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Home My WebLink AboutItem 02 13th Street Right of Way Development Public Outreach Results AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Meeting Date: 5/20/2013 Meeting Type: Work Session Staff Contact/Dept.: Michael Liebler/DPW Staff Phone No: 541.736.1034 Estimated Time: 15 Minutes S P R I N G F I E L D C I T Y C O U N C I L Council Goals: Maintain and Improve Infrastructure and Facilities ITEM TITLE: 13th STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY (ROW) DEVELOPMENT, PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS ACTION REQUESTED: Review result of the public outreach regarding the unimproved 13th Street right-of- way (ROW) between L and N Streets. Provide staff with direction concerning how this portion of ROW is restored or improved during the construction of the 10th and N Street Sewer Project. ISSUE STATEMENT: On January 17th City and Willamalane staff held a meeting with area residents regarding the unimproved ROW on 13th Street from L to N Street. Attached are the results of the public outreach process and a memo that was included in a May 13th Communication Packet outlining the history and stakeholder involvement looking into improvement options for the above mentioned area. Staff is seeking Council direction on how to move forward in relation to the upcoming 10th and N Street Sewer project work within this unimproved area. ATTACHMENTS: Attachment 1: 13th and L Survey Summary Attachment 2: Communication Packet Memo Regarding 13th Street ROW Development Public Outreach Results DISCUSSION/ FINANCIAL IMPACT: Estimated cost for installing a simple bike/pedestrian path as part of the sewer project through the 13th Street ROW is $20,000 to $25,000 beyond the restoration costs already included in the project scope. Estimated cost to improve the rest of the unimproved ROW with a quality grass surface is roughly $13,000. Lighting for the path would occur as a separate project. At this time, Willamalane does not foresee committing funds or installing facilities that would serve as a local park. However, they would consider working with the City on mowing when the area is completed, by having this area added to the list of sites that are mowed by Willamalane on behalf of the City. If this cannot be accomplished, the City will be required to maintain the area. At this time, City of Springfield staff recommends capitalizing on the cost savings related to performing the work to install the bike/pedestrian path with landscaping as part of the sewer project and as supported by the results from the public outreach. 13th & L R.O.W. Public Meeting Survey Results Attendance & Survey Responses:  28 attendees signed in  20 surveys were completed (2 submitted via email)  4 individuals expressed their standpoint on specific survey questions via email or phone calls to Michael Liebler or Rebecca Gershow  7 of the 24 survey respondents(29%) indicated that they have children in their household  13 of the 24 survey respondents( 54%) indicated that they have lived at their current residence for more than 10 years Survey Summary: attendees were asked to express whether or not they felt specific improvements to the 13th & L ROW blocks between L & N streets would benefit the neighborhood. The resultant votes for these specific improvements are summarized here.  Landscaping(lawn, trees, ground cover, low‐maintenance plantings) o The majority, 58%, of survey respondents agree that this improvement would benefit the neighborhood. 58% 10% 32% Landscaping Agree Depends Disagree Attachment 1 - Page 1 of 10  Walking/Bicycling Path o The majority, 60%, of survey respondents agree that this improvement would benefit the neighborhood  Pedestrian Scale Lighting o The majority, 56%, of survey respondents agree that this improvement would benefit the neighborhood 60% 5% 35% Walking/Bicycling Path Agree Depends Disagree 56% 5% 39% Pedestrian Scale Lighting Agree Depends Disagree Attachment 1 - Page 2 of 10  Small Play Structure o Survey respondents are divided on whether this would benefit the neighborhood with the majority, 60%, either in agreement or thinking that it depends  Swings o Survey respondents are divided on whether this would benefit the neighborhood with the majority, 61%, either in disagreement or thinking that it depends 45% 15% 40% Small Play Structure Agree Depends Disagree 39% 17% 44% Swings Agree Depends Disagree Attachment 1 - Page 3 of 10  Mini Basketball Court o The majority, 55%, of survey respondents feel that this improvement would not benefit the neighborhood  Neighborhood Garden o The majority, 63%, of survey respondents feel that this improvement would not benefit the neighborhood 17% 28%55% Mini Basketball Court Agree Depends Disagree 21% 16%63% Neighborhood Garden Agree Depends Disagree Attachment 1 - Page 4 of 10  Seating (benches, picnic tables) o Survey respondents are divided on whether this would benefit the neighborhood with the majority, 74%, either in disagreement or thinking that it depends  No Improvements o The minority, 35%, agree that no improvements would benefit the neighborhood. 26% 26% 48% Seating (benches, picnic tables) Agree Depends Disagree 35% 65% No Improvements Agree Depends Disagree Attachment 1 - Page 5 of 10 Comments: Survey respondents were given the opportunity to provide additional feedback on potential improvements to and the present use of the 13th & L ROW property. These comments are listed here.  