REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL FROM:
Dorothy Ann David, City Manager
DATE:
February 20, 2015
SUBJECT: GREEN STREET (FOURTH TO NEIL) PRELIMINARY DESIGN - SS 2015-010 A. Introduction: The purpose of this report is to present City Council with an overview of the proposed improvements to Green Street between Fourth and Neil Streets and obtain Council input and direction. B. Action Requested: The Administration recommends supporting the preliminary design concepts and directing staff to proceed with final design of the improvements. C. Prior Council Action: •
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In a study session held on September 10, 2013, staff presented the Clark Dietz, Inc. (CDI) design team, which included Engineering Resources International (ERI), Site Design Group, and The Roderick Group, and provided information on the preliminary design process. Council indicated their support and directed staff to schedule an engineering services agreement for preliminary design for Council consideration. On October 1, 2013, Council approved CB 2013-177, approving an engineering services agreement with Clark Dietz, Inc., in the amount of $514,000, for preliminary design services for Green Street from Fourth Street to Neil Street. On February 17, 2015, Council approved CB 2015-020, approving an engineering services agreement for the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Multimodal Corridor Enhancement (MCORE) projects, which included services to complete plans and specifications for the construction of improvements to Green Street between Fourth Street and Neil Street. On February 17, 2015, Council approved CB 2015-022, amending the Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Salary and Staffing Ordinance to add one full-time temporary Civil Engineer III position in the Engineering Division of the Public Works Department to provide project management for the MCORE Projects.
D. Summary: • •
Similar to the project completed in the eastern section of Green Street, between Wright and Fourth Streets, the proposed preliminary design concepts include complete street elements, safety improvements, streetscape features and the complete reconstruction of Green Street. Originally anticipated to construct improvements along Green Street from Fourth Street to First Street, the additional funding received as part of the TIGER grant allows for the construction of the entire corridor to Neil Street.
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The City's complete street policy and the modal hierarchy developed for the University District by the Campus Areas Transportation Study (CATS) were the guiding principles behind the assignment of available space within the right-of-way (ROW). The proposed improvements include addressing safety issues at the First and Green intersection as well as incorporating intersection treatments at the unsignalized intersections within the project limits. Streetscape elements include a greater variety of street trees, definition of the accessible pedestrian path through the use of construction materials and street lighting consistent with the earlier Green Street project. The proposed improvements include creation of a connection between Green Street and the Boneyard Second Street Reach. The proposed improvements include a concept for creating an entryway into the University District just east of Neil Street at the Canadian National Railroad viaduct.
E. Background: 1. Green Street Preliminary Design Scope. In October of 2013, Council approved an engineering services agreement with the Clark Dietz, Inc. (CDI) design team for the preliminary design of improvements to Green Street between Fourth Street and Neil Street. Similar to the project completed between Wright and Fourth, the anticipated recommendations would include complete street elements, safety improvements, streetscape features and the complete reconstruction of Green Street. The overarching goals for this project include: • • • • • •
Fostering multiple modes of transportation Creating new and safe spaces for pedestrians Improving safety for all modes of transportation Replacing failing infrastructure at the end of its useful life Evaluating the performance of elements of previous projects and applying lessons learned Maintaining and/or developing connections with other completed projects
2. The Multimodal Corridor Enhancement (MCORE) Projects. At the start of the preliminary design process, the Green Street project was a locally funded project, budgeted in the Food and Beverage Fund, with a construction budget of about $6 million. While preliminary design included developing concepts and a plan for the entire section between Fourth and Neil, it was estimated the $6 million construction budget would only allow construction from Fourth Street to just west of First Street with an anticipated construction year of 2016. In the fall of 2014, the Mass Transit District (MTD) received notice of an award of a $15.7 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Grant from the U.S Department of Transportation for the MCORE projects. The grant application and subsequently awarded grant for the MCORE projects includes infrastructure improvements to three City-owned streets on campus including White Street between Second Street and Wright Street, Wright Street between White Street and Armory Avenue and Green Street between Fourth Street and Neil Street. The grant allocates just over $8 million toward the construction of improvements to Green Street.
