Cox Crow

Patterson Crossing Improvements

The Patterson Chamber of Commerce petition in favor of Patterson Crossing is on-line. They outline the reasons for their support of the project, and provide a graphic of the site plan.

The stores are typical big boxes. But they don't have to be.

What kind of character does Patterson want? What kind of place will Kent become?

This topographic map gives a broad overview of the area, while this one shows its close proximity to a relatively dense neighborhood. If I were a homeowner in that neighborhood, I would not like to have those big boxes over my back fence. But I would not mind a mixed-use commercial district within walking distance: one where I could find the groceries, dry goods, and sundries necessary to daily life. So here are a few thoughts on improving the Patterson Crossing site plan.

• Continue the streets from the neighborhoods into the property.
• Connect New York Route 311 on the north with Fair Street on the south, making a route through the property.
• Costco and Lowe's will attract customers from a wide radius, but what kind of shops do the neighbors need? Is your only competition Home Depot at the next exit east, or is it Danbury Mall, Jefferson Valley Mall, and the Wal-Mart in Fishkill? Meet the local needs of food, supplies, and general merchandise. That means a deli, hardware and clothes, not Best Buy.
• Increase the pedestrian connections between stores. This will increase the number of purchases made at all of the stores by reducing the need to re-enter the car. Returning to the car is incentive to stop shopping.
• Hide the parking.
• Follow the land.

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categories: Place