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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 06/12/2007 - DOWNTOWN RIVER DISTRICT DESIGN PROJECT UPDATE-SUMM DATE: June 12, 2007 WORK SESSION ITEM STAFF: Kathleen Bracke FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL Matt Robenalt SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION Downtown River District Design Project Update— Summer 2007. GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED This discussion is to provide a project update for the Mayor and City Councilmembers regarding the recommended alternatives, prioritization list, cost estimates, and action items for the Downtown River District. 1. What are Council's questions and/or concerns regarding the various elements of the Downtown River District project, including the proposed streetscape enhancements, intersection improvements, and strategies to address parking and transit options? BACKGROUND The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the City's Transportation Planning, Traffic Operations, Engineering, Advance Planning, Current Planning, Natural Resources, and Utility departments are continuing to make good progress on the Downtown River District design project to address the lack of sufficient public infrastructure to support infill development and redevelopment in the Downtown River District area. This project has been funded by the DDA and is co-managed by the City and the DDA. The transportation and utility improvements that come about through this project will help this area achieve the visions and goals set forth by City Plan and the Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program as well as the recent recommendations from the"UniverCity Connections" partnership among the City, DDA, Colorado State University, and the Community Foundation. The Downtown River District design project includes the development of conceptual engineering plans for needed transportation and utility improvements for the area including Jefferson, Willow, Lincoln, and Linden streets. These infrastructure improvements are needed to support existing conditions as well as provide a framework for future development within this important area of Downtown Fort Collins. The improvements made to the River District are designed to be respectful of the River and its surrounding natural environment. All project elements support and follow the suggestions of the Poudre River Enhancement Project. In addition,the River District project team has received creative suggestions from the community and the Landmark Preservation Commission on ways to incorporate historic information and interpretive educational opportunities throughout the proposed streetscape June 12, 2007 Page 2 improvements. The River District improvements can be an exceptional opportunity to showcase Fort Collins' rich cultural heritage and celebrate the beauty of the natural environment. The designs for the proposed River District address interim and ultimate improvements, including cost estimates for both "basic improvements" as well as `enhanced" features, and a prioritized phasing process. In addition, the project has identified potential funding and implementation strategies for the recommended streetscape improvements, parking strategies, and transit service enhancements. The project team has also identified a list of"action items" recommended to support the current momentum and community excitement for the Downtown River District improvements. Recent good news from the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization(MPO)and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) indicates that the City may be approved for $1 million in Congestion Mitigation &Air Quality(CMAQ) funding to conduct the detailed analysis and engineering work on the Jefferson Street (SH14) streetscape improvements and the proposed roundabout at the intersection of Jefferson Street & Mountain Avenue. Final CDOT approval regarding the proposed roundabout design will be determined based upon the findings of this initial analysis and design work which will be conducted in 2008 if the CMAQ funding is approved. In addition, the North Front Range MPO is working with the City to help secure federal Enhancement program funding to begin implementation of the Linden Street streetscape improvements north of Jefferson Street. The City and DDA will continue working together with the MPO,CDOT, and other potential funding partners—both public and private-to further expand the implementation opportunities for the Downtown River District. This project includes an extensive public involvement process, including potentially affected interests such as the property and business owners within the project area;multiple City departments; the City's Transportation Board,Planning and Zoning Board,Landmark Preservation Commission, Land Conservation and Stewardship Board; City Council; Downtown Development Authority; Downtown Business Association;Colorado Department of Transportation;Chamber of Commerce; and various community organizations such as Rotary and the Board of Realtors. In addition, the City's "Studio 14" cable television program has highlighted the Downtown River District project to help share the key points with our community. The Downtown River District brochure has been developed by the City's Public Information Office staff and the webpage is continually being updated to reflect the latest news about the project. The Downtown River District design project is anticipated to be completed by August 2007. The final product will include a summary of the project and community involvement process, detailed design plans for each street within the project area,recommendations for prioritizing improvements (short-term and long-range), and suggested funding strategies and other"action items"that should be pursued to continue on-going implementation of the Downtown River District improvements. These action items include the City and DDA: 1. Actively pursuing future grant funding opportunities from a wide-variety ofpotential sources to build the recommended improvements, June 12, 2007 Page 3 2. Exploring short-term and long-range parking strategies, 3. Conducting an inventory and assessment of available land within the City limits and/or Growth Management Area boundary for industrial businesses wishing to relocate out of the River District, and 4. Supporting the implementation of the UniverCity Connections recommendations for the River District, particularly the new transit loop to link the project area to/from Downtown and the surrounding areas. It is important to keep in mind that the timing of the actual construction of the recommended improvements will be determined based upon available funding sources and development activity within the project area. However,it is necessary for the City and DDA to work pro-actively over the next few years to help encourage and support the exciting transformation of the Downtown River District. Staff intends to continue working on the recommended action items throughout the remainder of 2007 and beyond(2008-09+)based upon available resources and community interest and support. ATTACHMENTS 1. Downtown River District project brochure. 