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Benefits of the TIGER funding for the Green Street project include: •
With the additional TIGER dollars, the construction phase of the project will stretch from Fourth Street to Neil Street. • With grant dollars funding 100 percent of the construction of the improvements, including streetscape elements, the consideration of a Special Service Area to fund a portion of construction is no longer necessary. Like all Federal transportation dollars, the TIGER funding is administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and comes with additional procedural and documentation requirements: •
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Inclusion of the Green Street project in the MCORE Project Development Report (PDR). A PDR is basically a formal documentation of tasks typically associated with preliminary design along with documentation of some additional tasks required by IDOT and FHWA. All of the work the CDI design team has completed to date is usable but must be transferred into the specific format IDOT and FHWA require for use of the TIGER funds. The engineering services associated with complying with this requirement are included in the recently approved engineering services agreement with the CDI/Hanson team for the MCORE projects. All of the TIGER grant funded construction work must be bid as one project. Based on IDOT's letting schedule and required submittal dates, the anticipated start of construction is late summer or early fall 2016. While construction activity for the MCORE projects will start in 2016, it is very likely the bulk of the Green Street work would occur in 2017 to minimize disruptions during the University academic year. The engineering services required for the preparation of plans and specifications are also included in the recently approved engineering services agreement with the CDI/Hanson team for the MCORE projects.
3. Application of Complete Streets for University District. The first major task in developing the design for the corridor was determining how to assign the limited available space within the ROW. The two guiding principles for this effort were the City's Complete Street Policy and the modal hierarchy established by the University District Traffic Circulation Study (UDTCS) recently completed by CATS. The City's complete street policy states that all modes of transportation shall be accommodated in some manner. The UDTCS further clarified how to apply complete streets in the context of the University District, placing a greater emphasis on pedestrian, bicycle and transit needs over vehicular traffic needs. The result of applying these guiding principles is the typical assignment of space depicted in the image below and further described in the sections that follow.
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This image depicts the typical assignment of ROW along the corridor. The center turn lane is proposed to be eliminated at the unsignalized intersections within the project limits but will remain at the intersections with traffic signals (Fourth Street, First Street, Neil Street).
a. Width of Green Street. One of the first decisions made with regard to the assignment of available space was to maintain the same curb-to-curb width on Green Street as constructed to the east. Doing so provides consistency and visual continuity along the corridor. The result of matching the curb-to-curb width to the east is a reduction in street width from 41 feet to 35 feet and a reassignment of those six feet to the pedestrian oriented area behind the curb. b. Pedestrian Facilities and Parkway. Once the street width was determined the area behind the curb was established at 31 feet (or 15-and-a-half feet per side). This space is proposed to be almost evenly split between the sidewalk and parkway areas. This nearly doubles the width of the pedestrian walkway along Green Street (from four feet to seven feet, eight inches) and also provides a healthy parkway width to serve as a buffer between pedestrian and vehicle traffic and accommodate various streetscape elements such as street trees, planter beds, bicycle parking, and lighting. c. Bicycle Lanes Versus a Continuous Center Turn Lane. The existing conditions of Green Street include a small striped shoulder along the curb lane. This area was extra pavement width left over after the remarking of Green Street to match the three-lane cross section constructed between Fourth Street and Wright Street. While not its intended use, this area has served as a de facto bike lane. The current bicycle activity, coupled with the presence of bike lanes along Fourth Street, First Street, Randolph Street and State Street indicate a need for an east-west bicycle facility connection to campus. Public input at both public information meetings indicated Green Street is a desired route for bicyclists both within the University District and commuters living west of Neil Street, and generally within a few blocks of Green Street, who ride to work and/or school. The Green Street viaduct is also one of only three points of access into campus between Kirby Avenue and University Avenue across the Canadian National Railroad line. With street space limited the decision came down to providing bike lanes or a continuous center turn lane. Taking into account the relatively low turning volumes off of Green Street, the relatively small number of driveways in this section of Green Street, the inherent need for an eastwest bicycle facility connection into campus, input from the first public meeting, and the modal 4
