Title
Briefing on Neighborhood Pathways Program Status
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) has selected two Neighborhood Pathways proposals for construction in 2015: Decatur Street SW and Moore Street SE.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive a briefing on the status of the Neighborhood Pathway Program. No Council action needed.
Report
Issue:
1. Receive a briefing on the Neighborhood Pathway proposals selected for construction in 2015. The Decatur Street SW and Moore Street SE pathways projects have been selected by staff and the BPAC for funding. The cost estimate for the work is $269,000 which is within the program budget.
2. Recognize the Northwest Neighborhood Association for their work to improve the Woodard Avenue Pathway.
Staff Contact:
Michelle Swanson, Senior Program Specialist, Public Works Transportation, 360.753.8575.
Presenter(s):
Sophie Stimson, Senior Planner, Public Works Transportation
Michelle Swanson, Senior Program Specialist, Public Works Transportation
Background and Analysis:
A neighborhood pathway is an off-street connection for bicyclists and pedestrians. The pathway shortens trip lengths and provides alternative routes for walking and biking. Pathways connect streets to parks, trails, schools, and other streets where no motor vehicle connection exists.
The Neighborhood Pathways Program was developed to address improvements that residents believe are important. Pathway projects can be entirely grant funded and completed by residents, entirely City constructed, or a collaboration between the City and a neighborhood.
This is the second time the City solicited applications for this program. The first application process was in 2013. Attachment 1 summarizes the status of the pathways projects approved for funding in 2013.
The City asked for feedback from BPAC and the neighborhood associations to improve the process and program. Their feedback was helpful. A lot of their recommendations were incorporated into this year's application process. See attachment.
2014 Project Selection
From March to November of this year, the BPAC and staff facilitated the two-stage application process. Staff selected two proposals to be constructed in 2015:
· Moore Street Pathway: This pathway is from O'Farrell Avenue and Governor Stevens Avenue. This is a joint proposal from the Governor Stevens Neighborhood Association and the Wildwood Neighborhood Association. The project will obtain easements and improve the pathway with landscaping and fencing.
· Decatur Street Pathway: This pathway connects the end of Decatur Street to Caton Way. The proposal is from the Southwest Olympia Neighborhood Association. The project will add lighting and landscaping to an existing path.
Attachment 3 is a full description of these projects. These projects are estimated to cost $269,000. Details can be found in attachment 4.
Staff will brief council on the projects selected to be funded this year. Council will also have an opportunity recognize the Northwest Neighborhood Association who completed the first project under this unique program - Woodard Avenue.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Staff and the BPAC worked with neighborhood associations to seek project proposals. Three neighborhood associations submitted four proposals this year. Neighborhood groups have worked with residents adjacent to these proposed pathways to inform them of the projects and seek their support.
Options:
Receive briefing.
Financial Impact:
Assuming a 2015 appropriation of $125,000, there is sufficient funding to complete planned projects in 2015. See attachment 5 for the status of the Neighborhood Pathways Program Budget. Funds for this program come from the voter-approved revenues resulting from the Parks and Recreational Facilities Funding Measure, passed in 2004.
Attachments:
Attachment 1 - Status of 2014 Projects
Attachment 2 - 2014-2015 Neighborhood Pathways Program Process
Attachment 3 - Description of Projects Selected for Funding in 2015
Attachment 4 - Program Funding Details
Attachment 5 - Funding Status