2. Description of Proposed Mill Race on Willow Street. 3. Downtown River District Streetscape Improvement Project Report (DRAFT). 4. Letter of support from the Downtown Business Association. 5. Letter of support from the Downtown Development Authority. 6. Letter of support from the Transportation Board. 7. Copy of Downtown River District Presentation—June 2007. 8. Response to prior questions/comments from Council work session—October 2006. 9. Funding Source Matrix. 4 ESTABLISHED " '� _.F ,fit11864 R ` r V` - i Y v Y 444 S, � r ^l d t fdowd t 13 ►M Y- all r , WELCOME TO THE RIVER DISTRICT It ' s a place unlike any other. Here , the river, industry, art and history come together to create a new community in Fort Collins . Art galleries , music venues and theaters compliment recreation on the river and preserved natural areas . Long - time industrial businesses work in partnership with new entrepreneurs . Modern housing , restaurants , shops and office buildings reflect the District ' s historic past and celebrate its future . The River District is not your run - of - the - mill downtown neighborhood . Actually, come to think of it , that ' s what makes it the perfect fit for Fort Collins . IMAGE COURTESY OF THE FORT COLLINS MUSEUM. m 6 NOW AND7v t i fTA � � r a. 1 , Jimm p pl, FF n T_ f' vi S- y I t The River District includes the area just northeast of Old and crosswalks , parking, and improved intersections . Town Square including Jefferson, Linden , and Willow Enhanced aesthetics and amenities in public areas Streets and Lincoln Avenue . The project is a partnership such as an interpretive mill race water feature , brick between the City of Fort Collins and the Downtown streets , roundabouts , and art elements give people Development Authority designed to create a new sense of reason to linger, amble , and fully experience the place by making the area welcoming, visually pleasing, District . Private investment will help complete the and ready for infill development. transition bringing restaurants with outdoor cafe Transformation of the River District will start with the seating, galleries , uniquely Fort Collins retail stores , necessities, such as utility improvements, sidewalks coffee shops , and more . .. , 9 y �9p RIVER PRESERVATION. The i improvements made to the River District area are u z O completely respectful of the river and its surrounding natural environment. All project LD TOWN elements support and follow the suggestions of the Poudre River Enhancement Project . J� 7Af FUNDING. The River District Design Project is jointly funded by the City and the --� Downtown Development Authority (DDA). TRUCK MOBILITY. The improvements made to the River District will allow trucks �+ and other large vechicles to drive through the area and access local commerical y1 l \ and industrial buildings. v COMMUNITY PROJECTS . The River District project is just one of many large- scale projects taking place in Downtown and beyond. The River District works in partnership with Beet Street , UniverCity Connections, and the Mason Corridor to leverage ideas and resources. TRULY UNIQUE. The River District is the only area in town that connects Old Town, the Poudre River, agri- industrial architecture, and the rich history of Fort Collins. LLLL 3 fcgov. com/riverdistrict ddC 224-6140 PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER WITH SOY-BASED INK ATTACHMENT 2 Transportation Services Transportation Planning City of Fort Collins Memorandum DATE : November 15 , 2006 TO : Darin Atteberry , City Manager Mayor & City Council FROM : Kathleen Bracke , Senior Transportation Planner Matt Robenalt , Project Manager , Downtown Development Authority THRU : Don Bachman , Interim Transportation Services Executive Director Mark Jackson , Transportation Planning & Policy Director RE : Downtown River District Project — Mill Race Concept City Council Work Session Follow- up Information As requested by the Mayor and City Council at the recent City Council Work Session regarding the Downtown River District Design Project , the following information has been composed by Bruce Hendee of BHA Design to clarify the concept for the Mill Race water feature proposed along the north side of Willow Street . This colorful summary includes a brief historical context of the original Mill Race as well as illustrative information regarding the modern version proposed as part of the Downtown River District streetscape improvements for Willow Street : " Mill Race " Summary by Bruce Hendee , BHA Design Twice widowed and 64 years old , Elizabeth Hickok Robbins Stone became the first white woman to settle and live in Camp Collins . Enterprising , very brave , maybe even audacious , she left Watertown , New York as a young woman , for the wild , wild west , where , later in life , she became known as Auntie Stone to the soldiers at the camp . For the next 29 years she devoted herself to a variety of business ventures in this little town on the banks of the Cache La Poudre River . In 1867 , Auntie Stone joined forces with Henry Peterson to launch a grist mill operation to serve local farmers . The mill still stands on the south bank of the Poudre River, a red stone building nestled into the much larger mill operation known as Ranchway Feeds . 1 ATTACHMENT 2 The site chosen for the mill by Auntie Stone and Peterson was no accident— water , channeled to the mill from the Poudre River via a ditch , or millrace , would provide the power to turn the grinding wheels . The ditch diverted water from the River west of what is today College Avenue and followed Willow Street to the mill itself. The race was 13 '/2 feet wide , 18 inches deep and dropped four feet to the mile to create the velocity necessary to turn the grinding wheels . The water was then returned to the River through a wooden discharge flume . 46 . 01 ' � �; �_: a �a,� ..�� ' �>'' �•� � � � `��.4 AIL I igure 12. Portion ofbird 's eye view of Fort Collins, drawn by Pierre Dastarac in 1884 (view looking south), showing course of millrace through the Old Fort Site (Source: Swanson 1993). Auntie Stone and Peterson operated the mill until 1873 when it was acquired by new owners . While it has changed hands many times since then , it still serves the region ' s agricultural needs as Ranchway Feeds under the ownership of Kim and Bonnie Szidon . The mill was and remains today a significant local industrial enterprise . While electricity has replaced water as the source of power, the millrace itself remains a part of the development history of Fort Collins . It not only functioned as the power source for the mill but served as a communal laundry , a popular ice skating lane in the winter , and of course a delightful source of delicious wild asparagus . It is this rich tapestry of memories that inspires today' s plans to re - introduce the waterway into the fabric of historic Old Town Fort Collins . 