hierarchy established as part of the UDTCS, the project team is proposing bike lanes over a continuous center turn lane. d. Turn Lanes at Signalized Intersections. While the proposed design does not include a continuous center turn lane, it will maintain left turn lanes at the signalized intersections within the project limits (Fourth Street, First Street, Neil Street). Similar to locations along First Street (at Springfield Avenue and at Green Street), the bike lanes are proposed to merge in advance of each signalized intersection and sharrow markings will be included to indicate a shared lane situation at the intersections. e. Fire Department Review. Green Street is one of the main emergency response routes for the Fire Department when responding to calls for service on campus. With this in mind, the proposed changes were shared with the Fire Department for their review and input. Fire indicated the key element to the proposed design being acceptable from their point of view is the maintenance of the left turn lanes at First Street and Fourth Street. They also asked if the turning radii at the First and Green intersection could be improved (which they will be) and if any additional clearance could be gained under the viaduct (which will be examined during final design). 4. Safety Improvements. a. First and Green Intersection. The First and Green intersection has been a high crash location for a number of years and accounted for about half of the 100 reported traffic crashes within the project limits over the past five years. The signal design is dated and does not include over the street signal indications (likely a contributing factor in many of the crashes). The proposed design includes the replacement and upgrade of the traffic signal equipment to current City standards and industry guidelines. Sidewalk ramps will be updated for accessibility and pedestrian signal equipment will be updated to include countdown signals and pushbuttons. Small areas of ROW will need to be acquired during the final design phase in order to properly locate the equipment on each corner and comply with ADA requirements for the sidewalk ramp slopes. b. Unsignalized Intersection Treatments. In addition to the safety enhancements proposed for the First and Green intersection, the project team is proposing intersection treatments at the unsignalized intersections at Third Street, Second Street, and Locust Street with the intent of promoting pedestrian safety at those locations. These features would be modeled after the existing conditions at the Fifth and Green intersection with the addition of internally dyed concrete within the intersection to create a contrast with the typical light color of traditional concrete. Along with high visibility crosswalk markings the colored concrete would more clearly define the areas where drivers should expect pedestrians. 5. Streetscape Elements. As the project team evaluated various options for the streetscape elements the goal was to improve on what was done with the previous Green Street project while still maintaining continuity along the corridor. a. Tree Species. In the first phase of Green Street, the Ginkgo tree was used almost exclusively. Identified goals for this section of Green Street were to introduce more variety of species along the corridor and also contextually evaluate specific locations during final design to choose the
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species that best fits the available space and planting conditions. In conjunction with City arborists, the design team developed a proposed street tree palette consisting of six different species to be incorporated into the project where conditions are appropriate. b. Street Lighting. The University District street lighting standard used in the east section of Green Street will be applied to this section with two minor changes. The overhead street light will include an energy efficient LED light source. In addition, the dark sky friendly "hat" option used on both the Fourth Street (John to Armory) and Healey Street (Sixth to Fourth) projects is proposed for use on this project. c. Pedestrian Path and Streetscape Pavers. The project team is proposing to define the pedestrian path through the use of the University District standard internally dyed concrete and restricting the use of pavers to areas outside of this path. The only real change versus the current University District streetscape standards will be at sidewalk ramps. The current standard includes paver treatments at intersections, including both a portion of the pedestrian path and the sidewalk ramps. In the east section of Green Street, some of these pavers have settled and/or spalled over the ten years of freeze thaw cycles and have become maintenance issues. Eliminating the use of pavers within the designated pedestrian path should help reduce maintenance and potential safety issues related to tripping hazards. 6. Connections. Another goal identified at the start of the preliminary design process was to establish connections between the Green Street corridor and other projects. a. Third and Green Connection to the Boneyard. As part of the improvements to the northeast quadrant of the intersection of Third and Green Streets, the design team has proposed a type of trailhead leading to the start of the Boneyard path in Scott Park. Third Street would be narrowed, removing the parking lane on the west side of Third Street and reallocating that space to the parkway. This creates space to allowing for a parkway bioswale and some broader growing trees in the parkway. Additional design elements may tie into the color palette of the Second Street Reach Project. b. Green Street Entryway Concept. Many students and visitors enter the University District for the first time by way of Green Street and one of