Title
Agenda Item:
Approval of Neighborhood Pathways Recommended Projects
Body
Issue:
Neighborhood Pathways projects have been identified by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC). Staff and the BPAC request City Council approval for the use of program funds on these projects.
Committee Recommendation:
On April 24, 2013, the BPAC recommended using Neighborhood Pathways Program funds to develop pathways on Scammell Avenue, NW, Puget Street, NE, and Woodard Avenue, NW. The BPAC also recommended using program funds to explore the viability of future pathways or other improvements at 26th Avenue, NE, Mission Creek, and 16th Avenue, SE.
City Manager's Recommendation:
Move to approve Neighborhood Pathways Program projects recommended by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and the expenditure of approximately $149,000 in program funds.
Staff Contact:
Sophie Stimson, Public Works, 360.753.8497
Presenter(s):
Sophie Stimson, Public Works
Background and Analysis:
Neighborhood pathways are short connections for bicyclists and pedestrians that connect streets to parks, trails, schools and other streets where no street connection exists. These pathways enhance mobility for bicyclists and pedestrians by shortening trip lengths and providing inviting off-street routes.
In 2011, City Council directed staff to work with the BPAC to develop a program to improve neighborhood walkability. The Council specified that the program be based on neighborhood priorities and involve residents in helping to make the improvements.
The BPAC and staff developed a new program that focuses on improving pathways. In June, 2011, the Council's Finance Committee approved BPAC's recommendation for funding the new Neighborhood Pathways Program at $125,000 per year. The new program was included in the 2012-2017 Capital Facilities Plan. Funding for the program comes from the voter-approved revenues resulting from the Parks and Recreational Facilities Funding Measure, passed in 2004.
After a two-step application process, six final proposals were received from neighborhoods. Attachment 1 summarizes the application process used in 2012 and 2013. Of these six proposals, staff and the BPAC recommend moving forward with three projects for construction in 2013.
· Scammell Avenue, NW, from Milroy to Division
· Puget Street, NE, from Miller to Jasper
· Woodard Avenue, NW, from West Bay Drive to Rogers
BPAC also recommended that the three more complex projects continue to be explored and considered for future funding. These projects have alignment, property ownership, environmental sensitivity, and/or constructability issues to explore further.
· 16th Avenue, SE, to the Olympia Woodland Trail
· Trails within the block of Central, Ethridge, Miller and Marion, NE(Mission Creek)
· 26th Avenue, NE, from Bethel Street to Priest Point Park (gravel shoulder)
Attachment 2 is a summary of staff's review of the six projects, and the issues associated with construction of a pathway.
This program is unique in that it asks neighborhood groups to develop project ideas, articulate the benefits of the project, itemize costs, and work with adjacent residents to inform them of the project. The BPAC plays a larger role than they would on a typical capital project, in that they review applications and make recommendations on which projects to fund. The standard planning, scoping and predesign stages associated with a capital project are not undertaken.
Because of the unique structure of this program, staff and the BPAC would like to provide Council a more comprehensive review the program's structure and process, and discuss improvements that would make this program more successful. This will be planned in advance of the next pathways application cycle.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Staff and the BPAC worked with neighborhood associations to seek project proposals. Neighborhood groups have worked with residents adjacent to these proposed pathways to inform them of the projects and seek their support.
Options:
1. Approve Neighborhood Pathways Program projects and the expenditure of approximately $149,000 in program funds. This will allow pathways to be developed, based on priorities expressed by neighborhood associations.
2. Direct staff not to pursue these pathways improvements. Provide alternative direction to staff and the BPAC for use of the Neighborhood Pathways Program funding.
Financial Impact:
Program funds for this year's proposed projects total approximately $149,000. Attachment 3 provides detail on the use of these funds.
The current balance in the Neighborhood Pathways Program is $250,000, which is the annual program allocation of $125,000 for 2012 and 2013. The balance will roll over into a second application process in 2013, or be combined with 2014 funding for an application process in 2014.
Allocation (2013 and 2014): $250,000
2013 projects: $149,000
Project management costs to date: $8,500
Remaining program funds: $92,500