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HomeMy WebLinkAboutGovernance-Team-Mtg-2-19-15-AgendaThe facility used for this meeting is wheelchair accessible. If you require any special physical or language accommodations, including alternative formats of printed materials, please contact LTD’s Administration office as far in advance of the meeting as possible and no later than 48 hours prior to the meeting. To request these arrangements, please call 541-682-6100 (voice) or 7-1-1 (TTY, through Oregon Relay, for persons with hearing impairments). Main-McVay Transit Study Governance Team AGENDA Thursday February 19, 2015 Springfield City Hall, Library Meeting Room (note location change) 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. 1. Welcome, Introductions & Agenda Review 2. Public Outreach Update Corridor Outreach Community Input Update Summary Public Notification for May Council and Board Meetings 3. SAC Project Recommendations and SAC Representatives Input SAC Representatives will join the GT for this discussion 4. Consider SAC Recommendation 5. Next Steps & Adjourn Main-McVay Transit Study February 2015 Project Initiation Problem Statement, Purpose & Need, Criteria, Modes Service Plan, Existing & Future Conditions Develop and Review Conceptual Transit Solutions Tiered Screening Process Most Promising Transit Solutions Future Phase (Design, NEPA) Governance Team Final Approval by Springfield City Council & LTD Board Governance Team Property Owners / Businesses / Community Governance Team Stakeholder Advisory Group Stakeholder Advisory Committee Stakeholder Advisory Committee Stakeholder Advisory Committee Broad Range of Transit Solutions Governance Team Narrowed Range of Transit Solutions Governance Team Range of Most Promising Transit Solutions Springfield City Council and LTD Board will take final action on the Project Purpose Statement, Goals and Objectives, Range of Modes, and Range of Most Promising Transit Solutions. WE ARE HERE Recommendation: Modes Recommendation: Purpose, Goals, Objectives Service Concepts Report Baseline Existing and Future Conditions Report Develop Draft Broad Range of Transit Solutions Recommendation: Problem, Need, Evaluation Criteria (8/26) Recommendation: Broad Range of Transit Solutions (8/26) Recommendation: Narrowed Range of Transit Solutions (9/30) Recommendation: 3 Elements of Most Promising Range of Transit Solutions (10/28) Recommendation: 4 Elements of Most Promising Range of Transit Solutions (12/09) Recommendation: Most Promising Range of Transit Solutions (01/27) February 12, 2015 TO: Main Street Projects Governance Team FROM: John Evans, LTD Tom Boyatt, City of Springfield RE: Stakeholder Advisory Committee Recommended Range of Most Promising Transit Solutions At their January 27, 2015 meeting, the Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC) reviewed the draft package of Most Promising Transit Solutions. Based on decisions made over the last several months on the various specific transit elements along the corridor, the SAC took the following actions: SAC RECOMMENDATION #1: Advance as Most Promising Transit Solutions: No-Change and Enhanced Bus options for the McVay Highway Segment No-Change, Enhanced Bus, and BRT options for the Main Street Segment SAC RECOMMENDATION #2: Further study of the Most Promising Transit Solutions with the intent of identifying the Locally Preferred Solutions The SAC recommended that LTD and the City of Springfield conduct further study of the range of Most Promising Transit Solutions with the intent of identifying the Locally Preferred Solutions for the Main Street and McVay Highway Segments. Consideration should be given to McVay Highway segment for future BRT service based on the corridor meeting development thresholds or ridership levels associated with other segments of the regional BRT system. SAC RECOMMENDATION #3: Revision of SAC Lane Configuration Recommendation The SAC recommended modifying their previously approved BRT Lane Configuration recommendation, which is included in the Main-McVay Transit Study Most Promising Transit Solutions Report (January 2015) as follows [addition is underlined]: BRT Lane Configurations Lane Configuration Option 1: Low Exclusivity  Lane Configuration Option 2: Moderate Exclusivity  Lane Configuration Option 3: High Exclusivity  SAC Recommendation Option 2, with consideration given to pedestrian and bicycle facilities, including safety and comfort issues. The Moderate Exclusivity option is advanced because it provides the greatest degree of flexibility in meeting the transit operating needs while also addressing potential impacts. The Low Exclusivity and High Exclusivity Options provide less flexibility in the consideration of transit priority treatments. Low Exclusivity may not provide the level of transit priority to adequately address congestion delays. High Exclusivity has the greatest potential environmental impact and property and business impact. The SAC recommendation stressed the need to consider impacts on pedestrian and bicycle access, safety and comfort when developing lane configuration options. The SAC also recommends that corridor traffic speeds of various lane configuration models be studied and be considered in relation to corridor safety. Memo – Governance Team Stakeholder Advisory Committee Recommended Range of Most Promising Transit Solutions February 12, 2015 Page 2 RECOMENDATION #4: Study of Additional Pedestrian Crossings The SAC recommended further study of additional pedestrian crossings and lighting improvements east of 58th Street including those identified in the SAC’s July 2014 workshop. RECOMMENDATION #5: Committee Members to Represent SAC at GT, Springfield City Council, and Lane Transit District Board work sessions The SAC recommended that Randy Hledik, Emma Newman, and Brett Rowlett serve as SAC spokespeople for the Governance Team, Springfield City Council, and Lane Transit District Board work sessions. Main-McVay Transit Study Most Promising Transit Solutions FINAL JANUARY 2015 A collaborative study between: Main-McVay Transit Study Most Promising Transit Solutions January 2015 Page 1 Contents 1 Overview ...............................................................................................................................1 1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Summary of Recommended Most Promising Transit Solutions ................................................................... 2 2 Elements of the Most Promising Transit Solutions...................................................................3 3 Most Promising Transit Solutions ...........................................................................................5 3.1 No-Change Option (Existing Service)............................................................................................................ 5 3.2 Enhanced Bus ............................................................................................................................................... 6 3.3 BRT on Main Street Segment ....................................................................................................................... 8 3.4 BRT on McVay Highway Segment .............................................................................................................. 10 4 Project Team Recommendations .......................................................................................... 11 5 Next Steps ........................................................................................................................... 11 1 Overview 1.1 Introduction The Main-McVay Transit Study is intended to identify the most appropriate and promising transit solutions for the Main-McVay Corridor and determine if those solutions should be advanced as a project or projects in the Corridor. Through an iterative screening process, decisions have been made to focus on bus-based options (Enhanced Bus and Bus Rapid Transit) and to identify the various elements of transit solutions that would best meet the needs of the Corridor. Elements of the Most Promising Transit Solutions are described in Section 2. The “No-Change” Option will be carried forward on any subsequent studies. All of the study reports are available at the City of Springfield Transportation Planning Department, LTD’s Glenwood Administration Building, and on the project website (http://ourmainstreetspringfield.org/main-mcvay-transit-improvement-study/). This document consolidates the decisions that have been made on each element into recommended comprehensive transit solutions for the Corridor. The Main-McVay Corridor is composed of the Main Street and McVay Highway segments (Figure 1.1-1). Given the diverse characteristics of these two segments in development patterns, population and employment density, and current transit service, recommendations for the most promising transit solutions are broken out by segment. January 2015 Most Promising Transit Solutions Main-McVay Transit Study Page 2 Figure 1.1-1: Main Street and McVay Highway Corridor Segments Source: Cameron-McCarthy. 2014. 1.2 Summary of Recommended Most Promising Transit Solutions The recommended range of Most Promising Transit Solutions for the Main-McVay Corridor, based on the recommended transit elements, is summarized in Table 1.1-1. The most promising solutions are indicated with a green dot, while a red dot indicates an option that is not promising or viable at this time. An orange dot indicates a solution that, while not recommended as the primary option, can be reconsidered should conditions or circumstances change. A more complete description of the recommended Most Promising Transit Solutions in included in Section 3. Table 1.1-1. Recommend Most Promising Transit Solutions by Segment Options Main Street Segment McVay Highway Segment No-Change (Existing Service)   Enhanced Bus   BRT   The No-Change Option is carried forward for both the Main Street and McVay Highway Segments. Enhanced Bus Options are carried forward for both the Main Street and McVay Highway segments. BRT on Main Street as an extension of the current Franklin EmX is carried forward. BRT on McVay Highway is not a promising solution at this time. This option can be reconsidered should sufficient new development materialize within the Corridor. Main-McVay Transit Study Most Promising Transit Solutions January 2015 Page 3 2 Elements of the Most Promising Transit Solutions Decisions have been made on the most appropriate elements of potential Enhanced Bus and BRT options. These individual decisions were combined to form complete transit solutions for the Main Street and McVay Highway Segments. Decisions on the various elements are summarized in Table 2.1-1. Table 2.1-1. Decisions on Transit Elements