION Part 2: Goals, Objectives and Actions public rights of way, drainage servitudes, as well as areas defined in the Environment and Conservation element for restoration and re-naturalization such as: * Create bike and pedestrian path connections along BREC’s Health Loop Trail on Wards Creek. * Increase bike and pedestrian access to parks and the Mississippi River in North Baton Rouge. * Extend multi-use paths to connect Southern University to the north and Farr Equestrian Park south of LSU. **Objective 2.2** Improve bicycle and pedestrian safety. **Actions to support objective 2.2:** 2.2.1 Implement crosswalks at all roadway crossings along primary bicycle and pedestrian trails, with traffic signal controlled crossings at major roadways. 2.2.2 Implement railroad safety crossings at all rail line crossings along primary bicycle and pedestrian trails, with gated and controlled rail crossings at rail lines with high volumes of train traffic. ### Parks and Recreation Goal 3 **Expand the City-Parish’s nature parks while providing educational and recreational opportunities to Parish residents.** **Objective 3.1** Increase recreational and educational opportunities in the City-Parish, centered around appreciation and understanding of the natural environment. **Actions to support objective 3.1:** 3.1.1 Continue to support BREC’s initiatives set forth in the Imagine Your Parks Plan2 to implement and facilitate programs that reduce the loss of species diversity, as well as to acquire conservation land for protecting native species while providing a variety of recreation opportunities including nature centers, parkways, greenways, and blueways. Additional land should be acquired as the City-Parish population increases. 3.1.2 Pursue development of blueways and conservation areas. 3.1.3 Acquire a conservation area that has rich wildlife and plant habitat value along the Comite River in the portion that is classified as Scenic River which ends at the confluence with White’s Bayou. 3.1.4 Acquire three conservation areas that have wildlife and plant habitat along the Amite River. 3.1.5 Establish additional areas of conservation parks in areas adjacent to Cypress Bayou and Hurricane Creek. 3.1.6 Acquire conservation land identified in the Natural Resource Management Plan. **Objective 3.2** Implement passive recreation programs in nature parks focused on environmental education. **Actions to support objective 3.2:** 3.2.1 Collaborate with the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board and private schools to: develop science and ecological education programs, bring students to ecological parks, and conduct classes there. 3.2.2 Partner with other agencies and nonprofit organizations, including the LSU AgCenter, Sierra Club, Louisiana Urban Forestry Council, Baton Rouge Green, Hilltop Arboretum, Baton Rouge Audubon Society, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, and Louisiana Geological Survey to enhance education in the Parish. # PARKS AND RECREATION Part 2: Goals, Objectives and Actions