The purpose of the Downtown Riverfront District is to encourage
and permit a mix of uses that are compatible and complementary with
the historic character of the community and its downtown, to assist
in its revitalization, and to create accessible public areas along
the riverfront for year-round outdoor recreation opportunities. In
addition, the purpose is to implement the goals and objectives of
the redevelopment plan, the Norristown economic redevelopment strategy,
the Lafayette Street Land Use and Access Study, and other applicable
policies. Pedestrian-oriented uses and an urban character of design
are permitted and encouraged, while automobile-related uses and design
qualities that promote a suburban mall or strip commercial appearance
are restricted. Also, uses that traditionally accompany and strengthen
the commercial core are permitted, such as office, cultural, residential,
educational, entertainment, recreational and related uses. New construction
should utilize traditional building materials and accepted principles
of urban design, while preserving the existing streetscape by placing
new buildings at or close to the edge of the public sidewalk.
A traffic impact study as per §
320-265 shall be required for any residential development 20 units in size or greater or nonresidential development 10,000 square feet in size or greater.