the first things they see is the Canadian National viaduct spanning Green Street. In addition to its dismal aesthetic appearance, the viaduct is also not inviting for pedestrian traffic. The design team has proposed developing an entryway concept for this main entrance into campus including a free-standing overhead treatment masking the appearance of the viaduct. The project will include sidewalk on both sides of Green Street and improved lighting under the viaduct. During final design the concept of elevating the sidewalk and incorporating a railing will be evaluated to create separation between vehicles and pedestrians. With the space constraint of the viaduct, bicycle facilities will consist of sharrow lane markings. c. Consistent Elements with Green (Fourth to Wright). Another key consideration as the various project elements were developed was to maintain some continuity with the section of Green Street to the east. While there are subtle differences proposed with these design concepts, elements such as the internally dyed concrete sidewalk, street light poles and street width tie the two sections together. In addition, as infrastructure repairs become necessary in the east section,
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opportunities will present themselves to incorporate some of the features proposed for the Fourth to Neil section into the Wright to Fourth section. 7. Construction Sequencing and Staging. As was the case with the Green Street project from Wright to Fourth, construction staging and sequencing will be a very important aspect of this project. The Green Street (Fourth to Neil) project is one of several capital projects anticipated to occur in the University District in 2016 and 2017. The MCORE projects along White Street and Urbana’s section of Green Street, as well as the University’s projects along First Street (Gregory to Kirby) and Fourth Street (Kirby to Saint Mary’s), will also be under construction during this two-year period. As with all City projects, the goal will be to minimize impacts to adjacent properties as much as possible. With this in mind, staff and the design team have already been thinking about property and business access during construction. Last fall the alleys north and south of Green between First and Third Streets were identified as the likely access to businesses and properties fronting Green Street during construction. While the alley north of Green Street was reconstructed as part of improvements to the Boneyard, the alley south of Green Street remains unpaved and in poor condition. In preparation for the Green Street project, a project reconstructing two blocks of alley south of Green Street between First Street and Third Street will be bid in March and constructed in the summer of 2015 to accommodate the increased traffic anticipated to use the alley to access the properties along the south side of the street when work on Green Street takes place in 2016 and 2017. The specifics of the construction sequencing and staging plan will be developed during final design. Staff and the design team are well aware of the importance to and interest in the sequencing and staging plan by adjacent property owners. In addition, the MCORE project partners recognize the importance of coordinating between projects to ensure sufficient access to and within campus for all modes of transportation during this time. During the course of final design, there will be additional information sharing and opportunities for input from stakeholders regarding construction sequencing and staging. Given the very nature of construction, there will no doubt be periodic disruptions to access and operations during construction. However, every attempt will be made to minimize impacts to adjacent properties and accommodate operational needs during the construction. F. Alternatives: 1. Indicate support for the preliminary design concepts and direct staff to proceed with final design of the improvements as part of the MCORE projects. 2. Modify the preliminary design concepts and direct staff to proceed with final design of the improvements, incorporating those modifications. G. Discussion of Alternatives: Alternative 1 would indicate support for the preliminary design concepts and direct staff to proceed with final design of the improvements. a. Advantages •
Allows the preliminary design concepts to be finalized and incorporated into the Project Development Report for the TIGER MCORE project.
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• • • • • • •
Public input regarding the preliminary design concepts has been positive. The design concepts are consistent with the City's complete street policy. The design concepts place an emphasis on pedestrian safety. The improvements will replace aging infrastructure at the end of its useful life The proposed streetscape elements improve upon the current standards but maintain a similar look. The Third and Green concept connects Green Street to the Second Street Reach Project and the Boneyard Greenway. The Green Street entryway concept improves both the appearance and functionality of this entryway into the University District.
b. Disadvantages •
While every effort will be made to minimize impacts of construction, the project will disrupt day-to-day activities in the University District.
Alternative 2 modifies the preliminary design concepts and directs staff to proceed with final design of the improvements, incorporating those modifications. a. Advantages • •
Allows Council to revise the preliminary design concepts. Dependent on Council's direction, there could be other advantages.
b. Disadvantages •
Dependent on Council's direction, there could be other disadvantages.