Options Advanced Eliminated BRT Station Spacing Station Spacing Option 1: Stations routinely spaced less than 1/3 mile apart  Station Spacing Option 2: Stations spaced approximately 1/3 mile apart (can vary depending on adjacent uses)  Station Spacing Option 3: Stations routinely spaced more than 1/3 mile apart  SAC Recommendation: Option 2. The 1/3 mile station spacing has been recommended as the most appropriate option for possible BRT service in the Corridor. This option provides the best balance between access and travel time savings. Note that the stop spacing is an average distance between stops and that stops more or less than 1/3 mile apart can be implemented based on adjacent land uses and activity centers. BRT Routing: Main Street East, Eastern Terminus East Main Option 1: Thurston Station (with connector service east of 58th Street))  East Main Option 2A: Thurston High School – All Trips (with connector service east of 58th Street)  East Main Option 2B: Thurston High School – Selected Trips (with connector service east of 58th Street))  East Main Option 3: Thurston Road to 69th  East Main Option 4: Main to 72nd  SAC Recommendation: Option 2B. The option which extends the service to Thurston High School for a limited number of trips that meet key school start and end times has been determined to be the best option, assuming a safe and convenient routing and station location can be established. If not, it is recommended that Option 1: Thurston Station is be used as the eastern terminus for all trips. BRT Routing: Main Street Downtown Downtown Routing Option 1: Main Street / South A Couplet  Downtown Routing Option 2: South A Street (eastbound and westbound)  Downtown Routing Option 3A: South A Street west of 10th; Couplet east of 10th  Downtown Routing Option 3B: South A Street west of 14th; Couplet east of 14th  SAC Recommendation: Option 3A. The “Combination Option” using 10th Street was determined to be the best option. This option provides equivalent access as Option 1: Main Street/South A Couplet, but eliminates bus travel through the most congested part of downtown Springfield. Option 2 that uses South A Street for both eastbound and westbound service was suggested by SAC and the Main Street Vision Project Manager to be retained as a back-up option, since it may provide an opportunity for a higher level of lane exclusivity and may fit better with the Main Street vision. BRT Routing: McVay South South McVay Option 1: McVay Highway (west side of I-5)  South McVay Option 2: Old Franklin (east side of I-5)  January 2015 Most Promising Transit Solutions Main-McVay Transit Study Page 4 Options Advanced Eliminated South McVay Option 3: Haul Road (east side of I-5)  SAC Recommendation: Option 1 and Option 2. Since there was little in the analysis to differentiate the McVay Highway and Old Franklin Options, it was determined that both the McVay Highway and Old Franklin routing options should be carried forward. The SAC also recommended that exploration be conducted on an option that would use a private underpass of Interstate 5 and new roadway on the west side of Interstate 5. Enhanced Bus Options Enhanced Bus Option 1: Main Street  Enhanced Bus Option 2: McVay Highway  Enhanced Bus Option 3: Main Street Express  Enhanced Bus Option 4: Freeway Express  Enhanced Bus Option 5: Main-McVay  SAC Recommendation: Option 1 and Option 2. Enhanced Bus options on both the Main Street and McVay Highway segments are predicted to lead to an increase in ridership by 2035 and a reduction in operating costs with few adverse impacts on the natural or built environment. Option 3: Main Street Express would add considerable operating cost without a commensurate increase in ridership. Option 4: Freeway Express has minimal impact of the corridor. Option 5: Main-McVay, which would link the Main Street and McVay Highway segments with Enhanced Bus service, could not be done on a consistent basis due to the different service frequencies and service spans of the two segments. However, if both Options 1 and 2 are implemented, linking the two routes at the Springfield Station whenever possible would be beneficial by eliminating transfers for some trips. BRT Service Options BRT Service Option 1: Franklin-Gateway; Main-McVay  BRT Service Option 2: Franklin-Main; Gateway-McVay   BRT Service Option 3: Franklin-Gateway; Main; McVay  BRT Service Option 4: Franklin-Main; Gateway; McVay  BRT Service Option 4A: Franklin-Main; Gateway  BRT Service Option 4B: Franklin; Gateway-McVay  SAC Recommendation: Option 4A, with Option 2 retained for possible reconsideration depending on the timing and extent of development in the McVay Segment. Option 4, as outlined, did not allow for the independent evaluation of the Main Street and McVay Highway Segments, therefore, this option was split into Options 4A and 4B. Option 4A extends the Franklin EmX to Main Street with Gateway EmX operating independently (starting and ending at the Springfield Station). A Main Street BRT is feasible due to high ridership and operating compatibility with the Franklin EmX. The Franklin-Main Street link creates a logical east-west EmX line, especially when considering the extension of the Franklin line to west Eugene. A McVay Highway BRT would more than double LTD’s operating cost on that segment and may not have sufficient ridership to meet Small Starts eligibility requirements. The SAC recommended that, should new development in Glenwood and the LCC basin materialize within the corridor planning process to the extent that the viability of a McVay Highway BRT route is positively impacted, BRT service in the corridor should be reconsidered as an extension of the Gateway EmX. Otherwise, the McVay Highway Segment should be considered for future BRT service, with that decision to be triggered by the corridor meeting development thresholds. BRT Lane Configurations Lane Configuration Option 1: Low Exclusivity  Main-McVay Transit Study Most Promising Transit Solutions January 2015 Page 5 Options Advanced Eliminated Lane Configuration Option 2: Moderate Exclusivity  Lane Configuration Option 3: High Exclusivity  SAC Recommendation Option 2, with consideration given to pedestrian and bicycle facilities, including safety and comfort issues. The Moderate Exclusivity option is advanced because it provides the greatest degree of flexibility in meeting the transit operating needs while also addressing potential impacts. The Low Exclusivity and High Exclusivity Options provide less flexibility in the consideration of transit priority treatments. Low Exclusivity may not provide the level of transit priority to adequately address congestion delays. High Exclusivity has the greatest potential environmental impact and property and business impact. The SAC recommendation stressed the need to consider impacts on pedestrian and bicycle access, safety and comfort when developing lane configuration options. 3 Most Promising Transit Solutions The recommended range of Most Promising Transit Solutions, summarized in Table 3.1-1 below, are formed as a combination of the various design elements that have been determined to be most appropriate for the corridor. Table 3.1-1. Recommend Most Promising Transit Solutions by Segment Options Main Street Segment McVay Highway Segment No-Change (Existing Service)   Enhanced Bus   BRT   3.1 No-Change Option (Existing Service) The option to continue existing bus service (shown in Figure 3.1-1), called the No-Change Option, will be carried forward to compare all options to a future scenario without making any major changes in existing transit service. Under this option, there is no change to existing service connections, lane configurations, routing, termini, or station locations. Future bus service changes would be consistent with the service and operational adjustments typically made by LTD to maintain service quality. January 2015 Most Promising Transit Solutions Main-McVay Transit Study Page 6 Figure 3.1-1. Existing Bus Service on the Main-McVay Corridor Source: Cameron McCarthy. 2014. 3.2 Enhanced Bus Enhanced Bus options typically include transit signal priority (TSP), improved stations, possible queue- jumps at congested intersections, and improved operations, and can include improvements to the frequency of service on the Corridor. Enhanced Bus Options for both the Main Street and McVay Highway Segments are advanced as Most Promising Transit Solutions. The Main Street Enhanced Bus Option would replace the existing #11 Thurston Route with Enhanced Bus service; #85 LCC/Springfield and other routes would be unchanged (Figure 3.1-2). This option is anticipated to increase ridership by approximately 6 percent and may reduce operating costs if faster travel times can be achieved. Main-McVay Transit Study Most Promising Transit Solutions January 2015 Page 7 Figure 3.1-2. Enhanced Bus – Main Street Source: Cameron McCarthy. 2014. The McVay Highway Enhanced Bus Option would replace #85 LCC / Springfield Route with Enhanced Bus service; #11 Thurston and other routes would be unchanged (Figure 3.1-3). Alternate routing for the McVay South segment using Old Franklin will be considered as part of this option. The McVay Highway Enhanced bus is anticipated to increase ridership by approximately 2 percent and may reduce operating costs if faster travel times can be achieved. While this study did not develop specific design solutions, the basic concepts for the Enhanced Bus Options for both the Main Street and McVay Highway segments have been developed. Enhanced Bus characteristics on both segments generally include the following: Enhanced Bus replaces existing service: Existing regular bus service would be replaced by Enhanced Bus service on both segments. Service frequency would be the same as existing service frequency. Right-of-Way: Additional right-of-way would not be required, except at some queue-jump locations. Transit signal priority (TSP): The Enhanced Bus service would use TSP at signalized intersections between the Springfield Station and Thurston Station, with the extent of priority to be determined through subsequent study. Enhanced Stops: Stop locations would generally be in the same as the current stop locations but some stops at would be enhanced to include amenities such as passenger shelters, benches, and passenger information. Limited sidewalk infill would occur. Enhanced stop locations would be determined based on adjacent land uses, higher boarding levels, and coordination with recommendations from other plans and projects. Queue-Jumps: Queue-jumps will be included at up to one selected congested intersection per travel direction for each segment. January 2015 Most Promising Transit Solutions Main-McVay Transit Study Page 8 Figure 3.1-3. Enhanced Bus – McVay Highway Source: Cameron McCarthy. 