(2016) UrDI Canaan Area: Neighbourhood Plan for St. Christophe

UrDI - Urban Structure Plan 3.8. ST CHRISTOPHE ZONE A ST.CHRISTOPHE / ST.CHRISTOPHE AREA A A 1 2 3 4 0 500 ZONE A ST CHRISTOPHE / INTERVENTIONS PROPOSÉES REVUES PAR LA COMMUNAUTE Juin 2016 (image drone Juillet 2015) ST CHRISTOPHE AREA A / PROPOSED INTERVENTIONS REVIEWED BY THE COMMUNITY June 2016 (drone image July 2015) 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 m Section A No-Built areas 5 Villlage des Pécheurs Village de la Grâce de Dieu Village de La découverte 8 7 6 St Christophe is a neighbourhood located on the Western side and consists of the three villages; Village Des Pecheurs, Village de la Grâce de Dieu and Village a Decouverte. For the purpose of these studies, and since the neighbourhoods’ assemblies were not separately done, the three villages will be considered under one neighbourhood with the name of St.Christophe. The following land use proposals in this section are based on a participatory process within three months’ time-frame. The UN-Habitat team maps the existing situation and the community validates and proposes ideas. The urban Lab rechecks the suggested interventions and modifies if necessary. After that, a neighbourhood assembly is organized to showcase the overall vision and a land use is later developed. 132 1. Mapping the existing situation 4. New proposals draft 7. Draft of land use plan 2. Mapping proposed interventions 5. Selected interventions map 8. Charrette and implementation 3. Community workshops 6. Neighbourhood assemblies Fig.183: St.Christophe: participatory planning process 1000 m U r b a n D e v e l o p m e n t I n i t i a t i v e ( U r D I ) f o r C a n a a n a r e a o f Po r t - A u - P r i n c e A. STREET NETWORK Currently, the street network in St.Christophe occupies only 8%. The neighbourhood borders the national road 1 from the south and has only secondary streets inside. The lack of street hierarchy leads to congested areas. For that, it is necessary to preserve enough spaces for roads in order to have a good connectivity and prevent any traffic. The majority of the roads lead to a dead-end. It is thus fundamental to think of a road grid while providing an interconnected set of roads that are safe. The new plan proposes a new arterial road that connects the national road 2 with the northern part of the neighbourhood. Where the topography is moderate, main roads are suggested to improve the connectivity. Appropriate measures were elaborated in the mobility report giving a guidance on how to build roads in steep areas. Different widths are defined for the different types of roads (Option A and B, see below). The plan does not only propose new roads, but also looks into ways to improve and upgrade the current situation. The new St.Christophe’s road network plan shows an increase of 3.5% which is still insufficient. Existing situation Proposed street network Streets percentage Streets percentage 11.5%-Option A UN-Habitat: 30% Arterial road: 24m Main roads: 18m Secondary streets: 12m 8% - Option B Arterial road: 18m Main roads: 12m Secondary streets: 9m Streets km/sq.km UN-Habitat: 18 km/sq.km 14 km/sq.km Fig.184: St.Christophe: Existing street network Fig.185: St.Christophe: Proposed street network Layers of the proposed street network National road Arterial road Main roads Secondary streets Fig.186: St.Christophe: Layers of the proposed street network 133 UrDI - Urban Structure Plan B. PUBLIC SPACES Existing Public Spaces Proposed by the community Proposed by UN-Habitat LAB Fig.187: St.Christophe: Existing Public spaces Fig.188: St.Christophe: Public spaces proposed by the community Fig.189: St.Christophe: Public spaces proposed by UN-Habitat LAB There are only two public spaces in St.Christophe; one market and one park. The total area of the existing public spaces is 0.68%. They are mostly located in the centre in proximity of the main road. To reach the recommendation of Habitat, it is essential to consider vacant lands for the development of new public spaces. Following the neighbourhood’s assembly, a new park next to the national road 1 in the South was proposed. Adding this to the existing situation, the percentage is still not sufficient. Abandoned quarries which occupy large spaces are found in the neighbourhood. The Lab has found a great potential in them by converting these