2 ATTACHMENT 2 �?- no ,x ab , t- As part of the renovation of the Downtown River District area , the millrace offers an important organizing and interpretive element of this historic area . Its re- creation acknowledges and celebrates its historic importance within a 21st century urban environment . As an urban walkway with a festive , whimsical flow of water, the millrace will draw people east and west along Willow Street . The recreated millrace gives a special nod to Auntie Stone ' s contributions to early Fort Collins but it also incorporates modern society' s growing respect for the Poudre River itself by using a self-contained potable water supply and recirculating pump system . This design brings water into the urban environment without impact on the Poudre River corridor itself. With no connections to the River, the design reflects in a more contemporary manner the original industrial character of this part of downtown . Interpretive signs will bring alive the rich history of the millrace . Coupled with the redevelopment already occurring along Willow Street such as Bas Bleu Theater , the City' s new recreation center, and the renovated Sears Trostel building , the millrace will add excitement , surprise , and a very unique character to this important downtown neighborhood . 3 DOWNTOWN RIVER DISTRICT STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT - DRAFT REPORT Enhancement project for revitalization of the original encampment of the city of Fort Collins A I v � � r City of Fort Collins HDR, Inc . I, d da Downtown Development Authority BHA Design , Inc . Downtown River District Streetscape Improvement Project Concepts The intent of this project was to establish street and intersection treatments that are unique Project Purpose to the River District. Various street sections were strongly considered for the six streets The Downtown River District Streetscape Improvement Project ( DTRD) has been undertaken within the project area and intersection treatments were explored for the four major to assist City agencies and private development in the revitalization of the original intersections of Jefferson & Lincoln/Mountain, Jefferson & Linden , Willow & Lincoln and Willow encampment of the city of Fort Collins. This project is a joint effort between the Downtown & Linden . Development Authority ( DDA) and the City of Fort Collins to establish a preliminary design for Street Sections the streetscape and utility improvements required to facilitate this development. These Given the intent of establishing a unique character for this area, the City's standard street preliminary design plans will provide guidance to individual development interests for sections were not proposed for these six streets . Rather, the visions of agency staff, local required street section , access and streetscape enhancements. property/business owners, and that of the general public were consulted to develop History alternatives for these sections . Through the public process, this project has reviewed several Much of the DTRD project area , referred to as the River District, was home to the original alternatives and has selected the following as the preferred alternatives. encampment of the city of Fort Collins. The military post was established in 1864 and Linden Street - The stretch of this street within the project area extends from Jefferson consisted of a parade grounds, officers' quarters barracks, storehouses and other buildings. Street north to the bridge over the Poudre River. The preferred section for Linden includes an The completion of the railroad in 1910 significantly changed the character of the area with , extension of the section south and west of Jefferson Street, with two travel lanes, a widened among other things, the construction of new buildings, including the freight depot and the section for bicycles, wide sidewalks with street trees & pedestrian amenities, and diagonal passenger depot. The portion of the River District between Jefferson Street and Willow Street parking adjacent to the curb . is part of the Old Fort Collins National Historic District. This area is part of a national river corridor, which Congress designated in 1996 for the Cache la Poudre River to recognize its Willow Street - Willow Street is adjacent to most of the property within the project area historic value in the westward expansion of the United States. ' It is this history that this with the greatest potential for redevelopment. This street extends from College Avenue to project seeks to capture and celebrate in its proposed streetscape improvements. Lincoln Avenue. The preferred section for Willow includes two travel lanes divided by diagonal Vision parking down the center of the street (ala College Avenue), bicycle lanes, wide sidewalks The River District is a subset of the Downtown River Corridor, as identified in the Downtown with enhanced streetscape features including the Mill Race water feature, and parallel parking adjacent to the curb. River Corridor Implementation Program (DRCIP) . The vision for the River District includes land use, parking and streetscape improvement strategies that were identified in the DRCIP, Jefferson Street - One of the elements of the ' pedestrian mobility barrier" between the which was developed as the result of a City Council Policy Agenda item that sought to project area and Old Town is Jefferson Street, which is also State Highway 14 and a coordinate development potential within the Downtown River Corridor; this project focuses on designated truck route. Jefferson Street runs from College Avenue to the Lincoln the infrastructure improvements needed to attain this vision . Avenue/Mountain Avenue corridor. The preferred section along Jefferson Street includes Also consistent with City Plan, the planned development of the River District would serve as narrowing the through lanes from four to two (one in each direction ) , a center left-turn lane, the " historic and cultural core segment" of downtown . ' Specifically, the land use assumptions improved streetscape appearance, and parallel parking adjacent to the curb. outlined in the DRCIP call for cultural establishments, office space, retail/restaurant space Lincoln Avenue - The stretch of this street within the project area extends from Jefferson and housing . The proposed streetscape improvements were developed to facilitate these land Street to the bridge over the Poudre River. The preferred section along Lincoln includes a