2014. 3.3 BRT on Main Street Segment BRT on the Main Street Segment would be an extension of the Franklin EmX line east of the Springfield Station on Main Street (Figure 3.1-4). The Gateway EmX would operate independently, starting and ending at the Springfield Station. The Franklin-Main Street link creates a logical east-west EmX line because of the compatible operating needs (frequency of service and ridership), which would likely reduce LTD operating costs due to faster service. Additionally, this linked route is anticipated to have a high percentage of through-routing passengers (eliminating the need for a transfer) and, with the extension of the Franklin line to west Eugene, is anticipated to increase ridership by approximately 12 percent. This Franklin-Main BRT option is very likely to meet FTA Small Starts requirements. Main-McVay Transit Study Most Promising Transit Solutions January 2015 Page 9 Figure 3.1-4. BRT on Main Street Segment Source: Cameron McCarthy. 2014. While this study did not develop specific design solutions, the basic conceptual elements of a Main Street BRT have been determined. These include: BRT replaces existing service: The BRT line on Main Street would replace current service provided by the #11 Thurston route. Connections to other service would be made at the Springfield Station, Thurston Station, and potentially, other locations along Main Street. Transit signal priority (TSP): The BRT service would use TSP at signalized intersections between the Springfield Station and Thurston Station, with the extent of priority to be determined through subsequent study. Stops spaced approximately every 1/3 mile: This is regarded as a general (average) stop spacing; stops could be closer or farther apart than 1/3 mile depending on adjacent land uses and signalized pedestrian crossing locations. Specific stop locations have not been finalized. Enhanced stops and stations (similar to current EmX): Every BRT stop would be developed as an EmX style station, similar to the existing EmX system. Station amenities include raised platforms, shelters, benches, real-time passenger information, ticket vending machines, and, potentially, public art. Alignment from Springfield Station to Thurston Station, with selected trips (approximately 6) extended to Thurston High School: The service would extend the current Franklin EmX east from the Springfield Station to the Thurston Station. Some trips that meet school start and end times may be extended to Thurston High School, depending on identifying a safe and convenient option for a bus turnaround in the vicinity of the high school. If a feasible turnaround is not identified, all trips would terminate at the Thurston Station. Neighborhood connector service to serve neighborhoods east of Thurston Station: The current #11 Thurston route extends east of 58th Street, providing service to Thurston Road, 69th January 2015 Most Promising Transit Solutions Main-McVay Transit Study Page 10 Street, and Main Street. Under the BRT service option, transit service east of 58th would be provided by neighborhood buses. Routing for the neighborhood service could match the existing Route #11 loop, or it could also serve other areas, including neighborhoods east of 69th Street and/or south of Main Street. Riders on the neighborhood service would transfer at the Springfield Station for destinations west of 58th Street. Westbound routing in downtown Springfield using Main Street to 10th to South A: The westbound BRT service would use Main Street to 10th Street, and then jog down to South A Street to access the Springfield Station. Since South A Street is a one-way eastbound street, the BRT service between 5th and 10th Streets would use a contraflow lane. Eastbound routing in downtown Springfield to use South A to Main Street: The eastbound BRT service would use South A Street between 5th Street and the point where South A Street joins Main Street in the vicinity of 21st Street. Option for both eastbound and westbound routing to use South A: Under this option, both the eastbound and westbound service would use South A Street between 5th Street and where South A joins Main Street in the vicinity of 21st Street. This option is carried forward and could be pursued if it is determined that the two-way service on South A provides greater opportunity for exclusive lane treatments, and that the travel time advantage of that offsets the advantage of Main Street stops for the westbound service. Moderate level of lane exclusivity: The BRT service would be a combination of exclusive transit lanes and mixed traffic, with the details of the design to be determined in as part of subsequent study. This option is advanced because it provides the greatest degree of flexibility in meeting the transit operating needs while best addressing potential impacts. 3.4 BRT on McVay Highway Segment BRT on the McVay Highway Segment is not recommended at this time. A McVay Highway BRT would more than double LTD’s operating cost on that segment and may not have sufficient ridership to meet Small Starts eligibility requirements. There is the expectation that development along the McVay Highway segment may increase significantly in the future. There are plans for more intensive development in Glenwood and possible development in the LCC basin. Should this new development materialize within the corridor planning process to the extent that the viability of a McVay Highway BRT route is positively impacted, BRT service in the corridor should be reconsidered. Otherwise, the McVay Highway Segment should be considered for future BRT service, with that decision to be triggered by the corridor meeting development thresholds. Should a McVay Highway BRT be pursued as part of this or a subsequent project, it would operate as an extension of the Gateway EmX, as shown on Figure 3.1-5. If a BRT McVay Highway option is advanced, both the McVay Highway and Old Franklin routing options should be considered for the south portion of McVay Highway. Additionally, the SAC suggested that additional consideration be given to other routing options that may not be as constrained. Main-McVay Transit Study Most Promising Transit Solutions January 2015 Page 11 Figure 3.1-5: BRT Option 1 – Franklin-Gateway and Main-McVay Source: Cameron McCarthy. 2014. 4 Project Team Recommendations Project Team Recommendation #1: Advance the options as identified and described in this report as the range of Most Promising Transit Solutions for the Main Street and McVay Highway Segments. Project Team Recommendation #2: Recommend that LTD and the City of Springfield conduct further study of the range of Most Promising Transit Solutions with the intent of identifying Locally Preferred Alternatives for the Main Street and McVay Highway Segments. 5 Next Steps The identification of the range of Most Promising Transit Solutions for the Main-McVay Corridor completes this Main-McVay Transit Study. The LTD Board and the Springfield City Council will decide in March and April 2015 whether to advance the range of Most Promising Transit Solutions for further study. Main-McVay Transit Study Public Comments Received 12/4/14 – 1/20/15 1 Main-McVay Transit Study Community Input Summary January 2015 Written comments submitted As of 1/20/15: None received. Website Input As of 1/20/15: Three Subject: RE: Our Main Street: Vision Plan Open House Rescheduled for Jan 20 From: YEITER Kurt M Date: January 13, 2015 9:24:59 AM PST Thank you for this. It is not entirely clear to me, though, from these materials whether the McVay transit study SAC or Governance Team have already narrowed the McVay transit options. Have they? Is there a recommendation being prepared for Council review? Thanks, Kurt Kurt Yeiter City of Eugene Transportation Planning Project Team Response: Subject: Re: RE: Our Main Street: Vision Plan Open House Rescheduled for Jan 20 From: John Evans Date: Fri, Jan 16, 2015 12:19 pm Hi Kurt - Thanks for checking in about the Springfield Main-McVay Transit Study. The Study is close to completion with recommendations for the Final Draft Range of Most Promising Transit Solutions pending by the SAC and Governance Team. The resulting final recommendations will be reviewed by Springfield City Council and the Lane Transit District Board in March. In April, both bodies will make formal resolutions to move forward with further study or not with the proposed transit solutions. Attached is a summary of the upcoming meetings. John Main-McVay Transit Study Public Comments Received 12/4/14 – 1/20/15 2 Subject: Bus system From: Tina Starr Wed, Jan 14, 2015 7:48 pm I am a business owner and I have 2 people currently coming to my place on the bus. I also have a son going to school at the U of O. He is able to use the bus to his advantage during the day, but in the evening when there are concerts and events going on you don't accommodate after 10:45ish. I know people who left Tom Petty concert early because the bus doesn't run after a certain time and in a town this size. The concert went on for another hour. My husband and I did the park and ride (which we now call the "park and ride then walk home") and our son had to come get us, because we rode the bus to cut down on traffic and got stuck at the concert because there was no bus. What???? Do you know how much those tickets are and how good of an evening my friends missed out on all because of the bus system did not work for them. You would think that on event days you would hire or keep certain main lines running to accommodate the situation not just your city needs, but of the people in it. So if you ask me I'm not sure that the bus system should get all their needs met if the people riding it are not getting their needs met. LTD Response: Subject: re: Bus system From: Andy Vorbora Thu, Jan 15, 2015 2:53 pm The expansion of LTD’s span of service is a high priority. LTD operated an 11:30 pm departure until 2004, however the recession of 2001-02 required service reductions and the last departure was eliminated. The District operates 12 core routes through the 10:45 pm departure. Operating fewer routes is possible but does reduce the usability of the service for events and other transportation needs. LTD’s desire would be to run this core system an hour later. On an annual basis this is an investment of approximately $300,000 and it is on our Annual Route Review (ARR) list as a potential service addition. Our ability to fund this level of expansion and take care of other system needs will be evaluated during the ARR and the Board will make a final decision on what improvements will be funded later this spring. There will be two public hearings to receive comments on the package of changes the staff is recommending, and your comments will