Title
Comprehensive Plan Policy Related to Street Connectivity
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive and discuss information related to street connectivity. Provide guidance on next steps.
Report
Issue:
On February 25, policy language about street connectivity was forwarded to a Council Study Session for further consideration. Direction is needed on language to be included in the Public Hearing Draft of the Comprehensive Plan Update. City Council will hold a public hearing on the draft plan later in 2014.
Staff Contact:
Sophie Stimson, Senior Planner, Public Works Transportation, 360.753.8497
Mark Russell, P.E., Director of Transportation, Public Works, 360.753.8762
Presenter(s):
Sophie Stimson, Senior Planner, Public Works Transportation
The Olympia Planning Commission (OPC) was notified of the meeting.
Background and Analysis:
Street connectivity is a major policy area of the Comprehensive Plan and the Olympia Transportation Mobility Strategy. Street connectivity policies help to achieve safety and efficiency and increase travel mode choices in our transportation system. Street connections are important because they allow for short trips and direct route options for walking, biking, driving and to access transit. A connected street grid also provides better access for emergency and commercial vehicles. See the link below for the City's webpage on street connectivity for more background.
The current Comprehensive Plan has strong language about the value and need for connections. Policies describe the placement of streets in the network. However, Olympia has not achieved all street connections planned and documented in the Comprehensive Plan and required through code regulations. There is a cumulative impact on the transportation system when these connections are not made. See the attached list of major street connections (excludes local access st...
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