Title
Briefing on Downtown Transportation and Innovation
Report
Issue:
Briefing and question and answer period with speakers. The briefing will review some of the history and elements that shape the current downtown transportation system; goals our region is trying to achieve; innovations from other cities and some current ideas for Olympia to create a more walkable and bike-friendly downtown.
Staff Contact:
Presenter(s):
Thera Black, Senior Planner at Thurston Regional Planning Council
Don Samdahl, Principal at Fehr & Peers transportation planning firm
Rich Hoey, City of Olympia Public Works Director
Background and Analysis:
The recently updated Comprehensive Plan describes our community's vision for downtown: As a social, cultural and economic center of the region, we want downtown to be an active, compact and attractive place that is walkable, bicycle-friendly, and full of shops, public spaces, public art and landscaping. We also expect downtown to gain 5,000 new residents over the next 20 years.
Later in 2015, the City will kick off a public process to develop strategic priorities for implementing our downtown goals over the next 5-6 years. In anticipation of this process, the Planning Commission has planned two briefings to increase awareness about downtown issues.The focus of this first briefing is downtown transportation and innovation, as described above.
MORE INFORMATION IN ATTACHMENTS
· Attachments 1 & 2 describe some of the history of the transportation system in downtown Olympia.
· Attachments 3 through 6 describe some possible upcoming transportation and streetscape changes being or to be discussed for downtown:
o Attachment 3 describes the concept of Bicycle Boulevards (or Bicycle Corridors as they are referred to for Olympia). These Corridors are streets with low vehicle volumes and speeds and signs and markings for bicycling; on these streets priority is given to people on bicycles. Olympia's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) has evaluated the potential for creating Bicycle Corridors in Olympia. BPAC has recommended options for a pilot project bicycle corridor in downtown, which will be reviewed by the City Council on March 17, 2015 - for more information see the staff report attached to that agenda (file #15-0233), which will available online the evening of March 13.
o Attachments 4 & 5 describe the Environmental Protection Agencies (EPA's) Final Design Concept for Greening Capitol Way. In October of 2014, the EPA evaluated existing conditions along Capitol Way and facilitated a public design charrette to create options for a greener, more attractive and walkable streetscape. Staff anticipates EPA will submit a final report within the next month. In the meantime, EPA has submitted the Final Design Concept Illustrations and Description discussed in the public meetings. The City is interested in discussing possible next steps for Greening Capitol Way with the community as part of the Downtown Strategy later this year.
o Attachment 6 lists the downtown streets that will be the primary focus for repaving in downtown over the next 6 years. Repaving offers opportunities to improve options for pedestrians and bicyclists as well as the attractiveness of the streetscape. The City is interested in discussing these options with the public as part of the Downtown Strategy.
Attachment 7 is an article about research into the features of urban neighborhoods that lead to more activity and better health outcomes.
Attachment 8 is a link to the NACTO Urban Street Design Guide <http://nacto.org/usdg/> page of information about the relationship between car speed and pedestrian safety (info specifically requested by the Commission.) Hit "USDG Home" for access to the complete guide.
NEXT DOWNTOWN BRIEFING
Save the date for a second Planning Commission briefing on downtown: Tacoma's Waterfront Redevelopment & the Issue of Soil Contamination, April 6, 6:30pm at Olympia City Hall. Redevelopment of historic downtowns is complex. What can Olympia learn from Tacoma's waterfront redevelopment? How does soil contamination from past land uses affect downtown Olympia? What are some of the regulatory and financial tools available to communities to help clean up contamination? What are some considerations from both a public and private perspective?
Both briefings will be videotaped and available for viewing on the City's website after April 6. Questions? Call Amy Buckler at 360.570.5847.
Options:
Following the briefing, the Chair will facilitate a question and answer period.
Financial Impact:
Included in base budget.