H. Community Input: A project kick-off meeting was held on March 12, 2014, at the Champaign Public Library. The purpose of the meeting was to introduce the project, summarize the existing conditions along the corridor and gather public comments and concerns. General feedback regarding the project was positive. Concerns voiced included the need to replace existing infrastructure, improve connectivity of bicycle facilities, the need for improved pedestrian facilities under the railroad viaduct, and the condition of the intersection of First and Green. During the course of the preliminary design phase, Planning and Development staff met with various property owners and business operators along the corridor to brief them on the preliminary design efforts, discuss potential elimination of driveways, and identify any issues or concerns. Feedback from stakeholders has been positive with most concerns related to access to their property and/or business during construction. A second public meeting was held on January 22, 2015, at Venue51 located at 51 East Green Street within the project area. This event included two separate presentations; one focusing on property owners and business operators within the corridor and the other directed toward the general public. Both presentations were well-attended (approximately 50 attendees combined). Exhibits displaying all of the preliminary design concepts were on-hand for viewing, and staff was on-hand to answer questions. In addition to the meeting, the project has received media exposure in the News-Gazette
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and through local television media. Overall the feedback received regarding the design concepts has been positive. A summary of the public meeting and comments received is attached to this report. Additional one-on-one meetings with stakeholders are anticipated during the final design phase as various design details are developed, construction staging and phasing plans are developed, and questions related to adjacent properties arise. There will also be two additional public information meetings for the TIGER MCORE projects later this year, providing other opportunities for the general public to provide input. All of the exhibits from the public meetings can be viewed on the project website at BuildingGreenStreet.com. On the website the public can subscribe to project updates, track the project as it moves through the design process, and/or contact the project team. I. Budget Impact: The recently approved engineering services agreement for the TIGER MCORE projects included services to complete the additional preliminary design tasks associated with Federal funding requirements and the completion of final design for the Green Street project. The TIGER grant will fund $8,050,000 for the construction of improvements to Green Street from Fourth Street to Neil Street. After receiving direction regarding the concepts outlined in this report, the intent is to design a project within the construction budget provided by the TIGER grant. The various concepts will be further developed and adjusted to accomplish the project goals while staying within budget. Overall, the $15.7 million TIGER grant requires a local match of $19.1, with the City's share totaling $9.6 million across the three projects in Champaign (Green Street, White Street and Wright Street). The current adopted budget for the Green Street Project allocated local Food and Beverage funds totaling $1 million in the current FY and $6 million in FY 2016 to design and build improvements from Fourth Street to First Street. This $7 million will be used as part of the local match requirement for use of the TIGER grant funding. In the current fiscal year, local funding is being utilized for preliminary design engineering services ($414,392) and staff time ($43,503); these totals are well within the current project budget. The $542,105 balance has been reallocated toward the preliminary design services for the Wright Street project through a budget transfer. Of the $6 million budgeted for Green Street in FY 2016, just over $2 million will remain in the Green Street project to fund final design engineering, construction engineering services, staff time, and the construction of the alley south of Green between First Street and Third Street. The remaining Food and Beverage funding will be proposed for reallocation to the Wright Street MCORE project as part of the next update to the Capital Improvements Plan and will serve as part of the local match contribution for that project. Wright Street expenses are proposed to be spread out over FY 2016 through FY 2018. J. Staffing Impact: The City of Champaign team for this project consists of representatives from the Planning and Development and Public Works staff. The Engineering Division workplan and applicable service plans reflect the project management needs for this project for the current year and FY 2016. The Engineering Division workplan estimates approximately 150 hours of staff time in the current fiscal year and 200 hours in FY 2016 to complete preliminary design and final design.
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Existing staffing resources would be able to handle the Green Street project were it a stand-alone project. However, Public Works does not have the existing resources to fully staff the needs resulting from the receipt of the TIGER grant, which include two additional projects (White Street and Wright Street) as well as grant administrative duties related to serving as the lead agency for all five MCORE projects. On February 17, 2015, Council approved an additional engineering position to provide project management for the TIGER MCORE projects and will play a role in the Green Street project. This position is a temporary position ending in FY 2021 when all construction activities have been completed on the TIGER grant.