dead spaces into public ones. # PUBLIC SPACE IN ST.CHRISTOPHE STATUS NAME Neighbourhood area m2 Ha % 4,270,862 427 100% 1 Public space Existing marché 26,420 2.642 2 Public space Existing parc 2,541 0.2541 28,961 2.90 10,015 1 10,015 1 0,23% 38,976 3.90 0,91% 3 Total: Public space Proposed by the community parc 0.68% Table 36. St.Christophe: Percentage of public spaces 134 In St.Christophe, some ravines crosses the neighbourhood and induce as such a high flooding risk. For that, a buffer area of 50 metres from both side is to be defined as a protection zone. The riparian zones were designed with the opportunity of becoming of public usages during no-rain season. If the proposals are put into place, the public spaces will reach 21.8 m2/inhabitant. The no-built areas are not seen only as functional public spaces, but also as urban open spaces providing respiration areas for the inhabitants. U r b a n D e v e l o p m e n t I n i t i a t i v e ( U r D I ) f o r C a n a a n a r e a o f Po r t - A u - P r i n c e # OPEN PUBLIC SPACE IN ST.CHRISTOPHE m2 Ha % Neighbourhood area 4,270,862 427 100% Public spaces 38,976 3.91 0,91% STATUS Existing public spaces Proposed by the community Proposed by UN-Habitat LAB 4 Reforestation Proposed by the community 26,700 2.67 5 Quarry > Reforestation or open public project Proposed by the community 186,800 18.68 6 Quarry > Reforestation or open public project Proposed by the community 36,200 3.62 7 Quarry > Reforestation or open public project Proposed by the community 15,263 1.5263 8 Quarry > Reforestation or open public project Proposed by the community 19,787 1.9787 9 Buffer areas next to ravine Proposed by the LAB 120,291 12.0291 10 Buffer areas next to ravine Proposed by the LAB 26,076 2.6076 11 Buffer areas next to ravine Proposed by the LAB 125,922 12.5922 12 Buffer areas next to ravine Proposed by the LAB 72,600 7.26 13 Buffer areas next to ravine Proposed by the LAB 8,800 0.88 14 Buffer areas next to ravine Proposed by the LAB 14,200 1.42 652.639 65.82 15,28% 691.615 69.1 16.20% Total open public spaces: Proposed public spaces with 400 metres buffer Table 37. St.Christophe: Total percentage of public spaces The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 9m2/inhabitant Existing Proposed public space Proposed P.S + non-aedificandi 28,961 m2 38,976 m2 691.615 m2 17.596 inhabitants 31.670 inhabitants 31.670 inhabitants 1.27 m /inhabitant 1.23 m /inhabitant 21.8 m2/inhabitant 2 2 Table 38. St.Christophe: Public space area per inhabitant diagram Fig.190: St.Christophe: Overall public spaces’ land use and buffer area (400m) 135 UrDI - Urban Structure Plan C. RESIDENTIAL AREAS 4.27 km2 Proposed densities Neighbourhood area 17,600 Inhabitants Low density The new proposal for the distribution of the densities in St.Christophe suggests in having the low density areas where the morphology of the site is challenging. Adopting a density of 8,000 inhabitants per km2 for this category, St.Christophe will be able to host 3,200 inhabitants. The houses in this classification are often connected to secondary streets. It is possible to have small commerce provided their connection to pedestrian paths. (source ARC household survey 2016) 4,120 people/km2 Existing residential areas Fig.192: St.Christophe: Projected population increase Medium density The medium density settlements in the new plan are located all over the neighbourhood but mostly in the centre. The slope in the area are not steep and therefore densification strategies to existing low density area can be feasible. Respecting the proposed density, 16,000 people can live in St.Christophe under the density of 12,000 inhab./km2. High density For the high density areas, UN-Habitat recommends to have 15,000 people per km2. This means a study on plots modifications and resizing must be well conducted. Following the study of the terrain, the high density areas will be located near the main roads where the topography is almost flat. The houses will be in proximity of commercial areas which will reinforce the compactness and improve walkability. The new plan can host 12,000 people. Fig.191: St.Christophe: Existing settlements Fig.193: St.Christophe: Contours St.Christophe is considered as a low density neighbourhood with 4,120 inhabitant per km2. The concentration of the settlements is mostly in the north of Village des pécheurs where there are more road connections and where the topography is moderate. In the south, the houses are dispersed with access to secondary streets. The neighbourhood could be further densified so it can accommodate the population growth. 