Comments given in explanation of responses for improvements: o I would prefer to see playground over BB court. I disagree with nothing being done. As a father of two, I most definitely would like to have a place for my kids to play in neighborhood where there is currently nothing. o Small scale improvements would be great o I would like to see an open space 'maintained by the city', grass‐nothing much more. A nice park or walking path would be a great thing but I don't see anyone with the money to maintain it. The neighbors are against change. We lack a neighborhood identity and leadership for change. o Landscaping would benefit the neighborhood if they were edible o I especially would like a lawn, a walking/biking path and lighting‐those are my top priorities. The play structure, garden, etc are lower priority for me. My main priority is walking my dog through the property, and improving the quality and appearance of the neighborhood. o Landscaping/ lighting/ path for walking/bicycles o Something better than empty grass lot with ruts would be an improvement. I'm hesitant to suggest a full blown park…however I see a nice path with lights and low bushes (no hiding places‐no big shadow at night) as a potential good thing. Not sure on playground stuff. Make it attractive to travel through. o People will always use this area to walk from one street to another. If a concrete path is installed lighting should go with it for safety. After the sewer construction, I would like to see the area smoothed and planted with grass and trees and shrubs, leaving it mostly open area for kids to play ball. o You're creating way more problems than you’d be solving. We don't need any more crime on 'N' street. o Our land is too small for improvement. We do not need to see improvements in our area. We don't need more people in this area. o I think money should be spent on Willamalane Park on G st o I don't trust the city to maintain it! It’s unsafe for kids because 3 blocks from transients, drugs, trash, gangs. Drug dealers target unsupervised kids in groups. It will not be maintained by neighbors. Trees etc will block views. o Leave it alone! Attachment 1 - Page 6 of 10 o Would love to have a small play structure + a nice walking path. Flowers would be great! Low maintenance/low water use preferred. Security is a concern‐ whatever method to reduce graffiti+ drug use would be very appreciated! o I agree with a design that will improve security and beautify what exists now. This is how I feel after meeting with the community around the park (future park). As a father in the area I would love to see any of the features I labeled as "depends", but mostly want a secure area that isn't an eyesore. o I think it would be great to give the kids in the neighborhood a place to play together. I think it will improve the3 neighborhoods appearance and make it more family friendly and could help with safety as neighbors would feel more like a community. I don't think gardens would be as effective because the neighborhood has large enough yards for gardens and they would not be tended to well. o I'm not in favor of any proposal which would restrict the existing vehicle access between L and M St. Nor do I support proposals that would increase noise and increased numbers of people around my home. I chose to live here, in part, for the quiet and backyard vehicle access that the existing conditions currently provide.  Comments given on how the property is currently being used: o Adjacent property owners treat it like their property o city storage‐alley access o light walking path o Muddy paths, vacant lot, weedy, trash dumping spot o walk through o In 2+ years I have seen zero kids playing in either block. I have only ever seen a car drive through…and sewer stuff o open field, local kids use it to play ball o People use part of the area for a drive way or yard access o Kids play on it o Free form play o Easement o It looks like an unwelcoming, ugly field used by the neighbors o It is an eyesore I pass on family walks o Kids play in it as an open field, tall grass and weeds grow o The land between M and N St is vacant grass land. The land between L and M St along my residence is a gravel access road which has existed for over 50 years. This provides access to the alley for large vehicles, the rear of L St duplex location, and a gate into my backyard and shed where vehicles are stored. Attachment 1 - Page 7 of 10  Comments on how the property would most benefit the neighborhood: o A safe place for kids to play. Aesthetics‐brings the community together. Property value o just a clean green space that is better maintained would be great o How to set the police to enforce drug laws in neighborhood? Neighborhood watch? o A mixed playground and community garden or regardless of the use of edible landscaping will be beneficial o I would love to see the property with a more park‐like atmosphere, with nice paved paths, lawns, shade trees etc. o simple grounds upgrades o Please don't let the scared grumpy people destroy the idea. Other thoughts: a cross walks with walk lights across centennial at 12th might make it easier. Also, make traffic on M st an out only….too much traffic. o Thank you again for all the time you have put into this o The city/parks could improve the appearance and/or access to this land with regular mowing of the existing grass areas. Where does the money come from to do any of these proposals when it can't even be maintained now without community volunteers doing the mowing?  Comments provided via email or phone calls: o Concern over being assessed fees for improvements and not being involved in the development process if things move forward. o Resident at corner lot on 13th and M does not want to see any changes in the area and is concerned about being assessed fees for improvements. There is also concern about being involved in the process if things move forward and is worried about noise, visibility into his yard, and people congregating at night. o Feel that it would be great to have a park in the neighborhood, and are pro: walking/bicycling path, picnic and seating area, small playground with basketball option, community garden plots, lawn area with trees, shrubs, and flowers. Thinks all of this sounds great and that there is a need for a place in the area for kids and parents to meet each other and play. o Pro‐park, pro‐play structure, pro‐bike‐ped path, have a child who would use o Supportive of improving property, lived in neighborhood for 37 years, says they are not "in a crime area… to us, we're not. Haven't had a problem…once in the past 20 years", there are some very "paranoid people", "I see it as a good thing" (improving the property), family owns six houses on the block, so she knows "everyone" on the block, and virtually all of the people she has spoken to are supportive of doing something positive with the property. Attachment 1 - Page 8 of 10 o