Prepared by
Reviewed by:
Chris Sokolowski Assistant City Engineer
Dennis Schmidt Public Works Director
Prepared by:
Reviewed by:
Terry J. Blakeman, AICP Senior Planner for Economic Development
Bruce A. Knight, FAICP Planning and Development Director
Attachment: Public Open House Meeting Minutes from January 22, 2015
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Public Open House MEETING MINUTES Project:
Green Street Streetscape Project (Phase III) Neil Street to Fourth Street – Preliminary Design Date: January 22, 2015 Attendees: See Attached Sign-In Sheets Copies: Design Team Chris Sokolowski, T.J. Blakeman, Bruce Knight, Dave Clark, Rob Kowalski (CITY) Attachments: Sign in Sheets and Survey Response Summary A public meeting was held to convey the preliminary design results from Phase I to stakeholders and the general public, and gather feedback from these parties. Minutes of this meeting were prepared by Keary Roberts of Clark Dietz (CD). Please inform her of corrections or modifications. The following is a list of the exhibits displayed at the meeting: • Welcome board/meeting summary • Actual size typical cross-section of sidewalk and planter space • Plan and profile sheets for Green Street and First Street • Intersection Design Study and Autoturn analysis. • Preliminary landscape design • Site analysis • Site furnishing concepts • Site furnishing details • Sustainable stormwater management concept at Third Street. There were also handouts for each meeting with questions/comment sections to obtain public input on the project, specifically the preliminary design. See attached summary. The stakeholder meeting commenced at 4:00pm, with the team and stakeholders circulating among the exhibits. The presentation began at around 4:30pm. There was a brief general question/answer session after the presentation, and then stakeholders returned to the exhibits to further discuss the project. Stakeholders were generally in favor of the project; welcoming the improvements to the corridor and expressing very specific concerns about design features. The topics discussed are shown below. Verbal responses provided at the meeting are shown in italics. -
Staging during construction. There was interest about the effect of construction on businesses, and how to stage the project to minimize loss of business. Construction staging will be approached in such a way to efficiently construct the project with the minimum amount of impact possible; beginning with the intersection of First and Green, and then closing Green Street in segments. This was the approach for previous Green Street Improvements.
Meeting Minutes
Green Street Streetscape Project (Phase III) Neil Street to Fourth Street – Preliminary Design January 22, 2015
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Occupants of the University Center voiced multiple concerns about the area affecting their businesses. They were in agreement that parking for this area is a high priority, as they already feel that there isn’t enough available for their customers and delivery needs. Someone also expressed the opinion that adding café spaces along Green Street in this section will make the space too crowded and conflict with customers and deliveries coming in and out of the various businesses. These businesses will not lose any parking or access to their business. Potential conflicts with café space will be evaluated. A written comment received after the meeting from a property manager expressed interest in future café space. One stakeholder commented that care should be taken to select pavers with colors and compositions that withstand the elements well, because they have seen deterioration in areas in Downtown Champaign and hope that it doesn’t happen with this reconstruction. Durability will be a deciding factor in the selection of pavers. There were multiple comments about the elimination of the center turn lane and its probability of obstructing traffic. This design is in accordance with the traffic calming approach to reconstructing Green Street and the multi-modal hierarchy designated for this project and supported by the City of Champaign’s Complete Streets policy. Representatives associated with the construction on SE Neil St. and Green St. asked when/if they should coordinate their efforts with this project. Current and future efforts will be coordinated through the design and construction process to ensure harmony to the surrounding residents, businesses, and traffic.
A total of 18 stakeholders were in attendance. (See attached) The public open house began at 5:30pm, with attendees arriving and mingling with the stakeholders and team among the exhibits. The public open house presentation commenced at approximately 5:45pm, with another general question/answer session afterwards. Following that, attendees moved over to the exhibits to further discuss the project. The meeting concluded at 7:00pm. The public open house attendees were positive towards the project, and were in favor of many of the elements regarding safety, multi-modal transport, and the pedestrian friendly streetscape. Their comments/opinions are shown below. Verbal responses provided at the meeting are shown in italics. -
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The seating options were well received, and it was suggested that the project include electrical access for public use. The project will be investigating the use of lighting at tree locations, but public access to electricity has not been considered but will be evaluated. There was a question about how the streetscape elements protect pedestrians from traffic without using railings. Curbed planters, trees, heavy seating elements, and bike lanes will make up an effective barrier between pedestrians and vehicular traffic. It was mentioned that the project is purported to be a continuance of the Green Street section east of Fourth Street, but there will be change from round planters to rectangular ones. The new section is intended to be continuous and blend with the previous improvements; however it will also be incorporating lessons learned from previous projects. The proposed planters are more beneficial for the trees and make maintenance much easier.