use changes, with particular focus on pedestrian mobility, historic character, and two-lane version of the City's arterial street section, with bicycle lanes, a raised median and environmental sensitivity. sidewalks that are detached by a landscaped parkway. Development Pine Street - Pine Street is a two-block street that connects Willow Street with the United The River District has seen significant redevelopment in recent years. The Bas Bleu Theater Way parking lot on the north side of the Bas Bleu Theater. This street is a two- lane, has been renovated, the former Sears Trostel building has been rebuilt, the Northside Aztlan undivided street without sidewalks or bicycle lanes. The preferred section for Pine includes Center is being rebuilt and El Burrito has expanded their operations to include an ice cream maintenance of the overall width of the street but construction using brick streets . The intent shop. The City and the DDA recognize that these projects and others are driving the need for of this section would be that the street would serve as a facility for all road users, including there to be a defined vision for the streetscape improvements within the River District. As a bicyclists and pedestrians; this would be similar to some European " mixed flow" streets. result, this project was procured to provide that defined vision . Poudre Street - Poudre Street is a dirt alley that connects from Pine Street to Linden Street, across from the El Burrito restaurant. The preferred section for Poudre Street is maintenance of the alley section, much like what the DDA has done in recent years with such Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program, Adopted July 18, 2000; City of Fort Collins Community alleys as Trimble Court. This street would also be built of brick but it would not be open to Planning and Environmental Services, Advance Planning Department vehicular traffic; bicycle and pedestrian traffic only would be permitted . The intent for ® City of Fort Collins HDR, Inc . \ Edda Downtown Development Authority BHA Design , Inc . development along Poudre Street would be for storefronts and/or residences to open to the a signal and a roundabout's impact to the adjacent land use ; the roundabout would have to alley . be shifted to the north and east to avoid the historic buildings along the southwest side of Street Enhancements Jefferson Street. Many enhancements to the streetscape are being proposed, primarily in an effort to create the history of the River District. Such enhancements include brick streets on Linden Street and Willow Street, an interpretative mill race along the north side of Willow (to conceptually represent the historic mill race that ran Auntie Stone's mill) , extra-wide sidewalks to facilitate Cost Estimates patios in front of retail businesses and restaurants, and thematic lighting , signage and street Preliminary-level cost estimates have been developed for the proposed improvements. A furniture. phasing plan has also been developed that illustrates a likely process for how these proposed Intersections improvements would ultimately get built. To bring these two together, the cost estimates Intersection alternatives include existing traffic control (signals at both Jefferson Street have been broken into these phases and are presented below : intersections and stop signs at both Willow Street intersections) and modern roundabouts. Estimated Construction Costs Traffic signal control was not considered for the existing stop-sign controlled intersections Alternative Street Section "Basic" Section " Enhanced " Section due to the desire to not proliferate signals throughout the River District. The following list 1 Linden Street $3.4 million $4 . 1 million summarizes the recommended treatment for each intersection within the study area : 2 Willow & Linden Roundabout $4301000* 3 Willow Street, West of Linden $3. 3 million $4.9 million Willow Street and Linden Street - This intersection currently operates under all-way stop- 4 Pine Street $500,000 control . This type of intersection control is often indicative of fairly even traffic volumes on 5a Jefferson & Lincoln Roundabout $ 1 . 1 million* both intersecting streets. This type of traffic flow is generally considered favorable for 5b Jefferson Street $2.4 million $2 .9 million roundabout control , making a modern roundabout a logical alternative for this intersection . A 6 Willow Street, East of Linden $2. 3 million $3.4 million modern roundabout also provides an opportunity for an attractive gateway feature. In this 7 Lincoln Avenue $ 1 . 0 million * $ 1 .4 million* case, such a gateway feature could signify arrival to the River District from the north and 8 Poudre Street (alley) $200,000 provide a visual attraction to people looking north from Old Town toward the River. Due to its Costs do not include right-of-way acquisition inherent benefits, a modern roundabout was analyzed at this location and deemed This information has also been summarized on Page 4 of this document . appropriate . Willow Street and Lincoln Avenue - This intersection operates under two-way stop- control with Lincoln Avenue having the right-of-way. As with Willow and Linden, traffic volumes at this intersection are generally considered favorable for roundabout control because the traffic volumes along Willow are similar to that of Lincoln . Geometric conditions could be problematic for a roundabout, but potential redevelopment of the Ranch-Way Feeds mill and future widening of the Lincoln Avenue bridge over the Poudre could alleviate those conditions . As such, a roundabout could be a viable option at this location, but a roundabout was not considered for the purposes of this project. Jefferson Street/ Riverside Parkway and Lincoln Avenue/ Mountain Avenue - This intersection operates under signal control . Future-year traffic analyses show that this intersection would not operate well under signal control, primarily due to excessive left-turn volumes. High left-turn volumes are generally a characteristic of an intersection that would function better as a modern roundabout than as a signalized intersection . Given that the Jefferson/Riverside corridor is a state highway (State Highway 14) , the Colorado Department of Transportation is involved in the decision as to whether or not this intersection could be converted to a roundabout. Although this is still under consideration by CDOT, the City is progressing with the design of a roundabout at this intersection . Jefferson Street and Linden Street - This intersection operates under signal control . A modern roundabout was considered for this intersection but was not carried forward to the design phase. The reasons for this decision include acceptable operation of the intersection as City of Fort Collins HDR, Inc . I, d d a Downtown Development Authority BHA Design , Inc . Downtown River District Streetscape Improvement Project 10 low 404 Wa .r v .AkNA � • � • � L F F j� � � i FID • aiI,I If c � f r i I " 41% ... _ - AL , ^' N ACIA ♦ t s F- It City of Fort Collins HDR, Inc . �, dd n Downtown Development Authority BHA Design , Inc . Downtown River District Streetscape Improvement Project The following are descriptions and cost estimates that illustrate the costs and benefits of enhanced street construction versus standard street construction . LINDEN STREET Preferred Street Section : Undivided two-lane street with bicycle ways and diagonal parking adjacent to the curb; similar to Linden Street in Old Town Enhanced Roadway Features : Standard Roadway Features : Brick street Two lanes of asphalt Diagonal on-street parking Minimal on -street parking Wide sidewalks - improved pedestrian comfort Attached six-foot sidewalk 4 _ Extensive landscaping , street furniture Minimal landscaping, no street furniture Thematic street lighting , sianaae , wavfindina . etc. Standard street lighting . no thematic elements (i .e. signs) Total Cost + $4. 1 million Total Cost + $3 .4 million WILLOW STREET Preferred Street Section : Two- lane street with center diagonal parking , bicycle lanes and parallel parking adjacent to the curb; extra wide sidewalk on the north side of the street to include a mill race and sufficient space_ for retail and restaurant patios, similar to Old Town Enhanced Roadway Features : Standard Roadway Features : Brick street Two lanes of asphalt Diagonal center parking , parallel parking adjacent to curb Minimal on-street parking Wide sidewalks, interpretative historic features ( mill race) Attached six-foot sidewalk Extensive landscaping , street furniture Minimal landscaping, no street furniture Thematic street liahtina , sianaae, wavfindina . etc. Standard street liahtina , no thematic elements (i .e. signs) Total Cost + $8 . 3 million Total Cost 4 $5.6 million WILLOW STREET AND LINDEN STREET INTERSECTION Preferred Intersection Treatment: Modern roundabout; one-lane roundabout with positive gateway feature in the central island Enhanced Roadway Features : Standard Roadway Features : Modern roundabout Four-way stop control One-lane of one direction travel to cross at a time Maximum width for pedestrian crossing Minimal asphalt, increased pervious, landscaped area "Sea of asphalt" Gateway feature opportunity Standard street liahtina , no thematic elements (i .e. signs) Total Cost + $430,000 JEFFERSON STREET Preferred Street Section : Two- lane street with turn lanes and/or raised median ; the Colorado Department of Transportation has expressed interest in pursuing this idea 7 Enhanced Roadway Features : Standard Roadway Features : Three- lane section Four narrow lanes Increased presence of on-street parking a Minimal on -street parking Wider sidewalks r Attached narrow sidewalk No landscaping or street furniture Extensive landscaping, street furniture Thematic street liahtina , sianaae , wavfindina . etc. Minimal street liahtina , no thematic elements ( i . e. signs) Total Cost + $ 2 .9 million Total Cost 4 $2.4 million City of Fort Collins HDR, Inc . I, dd =q Downtown Development Authority BHA Design , Inc . ATTACHMENT 4 to � Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council City of Fort Collins 5US114ESS RSSOCIATIOp 300 LaPorte Avenue Fort Collins, CO 80521 Mr. Pete Graham P.E.,Region Project Engineer/Program Manager Colorado Department of Transportation-Region 4 1420 2nd Street Greeley, Colorado 80631 Honorable Mayor, Members of City Council, and Pete Graham: On the morning of October 11, 2006 the Downtown Business Association met at its regular monthly meeting to consider the Downtown River District Infrastructure Plan. In that presentation various alternatives were presented to the Board regarding street patterns,paving materials, on-street parking possibilities, and intersection improvements. The Board of the DBA was excited by the presentation and it voted unanimously to endorse the effort. In addition, it expressed unanimous support for certain of the specific design proposals. These were: 1. It endorsed the roundabout solution for the intersection of Jefferson/Riverside and Mountain Avenue/Lincoln. The Board believes this to be a dynamic and effective solution to move traffic efficiently along the Jefferson/Riverside • corridor and into the central business district via Jefferson and Mountain Avenue. It also believes the roundabout provides a wonderful opportunity to construct a beautiful gateway at the intersection as an introduction into the downtown neighborhood. 2. It endorsed the use of brick as the paving material for Willow and Linden streets. The Board recognized the increased expense of using brick but it believes the extended life of a brick paving surface would more than outweigh the initial construction cost. Further,the use of brick has historic precedent and it will distinguish the area between Jefferson and the River as a special downtown district. 3. The Board endorsed the construction of the mill race in the Willow Street right-of-way. As with the brick,the mill race is a wonderful historic touch and it allows for the introduction of a water feature into the district without impacting the Poudre River. In more general terms,the DBA Board also supported roundabouts at other locations within the study area, it preferred Jefferson Street as a two-lane road with medians, turn lanes at intersections(assuming roundabouts are not used), and parking on both sides of the street. On Willow the Board conceptually preferred a street cross section that included diagonal parking in the middle of the street. The Board of Directors wants to thank City staff,DDA staff, CDOT staff, and the consulting team for the creative,professional work that has gone into this study and for the truly exciting options it presents for the future of downtown. Thank you! Sin ttall,President and on behalf of the Board of Directors • Downtown Business Association a-� y� y� .- 1il � v� �I fY' '0 " , g 1111,y� E � ATTACHMENT 5 RESOLUTION 2006-08 OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE FORT COLLINS, COLORADO DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ENDORSING THE DOWNTOWN RIVER DISTRICT INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN AND SPECIFYING CERTAIN PREFERRED DESIGN ELEMENTS WHEREAS,the Fort Collins, Colorado Downtown Development Authority has been duly organized in accordance with the Colorado Revised Statutes 31-25-804, as amended; and, WHEREAS,the DDA Board of Directors considered a presentation by City and DDA staff regarding progress on the Downtown River District Infrastructure Study at its scheduled meeting October 18, 2006; and, WHEREAS,the Council of the City of Fort Collins seeks input from various boards, commission,and the public regarding the Study. NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE FORT COLLINS,COLORADO DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY that it endorses the findings and specific design alternatives of the Downtown River District Infrastructure Study as follows: 1. A roundabout solution for the intersection of Jefferson/Riverside and Mountain Avenue/Lincoln. The Board believes this to be the most simple,most elegant, and most efficient method to accommodate traffic in the Jefferson/Riverside corridor and into the central business district via Jefferson and Mountain Avenue. Further,the Board finds that a roundabout offers the best opportunity to install a significant gateway into the central business district. Installation of gateways has been cited by the Downtown Plan,the Downtown Structure Plan,and the Downtown Plan of Development. 