Morrisville Land Use Plan 2021

Street Connectivity Many areas of Morrisville utilize a hierar­ chical roadway system, common to suburban development patterns, that does not allow for many connections between neighbor- hoods and surrounding arterial roadways. While this achieves some privacy, particularly for residential developments, it significantly contributes to congestion and creates bottle- necks during peak travel times. In addition, disconnected street networks increase emer- gency response times and can make getting around the community more difficult and time consuming. The goal of new development should be to create a more interconnected circulation pattern that provides enhanced access, reduced congestion, and more responsive emergency services. This should mimic the traditional street networks of older urban environments, aiming to provide connec- tions between adjacent developments and roadways.

To accomplish this, the Town should consider enhancing the public street connectivity standards found in 5.8.6(D)(4) of the UDO to establish minimum connectivity standards for roadways to improve internal circulation within subdivisions. Further, the Town should expand the require - ments for cross access between adjoining developments found in 5.8.6(D)(5) of the UDO to also apply to developments with single-family detached homes. Well-connected neighborhoods and commer- cial centers promote pedestrian activity and encourage walking for short, local trips. Additionally, this framework promotes smaller block lengths and a greater diver- sity of building types within close proximity. Short blocks, less than 600 lineal feet, are an important element within a walkable area because they create a comfortable scale for pedestrians through an increased sense of location and direction. As new development or redevelopment occurs in Morrisville over time, consideration should be given to ensuring ample street connectivity with the existing and proposed road, bicycle, pedestrian, and transit systems in the area.

Preferred Well-connected, development with a diverse mix of uses and housing types

Not Preferred Poorly connected, segregated pods of development with low walkability

44 Morrisville Land Use Plan | Chapter 5 – Land Use Considerations