136 U r b a n D e v e l o p m e n t I n i t i a t i v e ( U r D I ) f o r C a n a a n a r e a o f Po r t - A u - P r i n c e Fig.194: St.Christophe: Diagram of population in the new proposed residential areas. It is expected that the current population of 17,600 will increase to reach 38,555 people in the next 20 years; if the growth remains of 4%. Following the densification of certain areas, St.Christophe is able to host 31,670 inhabitants. This means that the plan, as it is, is eligible for the upcoming 16 years. After that, medium and low density areas will need to be further densified in order to respond to the growing demand. The presence of economic activities in the residential areas is highly encouraged on condition to have a direct access to the roads. The size of commercial activities depends on the types of roads and the density of the area; the higher the density, the bigger the commerce and vice versa. The compactness of the city is induced by the integration of different usages into the urban fabric. Low density Medium density High density Fig.195: St.Christophe: Residential areas and proposed densities 137 UrDI - Urban Structure Plan D. COMMERCIAL AREAS Existing commercial Proposed commercial areas (mixed-use) 41 Existing commercial points 6% (of the total neighbourhood area) (source OSM) Fig.196: St.Christophe: Existing commercial points (Source: OSM) Fig.197: St.Christophe: Proposed commercial areas According to the OpenStreetMap data, there are 41 commerce shops in the neighbourhood. They are more abundant in the north in the Village des Pecheurs rather than in the south. The information on the types of these retails is absent. To reinforce the local economy, new commercial activities should be considered and strategically located. The area facing the arterial road is proposed to be converted into a commercial street. The commerce will take place on the ground floor with a direct access to pedestrian path and public transport. 138 These activities have the potential to generate a new, highly diverse sector within the local economy, with opportunities for job creation. They therefore act as catalysts for initiating a structural transformation. The proposed commercial areas in the new land use plan will occupy 10%. U r b a n D e v e l o p m e n t I n i t i a t i v e ( U r D I ) f o r C a n a a n a r e a o f Po r t - A u - P r i n c e E. PUBLIC FACILITIES There are many educational facilities in the southern part of village de la decouverte. According to OSM, the number of schools is seven, however there are no further information of their type (primary, secondary, etc.). It was a challenge to predict the required number of facilities for the population. Education plays a major role in reducing poverty and inequality. For that, it is always advisable to reserve certain land for the extension of existing facilities and/or for the provision of new schools. RELIGIOUS - EXISTING EDUCATION - EXISTING HEALTH - EXISTING OTHER PUBLIC FACILITIES - EXISTING Fig.198: St.Christophe: Existing public facilities and a 500m buffer catchment area. 18% Less than 10 years 6% Illiterate 29% Primary school (not finished) 10% Primary school (finished) 27% Secondary school (not finished) 5% Secondary school (finished) 2% Professional school 3% University Table 39. St.Christophe: Participation level (Croix Rouge Americaine, Juillet 2016) St.Christophe has fifteen religious services however, there are no information available about health services, community centres, security stations and others. For planning purposes, and in order to have a long-term sustainable city, it is essential to consider the services mentioned in the new design of the neighbourhood. Generally, these services require good accessibility and therefore their location must be well studied. Normally, it is recommended to locate them within 500 metres from the settlements so that they are easily accessible The public facilities occupy 0.45% which really poor. Once more information are provided, the plan must reconsider the allocation of these services in the land use plan. Fig.199: St.Christophe: Existing public