now be included for the Board to consider. Thank you for taking time to share your thoughts. Subject: Cross walks between 58th and 69th streets From: Tammy Puett Sun, Dec 28, 2014 2:22 pm Automobiles travel at the highest speeds between 72nd and 58th on Main Street and many pedestrians are crossing to either go to an LTD bus stop or to get to the high school. I see pedestrians force during high traffic hours to stand in the median to get across all four lanes. I know there has many near misses and a bicyclist that was killed. This is a very long distance of road being traveled at high speed, with no cross walks and few stop lights. Please consider taking a closer look at this area during high traffic hours. City of Springfield Response: Subject: re: Cross walks between 58th and 69th streets From: Michael Liebler Thu, Jan 15, 2015 2:52 pm Tammy, Main-McVay Transit Study Public Comments Received 12/4/14 – 1/20/15 3 Thank you for your input on Main Street. I am the project lead for the implementation of the 2010 Main Street Pedestrian Crossing Study projects and am able to address your communication about the section of Main from 58th to 72nd. The Main Street Pedestrian study looked at this area, but did not recommend a pedestrian crossing. As the study and associated projects have evolved we have been working with ODOT to examine this section further. We have discussed this area with ODOT and they are willing to possibly utilize some of the funding from the pedestrian crossing projects to install a crossing within this stretch of Main Street. I would be open to talking with you further about our progress towards improvements along this stretch of Main Street over the phone or in person if you are interested. Thanks, Michael Liebler, PE City of Springfield, Public Works 225 Fifth Street Springfield OR 97477 Phone: 541.736.1034 mliebler@springfield-or.gov Email correspondence sent to Project Team: As of 12/9/14: Five From: Erin Walters Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2014 4:14 PM To: REESOR David; John Evans Subject: Fwd: Main-McVay Tranist Study Good afternoon, Could I please get a copy of the sign in sheets and public comments received during the outreach programs listed in the attached document (MAIN STREET CORRIDOR VISION PLAN PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY January-March 2014). I was informed they are public record. Thank you, Erin Walters Project Team Response: Subject: Re: Fwd: Main-McVay Tranist Study From: Chris@cogitopartners.com Mon, Jan 05, 2015 8:17 am Good morning, Erin - The document you attached is the Community Conversations Summary for the Main-McVay Transit Study. The noted outreach activities were: Community Conversations (small groups of representative corridor stakeholders) SummerFair/National Night out (general outreach) Nick Symmonds Springfield 800 Community Run (general outreach) Stakeholder groups participating in the Community Conversations are listed on page 6 of the document. Main-McVay Transit Study Public Comments Received 12/4/14 – 1/20/15 4 I'm attaching a list of the people who accepted the invitation to participate in those groups. Also attached are the comments received during the two general outreach events. The document noted in the body of your email is from the Main Street Vision Plan. If you want information about that project's outreach, pls. let me know. All the best, Chris Christian L. Watchie, Cogito Subject: Main Street From: Pamela Davis Date: Sun, December 14, 2014 8:55 am To: info@ourmainstreetspringfield.org Good Morning, My grandchildren live near main street so I am constantly driving on main street out by Thurston. Is there a reason why we cannot reduce the speed limit on this road. Many times, I have almost hit someone due to the rain and poor lighting. I appreciate the attempt at the new lighting at the cross walks, but cars are going up to 60 miles per hour on this road at times and these lights do nothing if you can't stop in time. Why does the speed limit have to be so fast on this street??? -- This e-mail was sent from a contact form on Our Main Street (http://ourmainstreetspringfield.org) Project Team Response: From: REESOR David [mailto:dreesor@springfield-or.gov] Sent: Thursday, December 18, 2014 4:25 PM Cc: LIEBLER Michael; chris@cogitopartners.com Subject: Main Street comment Hi Pamela, Your email comment and question below was emailed to me from another Project team member – thank you for taking the time and effort to reach out. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the City of Springfield completed a Main Street Safety Study back in 2010 and analyzed many different potential safety improvements on the corridor. Here’s an important few sentences that I just pulled from the Study that help address what you wrote: Lowering Speed Limit: The speed limit is determined by roadway characteristics and the 85th percentile speed of traffic. Studies show that ‘artificially’ lowering the speed of a roadway is ineffective at garnering driver compliance. However, some of the other improvements may calm traffic and result in lower travel speeds. Therefore, after other recommended projects have been implemented, future speed limit lowering investigation can be performed to see if lowering the speed limit is justified. Main-McVay Transit Study Public Comments Received 12/4/14 – 1/20/15 5 Basically what this is saying is that we have to first do other measures to try and reduce speeds and improve safety (which are recommended in the Study) before we can effectively lower the speed limit. Some of these included: stronger enforcement; education; improved street lighting; speed feedback signs, etc. I attached a PDF copy of the final Main Street Safety Study if you are interested in looking at it. I completely understand your concern and frustration, though. I have three small children and am always concerned about them going out walking or biking by themselves. We are continuing to work with ODOT on addressing the safety issues on Main Street and hope to keep making progress. I also copied my coworker, Michael Liebler, on this email as he is the Project Manager for the Pedestrian Crossings on Main Street. Michael, please weigh in on this if you would like to add any additional info I may have missed. Thank you, David Email correspondence sent to Project Team: From: Erin Walters Sent: Friday, December 19, 2014 12:54 AM To: REESOR David Subject: Main-McVay Tranist Study David, First of all, I want to apologize for taking so long to contribute the following information and thoughts. As you can tell by the time stamp of this email, I am stealing time from Peter to pay Paul. This was just a little more important than sleep tonight. Second, below are some findings I feel should be shared with the SAC. I finally got a chance to listen to the audio from the first SAC meeting (I was not a member yet). I really wish I could have been there in person, but I guess I am lucky you recorded the meetings. Let me point out a couple things. Dorris, President of the LTD Board, provided a compelling and persuasive point of view. Let me quote a few things: “When we went through the process with Gateway and West Eugene, we had viewpoints from all different areas and perspectives, for and against. It helped us come to a solid decision that would have a positive impact on the community. And we’ve watched it with the first two corridors as they’ve unfolded and surpassed our expectations and projections for ridership. Literally, we beat those projections within the first few months of Franklin opening up and Gateway pretty much did the same thing… As we continue to build out the system and look to see how we best provide the services in the community, your input is vitally important.” 1. Dorris (representing LTD) provided straight up false information about the Gateway extension. As we found out a few meetings later, Gateway is not meeting projections and LTD wants to decrease the service. The Gateway line is NOT meeting projections and is a waste money. 2. LTD did not use the “all perspective” inputs from the Gateway and West Eugene projects to make a “solid” decision. LTD had a predetermined solution. Main-McVay Transit Study Public Comments Received 12/4/14 – 1/20/15 6 3. Because LTD always has a predetermined solution, our input is not “vitally important” unless we agree with them. Point #3 above leads me into my next topic- The SAC is stacked in LTD’s favor. Let me draw your attention to the minutes from our previous meeting. I emailed you requesting the info below. There was a letter of skepticism from an SAC member about my “real reason for needing this information”. First, I was rather surprised you started including all of my emails to you in the public comment section of the handout. Am I to believe that not a single committee member has emailed you before the 2nd of November? That is unfortunate. I would have thought you might have received at least a couple. If this is a standard policy, then why was my email from 6/25 not included in the comments section and part of public record? I feel it is LTD’s way of “dividing and conquering”- a calculated decision was made to start including these emails. Putting that aside for now, let’s look at some information. 1. My initial email on 10/31 asked for “how many people work for a public entity” on the SAC. When I later asked “who”, it was a paraphrase of the first email. When you responded that you needed to consult legal advice, I re-phrased it per my original email. If you remember your official response, you stated “SAC representation includes 7 members who are employed in the public sector and 10 members who are employed in the private sector.” a. After listening to the first two meeting audios (which, by the way, is public record), I was able to establish my own list. And I believe you provided false information. i. 8 employed in the public sector ii. 1 is retired from the school district (which means they are in the public sector. iii. 1 is a social worker from the VA (which I would consider public sector) iv. 1 is against (myself) v. 1 is for (Mike Eyster, who was already counted in the public sector category) vi. 1 has a strong interest in redevelopment of adjacent property (which, of course, we were all assured there was no conflict of interest at this junction) vii. That leaves 5 people whom I would consider capable of providing a non- bias point of view. After reviewing the attendance records, 2 of the 5 have missed 4 of the first 7 meetings (we’ve had 8 meetings so far). I don’t criticize them because, like me, they have to take time away from their family and JOBS (some of us don’t get paid to attend these meeting that were so thoughtfully planned during regular work hours). b. In response to the addendum comments that questioned my intentions (“who is she representing”….”sole purpose”) i. These were public proceedings and free speech was still a right in this country. ii. At the first meeting I attended (SAC Meeting #2), I stated “…I don’t know if I would necessarily say I represent Our Money Our Transit, but I have been involved with that in the past”. Well, after a few meetings, it was clear to me that LTD was up to their same old tricks, but this one was fast tracked. So began my “passion” to find the truth and expose LTD’s lies. iii. The “follow-up” letter from Stanley Upton was NOT a direct response to what I wrote about the EMX. His email is dated 10/28 and my editorial was published 11/7. Let’s not blame me for a reaction LTD has inflicted. All I had to do was inform, which should have been LTD’s job. c. As you can see, the results of my inquiry prove that the SAC is stacked in LTD’s favor and a simple question cannot be answered truthfully. Maybe you should Main-McVay Transit Study Public Comments Received 12/4/14 – 1/20/15 7 have consulted with your “City Attorney” before you mis-informed me (and the group since you were so eager to share). 