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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Mail Packet - 1/20/2015 - Memorandum From Rick Richter, Pete Wray And Amy Lewin Re: Lincoln Corridor Plan Implementation Update281 North College Avenue P.O. Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 970.221.6376 970.224.6134 - fax Planning, Development & Transportation MEMORANDUM DATE: January 9, 2015 TO: Mayor Weitkunat and City Councilmembers THRU: Darin Atteberry, City Manager Jeff Mihelich, Deputy City Manager Karen Cumbo, Director of Planning, Development & Transportation FROM: Rick Richter, Director of Infrastructure Services Pete Wray, Senior City Planner Amy Lewin, Transportation Planner RE: Lincoln Corridor Plan Implementation Update Purpose of this memo: This memo responds to questions from the Leadership Planning Team (LPT) related to the implementation of the Lincoln Corridor Plan: 1) Lincoln Avenue improvements being considered as part of the Capital Improvement Program sales tax renewal and 2) implementation of the neighborhood projects. Lincoln Avenue Improvements The full Lincoln Avenue improvements for the entire corridor between Jefferson/Riverside and Lemay in the adopted plan were estimated to cost $19.3M, with a scaled back “Base” version of the improvements (i.e., less landscaping and fewer amenities) estimated at $13M. For the purposes of the Capital Improvement Program sales tax renewal discussion, the extents of the near-term project for Lincoln Avenue were redefined as between 1st Street and Lemay, as described below. 1) Project description & costs—covers design and construction of improvements to Lincoln Avenue between 1st Street and Lemay. Two options are proposed: Option A: Full ($8M) as defined in Lincoln Corridor Plan:  Roadway framework (two travel lanes, planted median/center turn lanes, bike lanes, on-street parking in select locations, detached sidewalks)  Enhanced landscaping  High level of urban amenities Option B: Base ($6.5M):  Roadway framework (two travel lanes, planted median/center turn lanes, bike lanes, on-street parking in select locations, detached sidewalks) Lincoln Corridor Plan implementation update Page 2 January 9, 2015  Basic landscaping consistent with Streetscape Standards  Few urban amenities (e.g., benches, art, etc.) Table 1 shows a comparison of the various options for constructing the Lincoln Avenue improvements. Table 1. Lincoln Avenue Improvement Options Segments Elements Option West Central East Roadway Landscaping Amenities Cost Full – Plan X X X All Enhanced High level $19.3M Base – Plan X X X All Basic (Streetscape Standards) Few $13M Full – Capital Imp. Pgm X X All Enhanced High level $8M Base – Capital Imp. Pgm X X All Basic (Streetscape Standards) Few $6.5M See Attachment 1 for the updated description for the Capital Improvement Program sales tax renewal. 2) Funding options: it is anticipated that up to $1.1M from the city’s Street Oversizing Fund and approximately $155,000 in funds already collected through recent redevelopment could be applied towards the project costs.  For Option A (Full) this could bring the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) tax contribution down to $6.8M.  For Option B (Base) the CIP contribution could decrease to $5.3M. 3) Local development contribution: As properties develop or redevelop they have an obligation to pay certain transportation fees and dedicate the right-of-way needed to construct the public street system. Developments also construct or pay for the local street portion of the adjacent street system. Attachment 2 shows the Street Oversizing fees paid by properties on Lincoln Avenue within the Central and East segments (1st Street to Lemay) that have developed or redeveloped, as well as the local street costs collected. The figure also shows the potential local street costs in 2014 dollars that could be collected upon development or redevelopment of the commercial properties along Lincoln Avenue. These funds are not guaranteed; there is no certainty regarding if and when these properties redevelop. Note that we have not estimated Street Oversizing fees for these properties. Upon redevelopment, the fees would be calculated based on the proposed use and trips generated per the Transportation Impact Study. Furthermore, the Street Oversizing funds are not necessarily dedicated to the adjacent collector or arterial. Lincoln Corridor Plan implementation update Page 3 January 9, 2015 Neighborhood Projects During the Lincoln Corridor Plan outreach process, it became clear that community members strongly supported projects that address infrastructure deficiencies and enhance livability in the Buckingham, Alta Vista, Andersonville (BAVA) neighborhoods. To that end, implementation of the neighborhood projects was put on a separate track from Lincoln Avenue improvements with the idea that these smaller projects could be implemented more quickly than the larger reconstruction of the roadway. The city’s approved budget for 2015-16 includes money to complete most of the neighborhood projects that were identified in the Lincoln Corridor Plan and subsequently prioritized based on neighborhood input and Council feedback. The current plan for implementation of the projects is as follows: 2015 Approved and Budgeted Projects:  Lemay Avenue—between Andersonville Neighborhood and Streets Facility: Push- button pedestrian signal, crosswalk (Project C in the Lincoln Corridor Plan)  Buckingham Neighborhood—1st Street (west side); 3rd Street (east side): New sidewalks (Project I)  Buckingham Neighborhood: Signage to reduce impacts from cut-through traffic (Project H) (Note: this project has already been implemented.) 