facilities 139 UrDI - Urban Structure Plan F. NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT Given the topography, the presence of quarries and ravines, certain areas are to be considered as no-built areas for environment protection reasons. The buffer areas of 50 metres on both side of the ravines are highly encouraged to prevent flooding risks. These zones were designed with the potential of becoming public spaces. Also, the abandoned quarries are advised to be converted into recreational projects in order to benefit from dead spaces. Three spaces in the south will be allocated for livestock. #14 The no-built areas occupy 20.8% of the total neighbourhood area. #13 #11 # #14 m2 Ha % Neighbourhood area 4.270.862 427 100% 4 Reforestation 26.700 2,67 5 Quarry > Reforestation or open public project 186.800 18,68 6 Quarry > Reforestation or open public project 36.200 3,62 7 Quarry > Reforestation or open public project 15.263 1,52 8 Quarry > Reforestation or open public project 19.787 1,97 9 Buffer areas next to ravine 120.291 12,02 10 No-built areas Buffer areas next to ravine 26.076 #12 #12 #5 2,60 #12 #4 #9 #12 11 Buffer areas next to ravine 125.922 12,59 12 Buffer areas next to ravine 72.600 7,26 13 Buffer areas next to ravine 8.800 0,88 14 Buffer areas next to ravine 14.200 1,42 15 Livestock 48.100 4,81 16 Livestock 48.500 4,85 17 Livestock Proposed buffer along the rivers 139.600zone13,96 Total: Proposed area for livestock grazing 888.839 89 20,81% #9 #9 #17 #6 #7 #16 #9 Proposed area for reforestation Table 40. St.Christophe: Total percentage of no-builtrisk areas High environmental areas Legend #12 #10 #8 Existing quarries riversthe andrivers ravines Proposed bufferExisting zone along and ravines #15 Proposed area for livestock grazing Proposed area for reforestation 0 500 1000m produced 03.11.2016 High environmental risk areas Existing rivers and ravines Quarries 140 Fig.200: St.Christophe: No-built areas U r b a n D e v e l o p m e n t I n i t i a t i v e ( U r D I ) f o r C a n a a n a r e a o f Po r t - A u - P r i n c e G. ST.CHRISTOPHE LAND USE The assemblies, facilitated by the UN-Habitat team in Haiti, identified the main needs of the residents of St.Christophe. The proposed landuse plan is the result of the ongoing participatory process with the community. It responds as much as possible to their needs and proposes new ideas that can induce prosperity and sustainability. Even though the plan addressed the issues of land uses and increase the street network, the public spaces and commerce, public facilities however remain insufficient. An elaboration of the plan is essential once all the information are provided. To ensure St.Christophe’ sustainability, it is recommended not to further densify it. The plan was reviewed as a whole, taking into account the neighbourhoods nearby and how they connect. It is mandatory to situate each of the individual neighbourhood plans in the whole Canaan area to achieve a coherent and rich structure. Fig.201: St.Christophe: Proposed land use plan 141 THE URBAN DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE The urban development initiative is a holistic approach that uncovers different strata of studies on many levels. It has been developed as a collaborative effort between international and local stakeholders under the supervision and guidance of the Unité de Construction de Logements et de Bâtiments Publics (UCLBP). Financial and human resources provided by the American Red Cross, USAID, Haitian Red Cross and the UN-Habitat country team office in Haiti, have been instrumental in the development of the project as well as in the mobilization of different community groups engaged in the planning exercise. The project has brought together, through a series of charrettes, participants from the national government, municipal government, international and local organizations, academia, community groups and planning experts to discuss these three key components of sustainable urbanization in the reconstruction of Haiti. The current report “Urban Structure Plan” falls under the city-wide scale where a precedent analysis and diagnostic were delivered in the comprehensive analysis and diagnostic report. A set of recommendations and propositions are delivered in this documents to shape up and provide a new structure for the Canaan area of Port-au-Prince.