2. Per the 5/14 meeting audio, you stated, “We are coordinating with other outreach that’s happening, for example, from some of those other main street projects I mentioned. For this specific transit study, the bulk of our public outreach service is targeted to this group here.” a. Sarcastically reassuring, considering the stacked committee. b. No wonder none of the Main Street businesses know anything about the project. c. Probably not something you want on public record as it shows the City’s and LTD’s blatant disregard for those who are most impacted. 3. Per the 5/14 meeting audio (I really wish I could have been there), Mayor Lundberg stated, “ …. give us your perspective so that when we do make a final decision, we make it with the knowledge that we engaged the community in a way that we have some very meaningful products to take a look at and know the direction we can be confident in is one that has been vetted through stakeholders like yourselves.” a. Vetted? Really? Just keep checking those boxes. b. Once you admitted this committee was the “bulk” of the community outreach efforts, you negate any intentions of really wanting to know what the community feels about this. c. Meaningful to who? Start involving the businesses on Main Street and you will find it is meaningful to them, but not the way you would like. They don’t want it. 4. Since LTD cannot seem to keep the records un-sanitized (or even accessible), I have included the Addendum Comments for reference. They don’t seem to be included in the updated meeting link online. 5. I do appreciate the fact LTD honored my request and updated the minutes to reflect some of what was actually said in meeting 6 regarding the over-serviced Gateway extension. The record sanitizing was getting old. In closing, because it’s way past my bedtime (which probably shows in my grammar and spelling), thank you for allowing me membership to the SAC. It has proven to be a worthwhile endeavor. Good luck with your new employment. Erin Walters Our Money Our Transit Project Team Response: Fri, Dec 19, 2014 10:26 am REESOR David <dreesor@springfield-or.gov> Main-McVay SAC, At SAC member Erin Walter’s request and per our protocol, I am forwarding you her email comments below. Our Project Team will provide a collective response to her substantive comments in the near future and include you all in that response. It will also be included in our next Community Input Summary. Best, David David Reesor Main-McVay Transit Study Public Comments Received 12/4/14 – 1/20/15 8 Subject: re: Main-McVay Transit Study From: Ronna Frank Sat, Dec 20, 2014 12:13 pm David, I have a response to Erin Walter's email, and have attached a document that I refer to in my response. Many thanks. Ronna Frank SAC Member --------------------- Erin, I hope you are getting more sleep now. You mentioned twice in your email that you wish you could have been at the first SAC Committee Meeting on May 14, 2014. If you had been at the first meeting, you would have known the following: (First two points are in reference to your statement: " ... some of us don’t get paid to attend these meeting that were so thoughtfully planned during regular work hours.") We were all made aware when we applied for the SAC that this was a voluntary position, so we did not expect to be paid to attend any of the meetings. Previous to our first meeting, we were emailed a multitude of time choices to meet. We were sent a spectrum of time frames, which included evening times as well as day times, and asked to reply with our choice. Every person on the SAC made a choice about the time he/she wanted to meet, and the majority of us wanted to meet from 3- 5. So, it is true these meetings were "thoughtfully planned"—by our choice. At the first meeting, we were given a paper called, "Draft Group Operating Agreements." The 3rd from the bottom says: "Foster mutual respect and trust for your colleagues and for the process." At a future meeting, we were all asked to sign this document that was written on a large sheet of paper and put up on the wall in our meeting room. Did you sign it? At the first meeting, as part of getting to know each other, we were asked to introduce another SAC member to the group by telling each other what we wanted the group to know about us. We took time to listen to each other, got to know about the person we introduced, and then we introduced each other. It was an extremely friendly way to start out, and gave us an understanding of why each of us was there and who we represented. All the people at the first meeting were given a sheet with a list of names of everyone on the SAC with two categories: Representative and Member. The categories listed were: Citizen-at-large; Main-McVay Corridor Businesses/Property owners; Our Money Our Transit (OMOT); Better Eugene-Springfield Transit (BEST); Senior and/or People with Disabilities; Trucking industry/freight delivery; Bicycle/Pedestrian interests; Lane Community College; Springfield School District; ODOT staff. As each person was introduced, he/she said what they did within their Representative Category. For "Our Money Our Transit (OMOT), under "Member" this was stated on the list: "TBD," and "Seeking replacement due to initial appointed member's unanticipated conflict." That last point is in relation to your statement," At the first meeting I attended (SAC Meeting #2), I stated “…I don’t know if I would necessarily say I represent Our Money Our Transit, but I have been involved with that in the past”. Main-McVay Transit Study Public Comments Received 12/4/14 – 1/20/15 9 In relation to your statement, "Per the 5/14 meeting audio ..." b. "No wonder none of the Main Street businesses know anything about the project," perhaps you haven't seen or read the document I've attached entitled, "MAIN STREET CORRIDOR VISION PLAN PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY January-March 2014." There are 11 pages and I hope you will read all 11; in case you don't have the time, I'd like to point out information relevant to your "b." statement on the following pages: Bottom of Page 1: Main Street Corridor Vision Plan Identifies the community’s preferred future for the land uses and transportation systems along Main Street, seeking input on ways to: - Guide future development of mutually supportive land uses and transportation systems to improve corridor conditions and livability; - Provide enhanced opportunities for successful commerce and corridor redevelopment; - Increase corridor accessibility to jobs, workforce, education, services, and the ability to accommodate future growth in travel; - Improve safety and balance mobility for motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users. Top of Page 2: "Main-McVay: Improved Transit Feasibility Study " that says: A potential two-phase project that first seeks public and stakeholder input on transportation challenges and opportunities along Main Street and explores transit options to address and enhance mobility along the Main-McVay corridor. Bottom of Page 4: "Between the months of June and August 2013, the City of Springfield and LTD invited participants to group conversations. The following reviews the stakeholder representatives that provided Main Street input." Page 5 lists the names of 25 businesses, schools, etc. that took part in the Main Street Community Conversations. It also lists the City (Mayor Lundberg and City Councilor Marilee Woodrow) and 3 LTD members whose roll was to listen to the Stakeholder input and answer questions. Top of Page 6: Key questions posed included: - What’s working well on the Main Street corridor today? - What’s not working well? - What changes/improvements, if any, would you like to see over the next 20 years? - Should the City of Springfield and Lane Transit District study potential transit options on Main Street? Middle of Page 6 SummerFair / National Night Out "Over the weekend of July 19, 2013 Springfield leadership and staff hosted booths to gather additional input to explore on Main Street themes. Over 35 people provided thoughtful input on what positive attributes exist on Main Street today and what they would like to see, use, and enjoy twenty years from now. Springfield staff recorded public comments received." Ronna Frank Citizen-at-large Film and stage composer Main-McVay Transit Study Public Comments Received 12/4/14 – 1/20/15 10 From: Erin Walters Sent: Thursday, December 18, 2014 9:34 PM To: REESOR David Cc: 'John Evans' Subject: RE: DRAFT Main-McVay Transit Solution Package Good evening- Could somebody please send me the list of committee members that attended the last meeting? Meeting #8. Thank you, Erin Walters Project Team Response: From: Christian Watchie RE: DRAFT Main-McVay Transit Solution Package Fri, Dec 19, 2014 3:44 pm Here is the attendance from SAC Meeting #8 on December 9, 2014: Present: - Diane Alldredge - Mike Eyster - Ronna Frank - David Helton - Ken Hill - Randy Hledik - Jerry Hooton - Rosalia Marquez - Emma Newman - Brett Rowlett - Paul Selby - Garry Swanson - Erin Walters Absent: - Lorenzo Herrera - Andrew Knori - Dan Rupe - Chad Towe Chris Main-McVay Transit Study Public Comments Received 12/4/14 – 1/20/15 11 Main Street Interested Parties List Updates: Study update included in Main Street Vision Plan Invitation Next e-update: February 2015 Updates and Community Outreach: Door-to-door corridor outreach on Main Street projects January 20 - Main St. Vision Plan Open House (4-6 p.m.) March 18 - Downtown Rotary March 19 - Springfield City Club (pending confirmation) March 27- Twin Rivers Rotary Pending Meetings: February 19, 