2. The use of brick as the paving material for Willow and Linden streets. The Board cited the beauty of brick, its long useful life, and its unique but historic character. 3. Center parking for Willow Street which picks up on the College Avenue parking design and serves as a traffic calming device. 4. The construction of the mill race in the Willow Street right-of-way. This water feature has its roots in the history of Fort Collins and allows for the introduction of a waterway in the central business district without impact on the Poudre River. 5. Two lanes of traffic on Jefferson Street with a median strip,curbside parking, curb bulges at intersections,pedestrian crossings at Chestnut and Pine,and left turn lanes to access Linden Street. 6. A general preference for roundabouts at other intersections in the study area. Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the oazd of Directors of the Fort Collins, Colorado Downtown Development Authority this 18th ay of October, 2006. Steve lor,Chair 0"1 A 110 Z ATT ST: Carey Hewitt, Speretary ATTACHMENT 6 City of Fort Collins Transportation Board Brent Thordarson, Chair City of Fort Collins MEMORANDUM DATE: October 20, 2006 TO: Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Brent Thordarson,Transportation Board Chairman RE: Downtown River District Improvement Project The Transportation Board has discussed the Downtown River District Improvement Project at both its September and October meetings. The Board members are unanimous in their strong support of this exciting project, which will greatly enhance the already vibrant Fort Collins city center. The Board looks forward to contributing to the project planning as it progresses over the next several months. The following features contained in the current plan alternatives are of particular interest to the Board: Design features that emphasize the special nature of the River District. The use of roundabouts, in particular at the Mountain/Riverside intersection, as gateway features when entering the District has strong backing from the board. The opportunity for the aforementioned roundabout to reduce Riverside to two traffic lanes through the area could additionally serve to create a much more bicycle and pedestrian friendly environment, while increasing the efficiency of traffic flow. Also, the use of unique design elements, such as brick paving and the mill race concept, will emphasize that the District is a unique part of the downtown area. Maximizing the amount of pedestrian space. The board appreciates the wide sidewalks shown in the current plan alternatives, and would encourage increasing the current 10-foot wide sidewalks if possible. The District should be a strong draw for foot traffic, and having ample space for people to move as well as space for businesses that cater to this traffic, such as sidewalk cafes, should continue to be a core element of the plan. A transit circulator route through the District. The proposal for a transit circulator route through the District connecting to the Downtown Transit Center and Mason Street Corridor could help to promote a"park-once"philosophy for downtown visitors. This route will also increase non-automotive accessibility to the District from a large portion of the city. The Board appreciates the opportunity to provide this input to City Council, and welcomes any questions with respect to the River District planning process. N m M s w ( STRICT W � M i Downtown River District • City & Downtown Development Authority Partnership • Infrastructure Analysis & Design Project • Transportation & Utilities • Fix Current Deficiencies • Set the Stage for Future Infill & Redevelopment Downtown River District • Who ' s Involved : City & DDA Downtown Business Association Area Property & Business Owners Colorado Department of Transportation City Council & Boards • Project Schedule : Mid =2005 through Summer 2007 Downtown River District Design of Improvements will address : • Streetscape • Traffic Circulation , Capacity, & Safety • Autos , Pedestrians , & Bicyclists • Parking — on-street & off-street • Utilities — Stormwater, Water/Waste Water, etc. • Linkages with Downtown & Surrounding Areas Celebrate History of the River District Area Collaborate with UniverCity Connections Downtown River District Willow Street • Wide sidewalks • Landscaping, Lighting & Amenities • Mill Race �� � , s`s`, �7 � .. • Brick StreetAl �•�: a 1jf` • On-street Parking , •� "`� '!► ' Tamer - � \ — Center Diagonal — Curbside Parallel • Bikelanes i r YZ J is • ° ' r�ry► OFF limit ImF ' I ,1 Y � e � � e i Downtown River District Linden Street Match Linden, — South of Jefferson Wide Sidewalks Landscaping, Lighting & Amenities '�. DiagonaI Parking tential Brick Street y 1 Roundabout @ Linden & Willow •" �� � _ ' ' - 'b '� Bridge Enhancements \�` ,(� •'fib _ � � � A F '�:" , �; ,, � . ° J�� � _ nL.` :7 �' s q `li��J` �� � ` �.i � ' ` rr _ . . ,, . , '�. a � .�� ��:. ®� v ';; �� o / aA � o0 1 1 � , . � - ----, -a � � � � • i . �� Y .� , � � t �f : l �'� r I A � y ♦ ' `• � �.v _ _ r �. Y� _ � 1 � r _ � _ _ Z y....� '�-. � . \� � I � �. . . 6 Downtown River District Jefferson Street/SH14 • Narrow from 4 lanes to 2 , with ? center turn lane �`'� �� • Narrow pedestrian - ,, crossing @Linden . ' ' '�:�i���`i:•a..:_ r �:�_ _ :�II : I ,II • Enhance ��r` ,1;: /Jp■�! � �,, sidewalks, 58.9, existing Existing curb (ty r142.(Y proposed .. . Jefferson Street 1. 1� i 1: L�_ Downtown River District Jefferson Street/SH14 Proposed Roundabout @ Jefferson/Mountain Avenue intersection - - — Calm traffic r � Improve capacity, y '� •:� �� :_„ safety & air quality Gateway entry feature for River District & ' 1 Old Town Downtown River District 1 ` F % WWII . . . . : . : . . : t '_ 6 • River District Specialty Transit ~- , Loop — BRT-style �- - circulator service . _. (short-term) It — Streetcar/Trolley -- � (long-term) - - • Link to MAX & - Transfort System _._.. _ . Ranking Project "U asic co rnhanced 1 Linden street '1- $ 3 . 4 M MJ $4 . 1 M 2 Linden & Willow 1430admv 000 13 MJnden)illow St. (west otilk3 . 3 NV[$4 . 