2016 Approved and Budgeted Projects:  Andersonville Neighborhood: Relocation/replacement of existing Romero Park to Streets Facility (Project G)  East Vine Drive—near Lemay Avenue (north side, Alta Vista area): Transit stop improvement: upgrade existing bus stop to add new shelter and pad (Project B)  Lemay Avenue—between Buffalo Run Apartments and Walmart (east side): New sidewalk (Project D) The remaining projects identified will likely be part of a budget proposal for 2017-18. More detail is provided in Attachment 3. Mayor Pro-Tem Horak recently met with Betty Aragon and Cheryl Distaso about the neighborhood projects. The following are responses to questions that arose during that conversation: 1) What methods (polling, door-to-door visits, etc.) will the City use to inform and engage the BAVA neighborhoods regarding proposed projects that have been budgeted for 2015-16? Neighborhood outreach during the project has concluded and included door-to-door visits, public and stakeholder meetings, online questionnaires, and additional social events in the neighborhoods. Through that substantial outreach, Staff received valuable input from neighbors, and projects were identified and prioritized. With funding now secure, Staff is working on an implementation plan for the 2015-16 projects. Lincoln Corridor Plan implementation update Page 4 January 9, 2015 2) When will the crosswalk at Buckingham and 9th Street/Lemay be installed? Will it be a flashing red light? The pedestrian crossing on Lemay is planned to be installed by fall of 2015. It will be a “pedestrian hybrid beacon” which is an overhead signal that displays solid red lights to motorists followed by a flashing red light that allows motorists to proceed after stopping if pedestrians have completed their crossing. Attachment 4 provides additional information on how pedestrian hybrid beacons operate. Figure 1. Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon Photo 3) What criteria are being used to determine which sidewalk improvements will be done? When will these improvements be completed? The sidewalk improvements chosen through the Lincoln Corridor Plan process were identified as important projects that could reasonably be implemented in the near-term. As shown in Attachment 3, sidewalks on 1st Street, 3rd Street, and Lemay Avenue, as well as a short sidewalk segment to the new transit stop on East Vine Drive, are anticipated to be constructed in 2015-16. The Pedestrian Needs Assessment is the implementation arm of the Pedestrian Plan and prioritizes all sidewalk projects in the city based on a variety of factors (e.g., demand, corridor function, and high priority areas). There may be opportunities to implement additional projects from the Pedestrian Plan in the BAVA neighborhoods as funding is available. 4) How is information being conveyed that training is available through Front Range Community College for the skilled jobs needed to construct the Woodward project? How many jobs will be available as a result of the project? Construction is already underway; any new job positions available are likely to be for future employees. Woodward and other local companies have historically assisted in funding training programs at Front Range Community College. One such program provided training to local citizens to prepare them to work in the Cleantech industry. Woodward has recruitment programs that distribute information about available jobs and related training. Another avenue to get the word out on job opportunities is through the Larimer County Workforce Center, which can provide services to employers that focus on matching the local Lincoln Corridor Plan implementation update Page 5 January 9, 2015 workforce to needs. Woodward employs approximately 1,400 employees and anticipates expanding to as many as 1,700 at the Lincoln property. 5) Can the Lincoln Avenue project wait until all neighborhood improvements are completed? As mentioned above, implementation of the neighborhood projects is on a separate track from Lincoln Avenue improvements, and the neighborhood projects have been identified as a top priority. With funding already secure for six out of ten projects, it is possible that all neighborhood projects could be constructed by 2018. Even if Lincoln Avenue is included in the Capital Improvement Program sales tax renewal, the earliest the corridor could be constructed is probably 2018 (best-case scenario). 6) How can citizens get a tour of Woodward? Tours will be available when the Woodward site opens. More information will be available from Woodward closer to project completion. Next Steps  An online questionnaire and Textizen text-based poll on Lincoln Avenue funding are currently available for public input.  A public Open House is scheduled for Monday, January 12, 5-7p.m. at the City’s Streets Facility.  