2015 GT Recommendation Range of Most Promising Solutions to SCC & LTD Board February 24, 2015 SAC #10 Celebrate! April 20, 2015 Springfield City Council Work Session: Range of Most Promising Solutions May 4, 2015 Springfield City Council Work Session: Range of Most Promising Solutions (if needed) May 4, 2015 Springfield City Council Resolution: Range of Most Promising Solutions May 11, 2015 LTD Board Work Session: Range of Most Promising Solutions May 11, 2015 LTD Board Resolution: Range of Most Promising Solutions May 20, 2015 LTD Board Resolution: Range of Most Promising Solutions (if needed) Submitted: September 23, 2013 Christian L. Watchie Cogito MAIN STREET PRELIMINARY THEMES Summary of Collaborative Community Conversations City of Springfield & Lane Transit District June – September 2013 Main Street Community Conversations Preliminary Themes !1! OVERVIEW Historic Multimodal Main Street The Main Street Corridor has played a vital role in Springfield over time. As the primary artery to the city’s vibrant residential and commercial life, its importance will only increase over the next 20 years. The City, in partnership with Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Lane Transit District (LTD), has received grants to coordinate future land use and transit system planning. The coordinated approach allows the City and community to engage together in a broad inclusive visioning process to collectively decide on a preferred future for the corridor. As a first step in this two-year long process, the City of Springfield and LTD embarked on a series of community conversations regarding Main Street. These conversations with the general public and area stakeholders occurred from June through August of 2013 as group meetings with stakeholders and at three large local events, SummerFair, National Night Out, and the Nick Symmonds Springfield 800 Community Run. The purpose was to gain an early understanding of initial community thinking about the current Main Street corridor, its potential future, and how transit might support it. Information gathered provides a preliminary platform for greater in-depth exploration with the broader Springfield community. Relationship to other planning processes The results of this initial outreach will be built upon by other planning efforts (see page 3) underway, planned, or under discussion including: Main Street Corridor Vision Plan Identifies the community’s preferred future for the land uses and transportation systems along Main Street, seeking input on ways to: - Guide future development of mutually supportive land uses and transportation systems to improve corridor conditions and livability; - Provide enhanced opportunities for successful commerce and corridor redevelopment; - Increase corridor accessibility to jobs, workforce, education, services, and the ability to accommodate future growth in travel; - Improve safety and balance mobility for motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users. Main Street Community Conversations Preliminary Themes !2! Main-McVay: Improved Transit Feasibility Study A potential two-phase project that first seeks public and stakeholder input on transportation challenges and opportunities along Main Street and explores transit options to address and enhance mobility along the Main-McVay corridor. Downtown Demonstration Project As an outcome of the Downtown Circulation project, this small project will install several pedestrian scale decorative posts and LED light fixtures along one block downtown. Main Street Pedestrian Crossing Project A collaborative effort between the City of Springfield and the Oregon Department of Transportation to implement the six remaining pedestrian crossing projects recommended under the 2010 Main Street Pedestrian Safety Study. SmartTrips Main Street (2014) A comprehensive individual household and business-marketing program aimed at increased bicycling, walking, use of public transit, and ridesharing through education, incentives, community outreach and events. Phase 1: 29th – 48th Phase 2: 48th – 62nd Geographic scope The scope of the preliminary Main Street outreach encompassed: - Main Street from 69th in Thurston to Mill Street downtown - Approximately one-half mile on either side of the Main St. corridor - Potential Main Street transit connections extending east to the Thurston area, and west to Lane Community College Main Street Community Conversations Preliminary Themes !3! Main Street Community Conversations Preliminary Themes !4! Preliminary Theme Development Three key outreach strategies form the basis of the preliminary Main Street themes. Outlined is the process, questions, and dominant themes derived from public input received via: - Community Conversations - SummerFair - Nick Symmonds Springfield 800 Community Run Community Conversations Beginning in late spring 2013, leadership representatives from the City of Springfield and Lane Transit District hosted a series of small community conversations intended to capture a sample of thinking about the corridor’s current assets, areas for improvement, and potential future. Participants The City of Springfield developed the participant list with input from Lane Transit District to gather preliminary thoughts from Main Street stakeholders including representatives from: Corridor businesses Large corridor employers Recreation providers K-12 Schools Higher education Economic development City Services Social service agencies Community organizations Between the months of June and August 2013, the City of Springfield and LTD invited participants to group conversations. The following reviews the stakeholder representatives that provided Main Street input. Why Main Streets Matter We all know where our Main Streets are, but do we know what they are and why they matter? Whether they are named First Avenue or Water Street or Martin Luther King Boulevard, what they represent is universal. Main Street is the economic engine, the big stage, the core of the community. Our Main Streets tell us who we are and who we were, and how the past has shaped us. We do not go to bland suburbs or enclosed shopping malls to learn about our past, explore our culture, or discover our identity. Our Main Streets are the places of shared memory where people still come together to live, work, and play. - National Main Street Center A subsidy of the National Historic Trust Main Street Community Conversations Preliminary Themes !5! MAIN STREET COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS STAKEHOLDER GROUP NAME McKenzie Feed & Pet Supplies Wilson RV All American Barber Shop Fins Drive In True Value Hardware Roberts Supply Company Hutch’s Bicycle Shop D’Marias Beauty Salon Corridor Businesses Veterinary Allergy & Dermatology Services Rosboro International Paper Company Wildish Corridor Large Employers John Hyland Construction Recreation Willamalane Recreation District Academy of Arts and Academics Springfield High School Thurston High School Schools Lane Transit District’s School Solutions Higher Education Lane Community College Chamber of Commerce Economic Development NEDCO City Services Library Habitat for Humanity Planned Parenthood Catholic Community Services Community Organizations Social Service Agencies Head Start Process Community Conversations Each community conversation adhered to a consistent discussion framework. Held at Willamalane, the 90-minute sessions all had a facilitator and note taker with up to two leadership representatives each from the City of Springfield and Lane Transit District. The representatives’ role was to listen to stakeholder input and answer specific questions, if asked. Agency representatives included: - City of Springfield Mayor, Christine Lundberg - City of Springfield City Councilor, Marilee Woodrow - LTD Board President, Doris Towery - LTD Board Member, Mike Dubick - LTD Board Member, Carl Yeh Main Street Community Conversations Preliminary Themes !6! To create a common stage for discussion, participants received a brief overview of Main Street’s history, current employment, residents, and transit usage within the identified corridor. In addition, consultants provided future employment and residential growth projections for the City of Springfield. Key questions posed included: - What’s working well on the Main Street corridor today? - What’s not working well? - What changes/improvements, if any, would you like to see over the next 20 years? - Should the City of Springfield and Lane Transit District study potential transit options on Main Street? All participants were very open, candid, and appreciative of the opportunity to informally talk with their public leaders. Likewise, the City of Springfield and LTD leadership gained an early sense of the community’s Main Street perspectives. SummerFair / National Night Out Over the weekend of July 19, 2013 Springfield leadership and staff hosted booths to gather additional input to explore on Main Street themes. Over 35 people provided thoughtful input on what positive attributes exist on Main Street today and what they would like to see, use, and enjoy twenty years from now. Springfield staff recorded public comments received. Nick Symmonds Springfield 800 Community Run City staff hosted an information booth to present the preliminary Main Street themes at this community event. The public reviewed the themes summary, added comments, and learned about opportunities for future involvement in the Main Street planning projects. Springfield staff and LTD’s outreach consultant recorded public comments received. Main Street Community Conversations Preliminary Themes !7! THEMES Outlined are the primary themes by category as expressed through the community conversations and public events. WHAT’S WORKING WELL ON THE MAIN STREET CORRIDOR TODAY? ROADWAY - Traffic flows well - Pedestrian crossings are an improvement - Good infrastructure for cars and bikes - Good, wide lanes with few signals and driveways - Limited congestion BUSINESS CLIMATE - Downtown is experiencing a revival with new businesses - Main Street offers high business visibility - High variety of businesses (type & age) - It’s a corridor of opportunity AESTHETICS & IDENTITY - We have honored our past by keeping our historic architecture - Downtown Main St. feels more like community now with Second Friday Art Walks, banners, flowers, etc. - We have preserved our trees - City is reshaping itself in a positive way TRANSIT - Downtown LTD station has been an advantage to Springfield business - Easy access to reliable and frequent public transportation is great - Transit has helped create sense of place for Springfield - City supports transit LAND USE - Mixed use development in downtown (Royal Building) - Diversity of Main St. because it represents the diversity of Springfield “Feels like the City is restoring and renovating.” “We have momentum.” “The City and Lane Transit District have created excellent public transportation for Springfield.” “We now have a small town feel with a modern twist.” ! Main Street Community Conversations Preliminary Themes !8! WHAT IS NOT WORKING WELL ON MAIN STREET? ROADWAY - Speed is too high - Congestion at intersections feeding into Main St. - Difficult for bicycles and pedestrians to cross - Corridor is not attractive to any other mode than autos, buses, and trucks - Need a two-way bike path AESTHETICS & IDENTITY - Lacks a sense of ownership - After 21st street, don’t feel connected - Too much garbage along street SAFETY - Crime an issue in mid-Springfield - Sense of not feeling safe in our neighborhoods LAND USE - Underutilized areas along Main St. - Does not feel cohesive but jumbled - The corridor divides neighborhoods “Works great as a freight corridor but not as a community’s Main Street.” “Once you leave downtown there is no ‘there, there.’”