9 M I � Berson St.oL RB @ $2 . 4 M4 M unta n AveAv 15 =Pillow St. (east of $2 . 3 M JL3 . 4 M Linden) 16 Lincoln Street $ 1 M $ 1 . 4 M Pine Street/Plaza M` $ 500 , 000� IF Poudre Street/Alley �� $200 000 _ $ 12A M $ 18 . 93 M Downtown River District • New Transit Loop/Circulator • Recommend specialty BRT/Circulator Service — Short-Term • $ 1 M capital + annual O&M • Explore options for streetcar/trolley service — Long-Term • Parking Strategies • Short-Term • On-street +/- 250 — 300 spaces w/street improvements • Off-street +/- 300 surface lot spaces • Approx. $ 1 — 2 million depends on size/location of site • Long-Term • New parking structure within River District • +/- 600 spaces @ $ 17 , 000/space = approx. $ 10 , 200 , 000 • TOTAL : +/- $25 M Downtown River District Proposed Implementation Strategies • Public Resources — Existing & New • Local , State , & Federal •Tax Increment Financing • DDA and/or other types of special districts • Private contributions • New developments • Foundations/Donations • Determine Short-term & Long - range Options 1 Downtown River District Recommended "Action Items " • City & DDA actively partner to pursue grant funding opportunities • Focus on top priority improvement projects — streets, intersections, utilities • City, DDA, & Property Owners explore parking strategies & opportunities • Off-street surface lot (short-term ) • Find site that can expand into parking structure (long-term ) • Work with willing seller(s) • Develop " Fee in Lieu" option for new development • City identify & assess available land inventory for industrial businesses wishing to relocate within City limits/GMA Boundary • Support recommendations from UniverCity Connections : • Transit Loop/Circulator — Specialty service & future trolley/streetcar • Legacy Parkway Downtown River District Design project report : • Project Summary • Community Involvement Process • Detailed Design Plans for each Street • Recommendations for Transit & Parking • Priority List of Projects • Implementation Strategies • short-term & long-range • On -going Action Items • keep momentum of River District & UniverCity efforts moving forward Downtown River District Next Steps • Finalize Designs , Costs & Priorities • Refine Implementation Strategies • Complete Project - Summer 2007 • Present to City Council & DDA for approval • Pursue Funding Opportunities & Partnerships for Implementation (2007 =09 + ) I o � IVE W1 6 DISTRICT W �- 6 2L Contact Info: Kathleen Bracke, ph: 224-6140 or mail: Matt Robenalt, ph: 419-4381 or e- ail: 13 ATTACHMENT 8 Response to City Council Comments from 10/24/2006 Work Session Downtown River District Project 1. Is there unanimity among project team staff members regarding the design preferences expressed by the public at the series of open houses and other stakeholder meetings? The project team staff members represent various professions ranging from traffic engineers, transportation & land planners to landscape architects, civil engineers to community redevelopment specialists. If this question had been posed to individual team members at the start of the project, there clearly would not have been unanimity because of the different emphasis that each of those professions place on the same issue. However, after numerous open houses, one-on-one discussions with business and property stakeholders and members of the general public, and meetings with CDOT, the project team staff members are unified in opinion about the design preferences expressed by the public, and believe them to be the best possible solutions to address the short and long term infrastructure needs of the River District. 2. More details are needed about the proposed Mill Race and its impact to the Poudre River. Please see attached explanation of Mill Race. The Mill Race will not impact the Poudre River. 3. Does this project fit with the City's branding project? In general, it is very easy to correlate a physical renewal project in the River District with the City's new brand. While the scope of this project has not placed an emphasis on communicating this correlation, the City's Public Information staff has assisted in the development of multi-media marketing materials for this project. The potential use of this project to help emphasize the City's new brand should be exploited, however, the engineers, architects and planners working on this project are probably not the best equipped team ofprofessionals to further develop this message. This will be an on-going, collaborative process as the branding& imaging process matures and as the infrastructure projects move ahead to the implementation phase. 4. Are there design elements that will tie this project area together? There are several noteworthy design elements that will tie the project area together. The proposed brick streets on Willow and on Linden are the most significant element to create a separate identity for this project area and to make it feel different from Old Town. Other elements include the proposed use of roundabouts at two intersections in the project area. On the converse, the use of center median parking is a design element that will provide familiarity and similar function with other areas of the downtown. Opportunities in future implementation phases of this project include the establishment of a palette of colors and styles for street furniture, light standards, and street sign logos that will further tie the area's design elements together. 5. Regarding the intersection alternatives, specifically Jefferson 2-lane and roundabout,does this fit with the future traffic projections? The traffic analysis work conducted by the City and the Colorado Department of Transportation are based upon both current and future traffic projections, using the travel demand forecasting model provided by the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization. This traffic model is designed to forecast future traffic volumes for year 2035 based on the local& regional land use plans and travel patterns. 