Neighborhood Commercial <br />Centers: The three commercial <br />areas along the corridor will each <br />offer an attractive, neighborhood- <br />scale, pedestrian-oriented <br />commercial/retail streetscape along <br />River Road, along with a mix of <br />office and well designed residential <br />uses. Existing businesses will <br />contribute to the vitality of the <br />area. <br />Cohesive Corridor: <br />Commercial/office and residential <br />zones and streetscapes along the <br />length of the corridor will form a <br />cohesive district, linked by common <br />design and landscaping standards <br />and streetscape elements <br />appropriate to the Willamette <br />Greenway and garden district, <br />which reflect natural values and <br />sustainability. Residential areas <br />between commercial zones will <br />provide an attractive, pedestrian- <br />friendly streetscape along River <br />Road. <br />Roadway Conditions: Traffic will <br />travel smoothly and safely along <br />River Road, at a speed of 35 mph or <br />less. It will be easy, safe.and <br />convenient for pedestrians and <br />bicyclists to cross (or travel along) <br />the River Road. People will be able <br />to hold a conversation on the <br />sidewalk or at an outdoor cafe table <br />without being drowned out by <br />traffic noise. <br />Rapid Transit/Commuter Vehicle <br />Miles Traveled: Efficient rapid <br />transit on the EmX will run along <br />River Road, and will be used by a <br />THE VISION for the Lower River Road area <br />has as its foundation that Rasor Park and <br />the Willamette Greenway are very <br />significant natural resources, as well as <br />important amenities that give the <br />neighborhood a unique sense of place and <br />stunning setting. Sustainability is also a key <br />value for the neighborhood. <br />There is an opportunity for the built <br />environment to embrace and celebrate the <br />natural environment, but it is important <br />that it does not overwhelm or detract from <br />it. Preservation and enhancement of <br />natural values is paramount in Greenway <br />parks. Natural landscaping, buffers and <br />conservation easements, design standards, <br />and public access are important to ensure <br />that the built environment harmoniously <br />relates to the natural environment and <br />public parks. <br />Transforming River Road into a multi-modal <br />boulevard where it is safe and convenient <br />for pedestrians, bicycles, transit and <br />automobiles to co-exist is one element of <br />sustainability. Making pedestrian and <br />bicycle access to the West Bank, Bike Trail <br />easy and convenient is another. <br />Encouraging moderate density mixed use <br />developments in appropriate locations is an <br />important sustainability strategy, so that <br />people have an opportunity to live, work, <br />shop and play without having to use a car., <br />.This also allows growth to be considered in <br />more compact, centrally located areas to <br />reduce sprawl and development on outlying <br />farmland. Energy efficiency, green <br />infrastructure, and local green jobs and <br />services are other desired sustainability <br />elements. <br />