! Main Street Community Conversations Preliminary Themes !9! WHAT ARE SUGGESTED FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS TO MAIN STREET? ROADWAY - Adjust speeds to better serve all who use Main St. not just freight - Make it easier to travel for ALL modes (car, transit, foot, bicycle) - Explore alternate freight routes - As traffic increases, improve bike and pedestrian infrastructure, access, and safety BUSINESS CLIMATE - Take advantage of the corridor’s opportunities (increase shopping, restaurants, and other services all along Main St.) - Offer redevelopment opportunities - Put future jobs on or near Main St. AESTHETICS & IDENTITY - Make it more than one long drag - Don’t create a cookie cutter approach - Invest in infrastructure that enhances the corridor aesthetics (improved transit, sidewalks with trees) - Improved transit will add to the appearance of Main St. TRANSIT - Improve public transit - Transit offers opportunities for housing and access to jobs, school, and the region - Make transit convenient and safe - Buses should not stop traffic but be integrated - Transit stops can reflect Springfield LAND USE - More mixed use - Can’t do increased density without enhanced transit - Close the gaps between downtown and Thurston - More bike racks everywhere - Look at development possibilities before you make decisions “Keep it unique. Keep it special. Keep it flowing. ” ! Main Street Community Conversations Preliminary Themes !10! SHOULD THE CITY OF SPRINGFIELD AND LTD STUDY POTENTIAL TRANSIT OPTIONS ON MAIN STREET? - Need to get out in front of change to foster best development options for Main St. - Now is the time to do it - Can’t be a great city without transit, good bicycle, and pedestrian infrastructure - Want to be forward thinking and transit is an essential part of that - Do no harm to existing businesses by making it more friendly for transit, bicycles and foot traffic - A transit study is not needed because transit is working fine on the corridor - Nothing is broken - do not fix it - Transit adds to the foundation to transform Springfield - Be prepared for the future - No better time to do than now - Why wait until you have a problem? Study it now to anticipate it - Cheaper to do it now than later - Understand what right-of-way the City has now and what might be needed (don’t want a South Willamette Street situation) - Studying it now will help connect the dots - Understand how transit can help maintain the existing traffic flow - Connecting Thurston and LCC is a logical connection - Create a community where you don’t need a car - Study it but realize you need to think about it all - multimodal integration - If you expand EmX, parking will become an issue downtown - Need to be sure to preserve parking - Building of EmX should require a public vote - Having access to transportation options is so very important - Residents, visitors, employees, and employers all benefit, the economy benefits, the environment benefits - EmX is awesome - Just do it STUDY PROCESS - City needs to be the lead or present when speaking with businesses - Work on smart partnerships - City and LTD can be part of the solution Now is the time to do it Need to get out in front of change to foster best development options for Main St. Nothing is broken - do not fix it ! Main-McVay Transit Study Public Comments Received 1/20/15– 2/10/15 1 Main-McVay Transit Study Community Input Summary January 20 – February 10, 2014 ADDENDUM Additional Website Input: COMMENT: From: Laurel Hayles Date: Mon, Jan 26, 2015 9:20 am To: info@ourmainstreetspringfield.org, Subject: Proposed Main-McVay EmX line LTD needs to seriously consider the environmental and commercial impact of this proposed EmX extension project. Is the expense of construction, loss of business revenue due to construction, and potential for serious negative public opinion from residents directly impacted by the construction and subsequent running of this EmX line warranted? In truth, biodiesel vehicles have a significantly lower environmental impact than electric/hybrid vehicles, and would not have the additional negative consequences and expenses of construction. Replacing the existing non- EmX buses from petroleum-based fuel to biodiesel would result in a huge positive statement with the resulting positive PR - a definite win-win for LTD and the community. PROJECT TEAM RESPONSE: From: BOYATT Tom <tboyatt@springfield-or.gov> Date: Thu, Jan 29, 2015 3:02 pm To: Laurel Hayles Subject: RE: Proposed Main-McVay EmX line Thank you for your Main-McVay Transit Study comment via the ourmainstreetspringfield.org website. It's been incorporated it into the public record for decision makers to read and consider. To receive periodic e-updates of the Main Street projects, please sign up at Main Street Projects . Tom Boyatt COMMENT: From: David Hyland Date: Mon, Jan 26, 2015 9:10 am To: info@ourmainstreetspringfield.org Subject: EMX Springfield ALREADY has a more than adequate public transportation system for its size. Spending OUR money needs to be OUR choice. Small business owners and property owners, like myself, will be impacted by this proposal in many different ways, some of which will be immediate and some may take months or even years to recognize. Loss of land used business Main-McVay Transit Study Public Comments Received 1/20/15– 2/10/15 2 entry or egress, loss of parking, loss retail space , reduced business during construction, excess noise & dust are just a few of the issues that will negatively effect the business in EMX's path. It is my hope and desire that the powers to be will heed the concerns of the general public and put it to a vote. Thanks for your time David N. Hyland Hyland Auto Sales Hyland Acceptance Company 541-736-1111 PROJECT TEAM RESPONSE: From: BOYATT Tom <tboyatt@springfield-or.gov> Date: Thu, Jan 29, 2015 3:02 pm To: David Hyland Subject: re: EMX Thank you for your Main-McVay Transit Study comment via the ourmainstreetspringfield.org website. It's been incorporated it into the public record for decision makers to read and consider. To receive periodic e-updates of the Main Street projects, please sign up at Main Street Projects . Tom Boyatt COMMENT: From: Gayle Ware Date: Mon, Jan 26, 2015 7:46 am To: info@ourmainstreetspringfield.org, The majority of the public does not want EmEx, but it is being shoved down out throats and we, the tax payers, will have tp pay dearly. What happened to no taxation without representation? PROJECT TEAM RESPONSE: From: BOYATT Tom <tboyatt@springfield-or.gov Date: Thu, Jan 29, 2015 3:06 pm To: : Gayle Ware Subject: Re: EmEx not needed nor wanted Thank you for your Main-McVay Transit Study comment via the ourmainstreetspringfield.org website. It's been incorporated it into the public record for decision makers to read and consider. To receive periodic e-updates of the Main Street projects, please sign up at Main Street Projects . Tom Boyatt Main-McVay Transit Study Public Comments Received 1/20/15– 2/10/15 3 COMMENT: From: John Borg Date: Sun, January 25, 2015 8:00 pm Subject: jborg5265@gmail.com We strongly oppose an EMX on Main ST , this would adversely affect our business as has already happened in Eugene, we see no reason to upgrade when the bus service isn't being utilized to its full potential yet. PROJECT TEAM RESPONSE: From: BOYATT Tom Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2015 3:08 PM To: 'jborg5265@gmail.com' Subject: RE: [FWD: jborg5265@gmail.com] Thank you for your Main-McVay Transit Study comment via the ourmainstreetspringfield.org website. It's been incorporated it into the public record for decision makers to read and consider. To receive periodic e-updates of the Main Street projects, please sign up at Main Street Projects . Tom Boyatt COMMENT: From: Hale Carter Date: Sun, Jan 25, 2015 6:15 pm To: info@ourmainstreetspringfield.org Subject: EMX extension I'm commenting for really only one reason: I've heard that you are taking the general silence on this issue as a sign of community support. Nothing could be farther from the truth. I know of almost Nobody in Springfield, especially in the business community, that supports this "project ". Why the lack of comments? How much good has all the opposition to the West 11th project done? We are quite aware that when organizations like LTD want something, local governments create committees like yours, whose sole purpose is to "rubber stamp" whatever LTD proposes. If every man, women and child in Springfield spoke out against this project, you would still support it! Because LTD says its needed, and they wouldn't lie, would they? (Yes, they would) On that subject, I've seen reference to "studies" supporting this or that part of the project, ridership projections and the like: How many were not generated by LTD? Or did not depend on LTD supplied figures? I suggest you all look in the mirror and contemplate the word "gullible". Main-McVay Transit Study Public Comments Received 1/20/15– 2/10/15 4 PROJECT TEAM RESPONSE: From: tboyatt@springfield-or.gov Date Thu, Jan 29, 2015 3:09 pm To: Hale Carter Subject: Re: EMX extension Thank you for your Main-McVay Transit Study comment via the ourmainstreetspringfield.org website. It's been incorporated it into the public record for decision makers to read and consider. To receive periodic e-updates of the Main Street projects, please sign up at Main Street Projects . Tom Boyatt Additional Project Team Email Correspondence: COMMENT: From: Hale Carter Sent: Friday, January 30, 2015 5:48 PM To: BOYATT Tom Cc: OMOT Subject: Main to Mcvay transit plans I just spent a few hours reviewing most of the plans for the EMX extension, and apparently the favored plan for downtown Springfield involves "contraflow" traffic on South