Meeting Minutes
Green Street Streetscape Project (Phase III) Neil Street to Fourth Street – Preliminary Design January 22, 2015
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Someone stated that the existing viaduct is an eyesore, and they are hopeful that this project makes the most of the opportunity to improve this area. The proposed improvements at the viaduct area are intended to balance the classic and modern elements of the Campustown, improve pedestrian and bike travel through the area, and create a visually pleasing and inviting Gateway between Campustown and the other City of Champaign districts. There was interest in the potential to take advantage of using public art within the new corridor. Opportunities for public art are being investigated, and will be coordinated further on in the design process. It is the City’s intention to use public art within the proposed improvements. A question was raised about the transitions from the reconstruction to the existing conditions on the North-South streets. The transition areas will be taken into consideration, and every effort will be made to make the proposed design/improvement a smooth transition. There was very specific interest in the potential for bike lanes underneath the viaduct, as this is a dangerous area for bikes. The available width at the viaduct is restrictive and does not allow room for dedicated bike lanes, but overall section will be improved with pedestrian sidewalks on both sides, new lighting, and improved pavement marking for the shared vehicle/bike lane.
A total of 26 public participants were in attendance. (See attached) See the attached meeting sign in sheet, handout questions, and a summary of the responses. Additional Information After the public meeting, the City received an email from Adams Outdoor Advertising on 2/3/2015 which indicated sensitivity concerns with proposed tree planting locations that are adjacent to existing outdoor billboards/signs. Adams Outdoor Advertising requested that small vegetation be utilized instead of trees in specific areas as shown below.
Meeting Minutes
Green Street Streetscape Project (Phase III) Neil Street to Fourth Street – Preliminary Design January 22, 2015
Clark Dietz and Site Design Group will evaluate this request as part of the upcoming final design effort and report back to the City accordingly. Ultimately, the project’s design team will seek direction from the City of Champaign on this issue.
PUBLIC
Clark Dietz, Inc.
January 22, 2015
QUESTION 1: The New Green Street successfully accommodates all users: pedestrians, bikes, transit, and vehicles. AGREE: 4 9 DISAGREE: 0 1 COMMENTS: -Taking out the center lane will cause busses to -Few Bikes, bike lanes that are available are in poor condition. -It looks like a good attempt. Won't know for sure until it's put completely block traffic. into practice. -But it shouldn't. Needs more traffic calming/and to reduce thru traffic. Encourage Springfield, University, and Kirby instead. -For the most part, it's not ideal for bike lanes to fade in and out but at least the striping will be improved. -Not only pedestrians, but people-oriented activities (socializing, not just walking) -Not sure about vehicular. QUESTION 2: The new streetscape and facilities will encourage pedestrian traffic between Neil Street and Fourth Street. AGREE: 4 9 DISAGREE: 1 -Add more cheap housing. COMMENTS: -I hope so, also depends on what businesses are there. -Especially the viaduct improvements. -Yes, but also depends on adjoining development. -Facilitate and enhance, but not encourage. The Neil Street side is still "unfriendly" and not a connector. There is no reason to walk west from UIUC. QUESTION 3: The improved lighting along Green Street will increase nightlife and pedestrian safety in this section. AGREE: 4 9 DISAGREE: 0 COMMENTS: -Even more lighting. -This is a great improvement! Long-requested by so many folks. -It already feels better than nearby streets. -Very important. -That stretch of Green is currently a bit sketchy in places, improved lighting etc. will only help if it spurs economic development.
STAKEHOLDERS
Green Street Streetscape Project (Phase III)
13
13 1
13 1
Page 1
TOTAL
PUBLIC
Clark Dietz, Inc.