Input from the questionnaire, Textizen poll, and the Open House will be summarized and provided to Council prior to the January 20 Work Session on the Capital Improvement Program sales tax renewal. For more information regarding the Lincoln Corridor Plan, please visit: http://www.fcgov.com/lincoln. For more information regarding the Capital Improvement Program sales tax renewal, please visit: http://www.fcgov.com/bob. For more information on the Pedestrian Needs Assessment prioritization process, please visit: http://www.fcgov.com/engineering/pedneeds.php. Attachment 1: Description for the Capital Improvement Program sales tax renewal (updated 1/8/15) Lincoln Corridor Plan implementation update January 9, 2015 T5 PROJECT TITLE: Lincoln Avenue Improvements Design & Construction ESTIMATED PROJECT COST: $5.3M - $6.8M ESTIMATED ANNUAL O&M: $36K Service Area: Planning, Development, & Transportation Department/Program: Engineering Project Location: Lincoln Avenue between First Street and Lemay Avenue Project Description: This project would fund the design and construction of improvements to Lincoln Avenue from 1st Street to Lemay Avenue and represents improvements identified in the Lincoln Corridor Plan for roadway, bike/pedestrian, landscape, stormwater, and urban design enhancements. Two options are proposed: 1) Full ($8M) as defined in the Lincoln Corridor Plan with enhanced landscaping and a high level of urban amenities or 2) Base ($6.5M) with the roadway framework, base landscaping that meets the Streetscape Standards, and few amenities. Why is this Project Needed? Over the last ten years, Lincoln Avenue has continued to emerge as an important roadway in the community. It serves our most historic neighborhoods and is a major connection to the northeast part of the city. Historically the area has been underserved, lacking sidewalks, curb and gutter, turn lanes, and the desired level of stormwater system. The Buckingham neighborhood has been in Fort Collins since 1902 and originally served as housing for workers at the adjacent sugar factory (now the City Streets facility). Few infrastructure upgrades have been made since Buckingham was developed. With the addition of background traffic and expansion of business in the area, impacts to the neighborhoods have increased. City Plan, adopted in February 2011, identifies the Lincoln Triangle as a catalyst area and in particular Lincoln Avenue as a priority project. The proposed improvements to Lincoln will bring the arterial up to City standards and enhance the street to be an improved gateway to the community and to downtown. It is an important time to reinvest in the infrastructure backbone. The adjacent land uses are redeveloping, and Lincoln continues to be an important connection between downtown, the River District, and the East Mulberry area. The street also needs to accommodate a variety of unique commercial, industrial, and residential properties. Lincoln Avenue Improvements have long been in the highest priority tier of Roadway Improvements in the Capital Improvements Plan (CIP). The most recent CIP was adopted as part of the Transportation Master Plan in 2011 and updated in 2012. The roadway is designated as a 2-lane arterial in the Master Street Plan (which is an Appendix to the Transportation Master Plan), but City Plan and the Streetscape Standards called for an enhanced design for this roadway. The design laid out in the Lincoln Corridor Plan supports these recommended visions. Attachment 2: Lincoln Avenue Commercial Property Owners (Central and East segments: 1st Street to Lemay) Lincoln Corridor Plan implementation update January 9, 2015 PROPERTY OWNER INFORMATION CENTRAL & EAST SEGMENTS 1st Street to Lemay OWNER Street Oversizing Fee Local Street Obligation ROW Dedication FRONTAGE LENGTH LINCOLN AVENUE FRONTAGE LENGTH Street Oversizing Fee Local Street Obligation ROW Dedication OWNER *There is no certainty if or when these properties redevelop, so these funds are not guaranteed. We have not estimated Street Oversizing fees for these properties. The fees would be calculated based on the proposed use and trips generated per the Transportation Impact Study. Furthermore, these funds are not necessarily dedicated to the adjacent collector or arterial. **Contributed Local Street Obligation and also constructed sidewalk along frontage ***Contributed $530,000 towards interim improvements on Lincoln Avenue (e.g., asphalt sidewalk, center turn lanes, etc.) to be constructed in 2015 PREVIOUS CONTRIBUTIONS LAMBSPUN/ BACKPORCH CAFÉ POTENTIAL LOCAL STREET CONTRIBUTION UPON REDEVELOPMENT (2014 $)* POTENTIAL LOCAL STREET CONTRIBUTION UPON REDEVELOPMENT (2014 $)* PREVIOUS CONTRIBUTIONS $1,535 TEAM PETROLEUM $6,000 N/A $50,508 N/A $23,805 200' $41,400 JANICE & SCOTT HALEY FRED'S HOUSE, LLC $18,630 $10,350 Bond in lieu of fee $51,648 0.015 acres $48,796 $69,075 CENTRAL SEGMENT EAST SEGMENT N/A $52,164 $43,200 $82,800 N/A PATRICK SUB, 1ST FILING VANWORKS MINOR SUB NORTH LEMAY SUB, 1ST FILING Attachment 3: Neighborhood Project Summary Lincoln Corridor Plan implementation update January 9, 2015 Attachment 3: Neighborhood Project Summary Lincoln Corridor Plan implementation update January 9, 2015 Attachment 4: Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon Lincoln Corridor Plan implementation update January 9, 2015 A “pedestrian hybrid beacon” is an overhead signal that displays solid red lights to motorists followed by a flashing red light that allows motorists to proceed after stopping if pedestrians have completed their crossing: 1st Street 2nd Street 3rd Street WOODWARD TECHNOLOGY CENTER*** FORT COLLINS BREWERY PRIVATE RESIDENCES PRIVATE RESIDENCES BALDWIN MINOR SUB 126' 209' 400' 422' 1,847' 115' 270' 270' 90' 50' 465' 126' TEAM PETRO‐ LEUM IN‐SITU Lemay Avenue 29' 370' 244' ODELL BREWERY** 0.159 acres 1.17 acres $24,770 $723,626 $34,157