6. Will the final product be Guidelines or Standards? The final product is an infrastructure design plan with an enhanced vision for the River District. As such, the recommended strategy for plan implementation requires the use of existing street and utility standards plus the pursuit of alternative funding to achieve the enhanced design goals. An underlying tenet of this project is to prime the pump for redevelopment by adequately planning the future infrastructure. The recommended strategy for plan implementation seeks to avoid the placement of cost for enhanced design features on the private sector. Another tenet of this project is to avoid conducting the piecemeal construction ofstreetscape on the various sections ofroadway in the project area. It is more desirable to construct the streetscape for various road segments at the same time and under the control of a single contractor, thereby eliminating physical gaps in the streetscape when properties redevelop at different times, and ensuring consistency and quality of construction. This approach also seeks to avoid the 'first one in"pays concept, and eliminate the undue burden on a private redevelopment project to pay for the entire cost of the improvements on their block and then wait for adjacent properties to build and reimburse their investment. i The proposed solution is to collect in escrow at the time a property redevelops, the equivalent amount of dollars required to improve the street and streetscape to the City's existing standards. This is accomplished by using a formula of linear feet of road frontage x per foot cost of standard improvements. This practice has already been applied to several redevelopments in the River District in the past year. With more firm estimates of cost derived through this project, the next step will be to modify the formula to ensure it reflects the most recent and thorough estimate of costs for standard improvements so the escrow is both fair to private development and adequate to cover the cost of basic infrastructure improvements they would otherwise be required to make regardless of their location in the City. Lastly, while improvement funds accrue in escrow,project staff will be investigating and pursuing alternative funds to cover the expense of the "enhanced"features proposed in this project. Examples of alternative funding sources include federal transportation enhancement funds, Congestion Mitigation &Air Quality funds, local Building on Basics sales tax funds, and others. Several of these funding sources have already been applied for by project staff in an effort to jumpstart infrastructure improvements in the area. When funds have sufficiently accrued in escrow, and alternative funds have been successfully secured, construction will occur in accordance with the proposed project phasing. Contact information: Matt Robenalt, DDA Project Manager, e-mail: mrobenaltQ/egov.com,ph: (970) 484-2020 Kathleen Bracke, City's Interim Transportation Planning Director, e-mail: kbrackeQfcgov.com,ph: (970) 224-6140 3 ATTACHMENT Downtown River District Funding Source Matrix Fund Name Source Fund Description For Standard Features or Eligible Expenditures Im rovements Targeted Key Dates Max Amount Cash Match YIN, Enhanced Features? Standard development fees - Development Review, Plan check and Permit fees, Community Parkland, Fire, General Government Services, Police, Library, Neighborhood Parkland, Street Expenditures related to the Oversizing, Water and Wastewater, Electric particular fee, though not based on size Service Charge, Storm Drainage, Larimer County necessarily at site in River and density of 1 Capital Expansion and Utility Fees Developer thru City of Fort Collins Transportation Impact Fees, City and County tax Standard District N/A N/A project N Some improvements may be thru Escrow (3) Street, sidewalk, curb and 2 Developer On- and Off-site Improvements Developer instead Standard gutter, utility connections standard local street section improvements attached sidewalk and tree 3 River District Escrow Developer thru City of Fort Collins based on measurement of adjancent street Standard wells for street trees Construction projects estimated to cost over $250,000 require 1 % percent of the estimated cost designated for works of art; projects between $50,000 and $250,000 require use of an APP approved artist to participate in project design for purpose of incorporating works of art into the project; 4 Art in Public Places City of Fort Collins Enhanced Pedestrian Plan Implementation - gaps in district's sidewalk 6 Building on Basics City of Fort Collins .25 cent sales tax over 10 years; Standard & Enhanced system and ADA increase in ad incremental increase in ad valorem property tax valorem property based on taxable value of parcel or improved tax value in a 7 Tax Increment Financing Downtown Development Authority building Standard & Enhanced fa ade & public improvements private project "planning, construction and maintenance of public facilities" Applications Dept of Local Affairs Mineral & Energy Impact and "the provision of public accepted 4/1 , 8/1 , Suggested 8 Assistance Fund State of Colorado Department of Local Affairs Standard & Enhanced services." 12/1 annually $500,000 max Minimum 100% Interpretive features, rehab of Suggested historic buildings, $200,000 max; Acquisition and development of acquisition of less than historic properties and property for Old Apps accepted 4/1 $25,000 has 9 State Historical Fund Colorado Historical Society Grants for historic preservation Enhanced education projects Fort Site museum and 1011 annually simplier review Y/Min. 25% Intepretative Around $10,000 - Educational activities, programs features and Apps accepted Nov $15,000 is 10 Certified Local Government Grant Colorado Historical Society Grants for historic preservation Enhanced and publications programs 15 annually realistic max Helpful but none required Fund Name Source Fund Description For Standard Features or Eligible Expenditures Targeted Key Dates Max Amount Cash Match YIN, % Enhanced Features? Im rovements submitted for Linden Linden, and Jefferson. Large range Jefferson/SH14, Results known by depending upon Streetscape, intersections, Willow and/or October 2007. available North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Potential Enhancement and Congestion bicycle & pedestrian Lincoln streets & Future application state/federal minimum 20% local 11 Federal Highway Administration Organization & Colorado Dept of Transportation Mitigation & Air Quality (CMAQ) grants. Standard & Enhanced improvements. intersections cycles every 2-3 funding levels match Transit service Large range between DTC and depending upon River District, inc available New/expanded transit service grants for capital new transit loop for River to/from existing state/federal minimum 20% local 13 Federal Transit Administration Federal Transit Administration costs and potentially for O&M. Standard & Enhanced District parking structures annually funding levels match 14 National Endowment for the Arts privately endowed grant-making organization dedicated to assisting, encouraging and Capital Improvements related to 15 Boettcher Foundation Arts & Culture Grant Boettcher Foundation promoting the residents of the State of Colorado. Standard arts & culture 16 Community Foundation Community Foundation of Northern Colorado large & small individual and corporate donations, 17 Private Donations naming rights Enhanced Parking lots & Fees collected for parking in-lieu of on-site eventually BFO Offer Expected 18 Fee In-Lieu Parking Program Developer thru City of Fort Collins parking requirements Standard & Enhanced Capital Improvements structures for 2008 or 09 Unknown N