January 22, 2015
8 1 -Putting a fence at the sidewalk edge to create a buffer between the road/sidewalk's outer edge will help also. -Who would turn down privatizing ROW. Impedes ped traffic though :( Too much traffic. -This is also important. QUESTION 5: The proposed planters and their multiple functions are beneficial additions to the pedestrian corridor. AGREE: 4 9 DISAGREE: 0 1 COMMENTS: -Provides a nice barrier between street and sidewalk and helps create a "lane" for seating, art, bike racks etc. -Balances the human needs and environmental needs. -But not too many planters because bums might make a new home. -Blocks ped traffic. QUESTION 6: The completion of Green Street will help to connect Campustown to other City Districts, such as Downton and Midtown. AGREE: 2 7 DISAGREE: 2 3 COMMENTS: -Without addressing First Street, connecting to -Mostly AGREE. The Green/Neil intersection is very large. downtown is tough. -The removal of the N/S streets will better determine that. -I think parking is the bigger problem. -I hope the bus stops will integrate well with the plan. -Not sure how. QUESTION 7: The proposed improvement at the Railroad viaduct is an attractive gateway into Campustown. AGREE: 4 8 DISAGREE: 0 1 COMMENTS: -Badly needed. -Didn't care before. Still don't. Let UIUC pay for it's advertising. -A real eyesore now, but I find the proposed look a little corny. QUESTION 8: The proposed bike lanes and pedestrian walkways will encourage you to consider these alternative modes of transportation. AGREE: 1 5 DISAGREE: 3 I AM ALREADY A BIKER/WALKER: 5 COMMENTS: -May for some people, but most are lazy. -I believe a physical restrainer will increase. -I rely on a car for work too much. -But feel unsafe at Green/1st all the time!
QUESTION 4: The potential for café spaces will increase the appeal of businesses. AGREE: 3 DISAGREE: 1 COMMENTS: -Some of the proposed café space will take parking spots that are needed for some businesses.
STAKEHOLDERS
Green Street Streetscape Project (Phase III)
6 3 5
12 1
9 5
13 1
11 2
Page 2
TOTAL
Clark Dietz, Inc.
OTHER COMMENTS:
PUBLIC SUMMARY 80% GENERALLY POSITIVE RESPONSE 10% RESPONSE DISAGREEMENT
STAKEHOLDER SUMMARY 81% GENERALLY POSITIVE RESPONSE 19% RESPONSE DISAGREEMENT
January 22, 2015
-Hopefully no brick on corners, because of slippery, hard to shovel snow. -Happy to see this will happen. -Lanes should be 10', no median, 20 mph top speed. Ideally, other traffic calming (i.e. crossing bulbs). Work to discourage non-bus thru traffic. More bollards for safety. -Improved lighting at viaduct is something I think would help a lot. Currently I go out of my way to avoid biking on Green St. (especially under the viaduct) so any improvements in that respect are welcome. There aren't very many places to park a bike on that stretch of Green so please add more! -This plan is: sorely needed, tasteful, attractive, a little too ambitious in thinking it will lead to a "connection" to Neil Street, overall a big step forward.
-Lighting, fresh, much needed. -Street Improvement (Complete Street) Design. -Improved walk/bike paths, trees, lighting. -Wider sidewalks. -Mixed use/Complete Street idea. -Bike lanes and bike racks. Aesthetic improvement to viaduct. -I really liked the idea of the tree landscape design with a bench to outline. It really makes the small space fully useful. -Viaduct gateway to add character and streetscape tying in boneyard creek. -Multi-use pedestrian features: chairs, planters, bioswales etc.
PUBLIC
-I love the idea for this project. It does scare me because my small business will have a hard surviving the time Green Street is closed. -Will bus stops that are on opposite sides of the street block off traffic completely when a bus has stopped on both sides (opposite directions)? Example - Green and Locust, being proposed to be reduced to 2 lanes with no middle lane for passing.
FAVORITE PRELIMINARY DESIGN FEATURE: -Stone seating, space for outdoor tables. -Increased café seating and streetscaping.
STAKEHOLDERS
Green Street Streetscape Project (Phase III)
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