Safety concerns to consider for improvements: feels it would be best to improve the are in a way that encourages movement(bike path, garden, basketball) as opposed to stationary activities(picnic tables, swings); include lighting, limit hours of park to day use; consider safety when choosing vegetation; consult Springfield police o Feels a playground space would benefit her family; does not feel that community gardens, walking/biking path, or picnic areas would benefit the neighborhood as much; opposed to basketball court; supportive of picnic tables and landscaping adjacent to the play area. o supportive of park development, has a 3 year old and another on the way; says there are several small children on his street and that several children play catch and basketball in the street; thinks the location is a great place for a small park o would love to have a small playground with a real trail through it (the park); has a 3 year old who loves to be outside, but doesn't always want to cross Centennial to take him to the park; thinks it would be nice for her child to have a park close to the house o Prefers no sand play area because there are a lot of cats in the neighborhood  Comments provided verbally at the public meeting: o What deficiency of park services is in this area? o Why would it not be a neighborhood park? o Who will maintain the area? o Who will keep it safe at night? Different people at night, bottles, needles etc at Willamalane Park. o Distance from Willamalane Park‐why a park here? o Currently not maintained by the city or Willamalane. o Access is easement, utility co's, improvement will restrict access. o Design for utility access. o 1996 drug traffic problem, 4 years o neighbors come together to plan are, maybe a simple plan, moderate improvements o Looks ugly! o What will happen if a park does not get built? ADA improvements‐ramps, walks, etc o Does city have a reason for maintaining? o Why doesn't the city sell the property? o Neighborhood potluck in ROW‐L St & M & N? o 2007‐Robbers in the area o Existing‐not safe‐upgrade and improve Attachment 1 - Page 9 of 10 o Next steps? o Resents people 2 blocks away voicing opinion o Thankful for what it is! Son played catch there. o Where is the funding source? o Played there for 19 years‐not scary‐why not try to improve it? o last 10 years has had to work w/enforcement officer o neighborhood has changed‐drugs o Will there be law enforcement? o children deserve better o this is about community o street crossing at 12th o light on 14th near Centennial‐use that to access Willamalane Attachment 1 - Page 10 of 10 Attachment 2, Page 1 of 3 M E M O R A N D U M City of Springfield Date: 5/6/2013 COMMUNICATION PACKET MEMORANDUM To: Gino Grimaldi, City Manager From: Richard Perry, P.E., Traffic Operations Engineer Michael Liebler, P.E., Transportation Planning Engineer Len Goodwin, Development and Public Works Director Subject: 13th Street Right of Way (ROW) Development Public Outreach Results City Project P21067 – 10th/N Street Sewer, Phase 2 INFORMATION SHARE: This update is for your information. You may wish to share this with the Council by placing it in the Council Communication Packet. In the November 5, 2012 Communication Packet, staff included a memo with information about the 10th/N Street Sewer Project, concerning a portion of the alignment along 13th St. from L St. to N St., and a request from citizens to use the unimproved right-of-way (ROW) in that area. That memo outlined the concept of how the City sewer project could be used as an impetus to install additional public improvements in a cost effective manner should public support prove positive for the improvements. A map is included below for your reference. The 10th and N Sewer Project will trench through this undeveloped ROW and may also stage part of the sewer project from this location, which presents an opportunity to make improvements as part of restoring the site once the sewer work is completed. In an effort to gauge public interest, City and Willamalane staff worked together and sent 800 mailings to the residents in this area. The mailing provided an overview of the issue, included contact information for staff at both agencies and invited the recipients to attend a public meeting. On January 17th of this year, staff held a meeting where approximately 30 people attended. Staff provided information about potential options for use of the ROW and conducted a question and answer period. Attendees were given the opportunity to express their opinions publicly and staff provided a questionnaire. Staff compiled information from emails, phone calls and twenty four questionnaires that were completed. Results showed 65% support for improving the site with varying levels of support for specific improvements. Neighbors favored a walking/bicycling path (60%), landscaping (58%) and pedestrian scale lighting (56%). The other park-type improvements listed (small play structure, swings, mini basketball court, neighborhood garden, and seating) received significantly less support. Please see the attached summary for more information. Estimated cost for installing a simple bike/pedestrian path as part of the sewer project through the 13th Street ROW is $20,000 to $25,000 beyond the restoration costs built into the project contract. Estimated cost to improve the rest of the undeveloped ROW with a quality grass surface is roughly $13,000. Lighting for the path would occur as a separate project. At this time, Willamalane does not foresee committing funds or installing facilities that would serve as a local park. However, they would consider working with the City on mowing when the area is completed by having this area added to the sites that are mowed by Willamalane on behalf of the City. If this cannot be accomplished, the City will be required to maintain the area. A 15-minute work session on May 20th will allow Council the opportunity to provide direction to staff concerning how this portion of 13th St. right-of-way is restored or improved during the 10th/N Street Sewer 5/16/2013 Page 2 Project. Area of Interest: 13th Street from L to N Streets. Closer view of 13th Street Right of Way for consideration. 5/16/2013 Page 3