LA/UP341 Fall 1997
Visual
Quality Evaluation
Description of evaluation
-
The visual quality evaluation being conducted
here is an attempt to look at the areas around railroad tracks in East
St. Louis. Generally, the railroad tracks are an eyesore to the surrounding
areas. By replacing the tracks with a recreation trail, the visual
quality of the area will improve. The dilapidated look of the tracks
and surrounding neighborhoods will start to improve. As can be seen
from the following images, replacing the railroads with a recreation trail,
the areas encompassing the trails will experience an improvement in visual
quality. Neighborhoods that are linked by this type of greenway will
benefit its economic as well as its community development.
Summary of visual evaluation
-
In the visual quality evaluation, we have provided
examples of potential sites that may be enhanced by the implementation
of a recreational trail. These scenes demonstrate current views,
and we have projected possible improvements that would result from the
recreational trail location. Commercial views may be restructured
with the introduction of new businesses. Vegetative areas will be
restored and maintained for recreational use. City parks may see
increased usage and possible development of residential areas will be encouraged.
Link
to Survey
Railroad
Views
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Preference Evaluation
2.1/7
Safety Evaluation
1.8/5
Expert Evaluation
-6
This scene received low scores in each
evaluation. Elements such as the fence to the right of the tracks
could removed and replaced with vegetation while vegetation is planted
to the left to limit the view of abandoned industrial land. A possibility
for a site amenity could be the use of the second set of tracks in the
area for planting beds. These types of improvements will increase
the preference and safety ratings for the scene. The quality of the
improvements would determine the increase in the expert evaluation.
----------
Preference Evaluation
3.7/7
Safety Evaluation
2.5/5
Expert Evaluation
1.2
Although the likelihood of our trail
using this type of elevated section of track is low, the trail at some
points could end up passing over bridges where similar scenes may be encountered.
The low ratings that this scene received are no doubt due to the openness
of the surrounding area. Safety could be addressed by providing lighting
underneath the bridge section and keeping the structure painted and in
good condition. This view is deceptive for our project since the
trail users will be looking down on the area rather than being at the same
level. One possible way to beautify the view would be to add trees
or create a park setting next to the elevated trail. This would not
only give people a place to stop but it would also make a more pleasant
view from above.
Commercial
View
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Preference Evaluation
2.5/7
Safety Evaluation
2.1/5
Expert Evaluation
-1.2
This commercial view cannot be easily
changed, however, with the presence of a recreational trail adjacent to
this area, new businesses and increased economic vitality could occur because
of the introduction of new consumers to this area. New structures
or redecoration of current buildings and storefronts should cause the expert
evaluations of this sight to rise.
Natural
View
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Preference Evaluation
5/7
Safety Evaluation
4/5
Expert Evaluation
3.0
This image shows a possible view from
a recreation trail. The natural setting explains high ratings it received
for preference and safety. It received a mediocre expert evaluation
because of its lack of diversity in the features present. This type
of view can be a positive for the proposed trail.
Residential
View
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Preference Evaluation
5.3/7
Safety Evaluation
4.1/5
Expert Evaluation
9.3
This residential view is an example
of a possible view from the proposed trail. This is a good example
of how the trail can be utilized to bring neighborhoods together.
The proximity to residential areas is a benefit to the local users.
Abandoned
Industrial Land
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Preference Evaluation
1.7/7
Safety Evaluation
1.3/5
Expert Evaluation
-8.4
This possible view received low ratings
on each scale. The negatives in this picture are obvious but the
proposed trail could lessen the effects. Vegetation screening could
be used in order to shield the trail from the surrounding areas.
Another thing that could be done could be removing the fence and using
vegetation to border the property. One other possibility could be refurbishing
the building. Although this is probably not an option in this case,
other rundown industrial and commercial sites that the trail passes could
benefit from this option.
Park
Setting
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Preference Evaluation
4.6/7
Safety Evaluation
3.6/5
Expert Evaluation
9.4
This open area enjoys a well-maintained
condition and is capable of holding large gatherings of people. This
type of setting could be found at some point along the trail, in a local
park, or at the end of the trail, in the state park. Linking gathering
places such as this and other park areas is a goal of the trail project.
Natural
Growth
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Preference Evaluation 4/7
Safety Evaluation
3/5
Expert Evaluation
.83
This vegetative scene presents a possible
view of what might be seen from or even on the recreation trail.
The high level of vegetation is a positive factor and this was reflected
in the high preference rating and safety rating. The low score on
the expert evaluation could be a result of the type of vegetation present.
It looks as if it is full of weeds that have taken over a property that
has more potential than it displays. It is important for the trail project
to consider these situations and make sure that trail maintenance is a
key part of the project.
Skyline
View
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Preference Evaluation
3.2/7
Safety Evaluation
2.5/5
Expert Evaluation
2.67
In the far background of this scene,
the skyline of St. Louis can be seen. Perhaps planting a vegetative
screen to block the view of the housing projects, both elements of nature
and the distant sprawl of urban life can be blended together. This
would increase both the preference and safety evaluation.
Project
Description
Cost and Benefit
Analysis Visual Quality Analysis
Cultural/Historical
Analysis Wildlife
Habitat Analysis Site
Suitability Analysis