A, with a north side dedicated lane. Are you kidding me? Do you WANT to get people killed? This plan will force anyone making a left turn, from the north side of South A, to cross that dedicated lane, which MIGHT have a giant Bus doing 40plus mph GOING THE WRONG WAY in it! Do you seriously expect people to automatically check for wrong-way traffic? This is such an obvious accident waiting to happen situation that the City of Springfield, and anyone involved in the planning of this, can count on being sued! It's not as if anyone will be able to claim they never realized how dangerous it would be, as I just pointed it out. Just because it apparently was never suggested as an option: how about (between 5th and 21st streets): No dedicated lanes, and make South A street two way for everyone! Two south side east bound lanes, and one north side west bound lane. This would get the buses AND truck traffic off of Main Street. After all,the only advantage of dedicated lanes is that you don't have to wait at stop lights very much, and there is only ONE stoplight between 5th and 21st streets, so why spend all that money for a dedicated lane? PROJECT TEAM RESPONSE: From: BOYATT Tom <tboyatt@springfield-or.gov> Date: Thu, Feb 05, 2015 8:11 am To: Hale Carter Subject: RE: Proposed Main-McVay EmX line Thank you for your Main-McVay Transit Study comment via the ourmainstreetspringfield.org website. It's been incorporated it into the public record for decision makers to read and consider. To receive periodic e-updates of the Main Street projects, please sign up at Main Street Projects. Tom Boyatt Main-McVay Transit Study Public Comments Received 1/20/15– 2/10/15 5 PROJECT TEAM RESPONSE: From: BOYATT Tom <tboyatt@springfield-or.gov> Date: Fri, Feb 06, 2015 3:09 pm To: Hale Carter Subject: RE: Proposed Main-McVay EmX line Dear Mr. Hale Carter – As I noted in my previous email, we are including your below statement in the public record for the decision-makers to read and consider. I did want to take the opportunity to clarify the Stakeholder Advisory Committee’s (SAC) recommendation for BRT Routing on Main Street in the downtown area. Please understand that the BRT solution, including the routing option, is one solution concept that the SAC has forwarded on; the others are no build and enhanced bus service. After careful review and consideration of the transit solutions that might serve well the downtown Main Street portion of the corridor, the SAC recommended a primary and a backup option for consideration by the Governance Team. The primary option uses a combination of streets subject to which direction the bus travels. For eastbound bus travel, this option uses South A Street from the Springfield Station to the intersection of South A Street and Main Street. For westbound bus travel, this option runs along Main Street to 10th Street, turns south, and then runs briefly in a contra-flow lane on South A Street from 10th Street to the Springfield Station. This option was favored because it avoids the most congested part of downtown Springfield while retaining a station on Main Street that would provide access to downtown businesses. The back-up option, recommended by the SAC and suggested by the Main Street Vision Plan Project Manager, is for South A Street to be used for both eastbound and westbound bus travel since it provides an opportunity for a higher level of lane exclusivity and may be a better fit for future land use as proposed in the Main Street Corridor Vision Plan. For more information about the two tiered screening process used, please click here for the Draft Tier 2 Parts A & B Report (see under SAC Meeting #8 and #9). Please note, the SAC recommendations will be forwarded to the Governance Team to review and provide a final recommended set of Most Promising Transit Solutions for potential further study. The Governance Team’s recommendations will be sent to the Springfield City Council and Lane Transit District Board for final action. For a complete list of upcoming Study-related meetings, please visit Main-McVay Transit Study. For future updates on the Main-McVay Transit Study and other Main Street projects, sign up here. Again, thank you for your input. Tom Boyatt Main-McVay Transit Study Public Comments Received 1/20/15– 2/10/15 6 COMMENT: From: Erin Walters [mailto:g.g.glide@gmail.com] Sent: Monday, January 26, 2015 3:49 PM To: BOYATT Tom Subject: Main-McVay Study I just wanted to submit my comments and point out a few things after reading the packet we received for the January 27th SAC Meeting and trying to find information on the project website. 1. Packet #9, Meeting Report Page 6: top of page. The bus routes are referencing the wrong segment 2. There are three different “Pending Meeting Date” areas that aren’t consistent. There really is no clear way to determine when upcoming meetings are occurring. a. Packet #9, Meeting #8 Meeting Report page 17 b. Packet #9, Community Input Summary page 11 c. Meeting dates listed on line (which packet #8 listed as the reference for info on “most current schedule” http://ourmainstreetspringfield.org/wp- content/uploads/2013/11/Revised1-9-15MMStudy-relatedmtgs.pdf 3. November 18 Governance Team Agenda and Packet Materials are not posted. 4. The link “Governance Team Page” sends you to the log in for Word Press http://ourmainstreetspringfield.org/governance-team-meeting/ 5. The “Project Overview” web page is not updated and lists an outdated meeting date. I know David Reesor said the main focus for community outreach were these SAC meetings themselves, but I think the website should either show correct information or just eliminate items that need ongoing updating http://ourmainstreetspringfield.org/main-mcvay-transit-improvement-study/project- background/ Thank you, Erin Walters PROJECT TEAM RESPONSE: From: BOYATT Tom Date: Thu, Jan 29, 2015 3:14 pm To: Erin Walters Subject: re: Main-McVay Study Erin – I wanted to let you know that I forwarded this to the project team on the date received. Thanks for your input. Tom Tom Boyatt COMMENT: From: ronnalynnf@comcast.net [mailto:ronnalynnf@comcast.net] Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2015 10:19 AM To: John Evans Subject: Re: Main-McVay Stakeholder Advisory Committee Meeting #9 Materials Thanks, John. I'm attaching a pdf of the article from the Register Guard on Jan 20 2015 about the ranking of LTD in Eugene-Springfield compared to the rest of the nation, with a mention of of EmX as a Main-McVay Transit Study Public Comments Received 1/20/15– 2/10/15 7 key to a well-used mass transit system in the future in smaller residential areas in the last paragraph. Would you kindly forward this to the SAC Committee in case they didn't see it See you on the 27th. Many thanks. Ronna Frank Springfield, OR 97477 PROJECT TEAM RESPONSE: From: John Evans Date: Wed, Jan 21, 2015 11:04 am To: Ronna Frank Cc: Chris Watchie, Tom Boyatt Hello Ronna- I will pass this on to Chris Watchie to include as a handout supplement to her input summary for next week’s meeting. John Evans, AICP REGISTER GUARD Editorial Jan. 20, 2015 Measuring transit use LTD ranks No. 19 in trips per capita As Ken Kesey said, “you’re either on the bus or off the bus” — and in the Eugene-Springfield area, more people are on the bus than in most other urban areas. Federal Transit Administration data for 2013 show that the Lane Transit District ranks 19th in the nation for per-capita ridership, with each resident averaging 46.5 trips a year. LTD is clearly doing something right, but its performance also depends on conditions that favor transit use. The nation’s most heavily used transit systems are in densely populated metropolises where driving a car is expensive, inconvenient or both. Greater New York City is in a league of its own with 229.8 trips for each of its 18.6 million people. The San Francisco Bay Area, population 3.4 million, follows with 131.5 trips per capita, and Washington, D.C., population 4.7 million, is third with 99.6 trips per resident. But in fourth place is Athens, Ga., with a population of just under 130,000 and yearly transit ridership of 99.5 trips per resident. Many of the nation’s largest cities are among the FTA’s top 25 — Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago, Baltimore, Philadelphia — but so are a dozen urban areas with a third of a million residents or fewer, including Eugene-Springfield. These smaller communities have one thing in common — they are all university towns. Athens is home to the University of Georgia. No. 7 Champaign, Ill., State College, Pa., Iowa City, Iowa, Gainesville, Fla., Davis, Calif., and Bellingham, Wash., are all centers of higher education, and all of them are among the top 25 for per-capita transit use. Even in small or mid-sized cities, parking on a university campus can be as big a headache as in midtown Manhattan. Many university students and staff members can’t afford cars or don’t need them — especially if reliable mass transit is available. High rents near campuses often push students and staff to seek housing that is not within walking distance of the university, Main-McVay Transit Study Public Comments Received 1/20/15– 2/10/15 8 making them dependent on transit. LTD and its counterparts in other college towns have built-in markets for their services. Yet the presence of a university is no guarantee that a city will have a heavily used transit system. Fort Collins, Colo., is No. 153 on the FTA’s list, College Station, Texas, is No. 178 and Missoula, Mont., is No. 97. A city’s geography and demographics play a role, as does the degree of local political commitment to mass transit. The same holds true of larger cities — Houston, Detroit and San Diego have millions of residents, but weaker transit systems than LTD on a per-capita basis. Perhaps the real outlier on the FTA list is the No. 13 Portland-Vancouver area. It’s the smallest of the high-ranking metropolitan areas, with 1.9 million residents, but can’t be classed with the university towns. Driving a car in Portland is easy compared to other large transit-dependent cities, but its residents average 58.4 transit trips per year. Portland’s light rail system is undoubtedly a factor — which suggests that in smaller areas, bus rapid transit systems such as LTD’s EmX, the lower-cost equivalent of light rail, are a key to a well-used mass transit system in the future. REVISED PENDING MEETING SCHEDULE (as of 1/26/15): Please visit the Main-McVay webpage on www.ourmainstreetspringfield.org for final confirmation of meeting date. PENDING COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS (as of 2/10/15): January 27, 2015 SAC #9 Recommendation Range of Most Promising Solutions to GT February 19, 2015 GT Recommendation Range of Most Promising Solutions to SCC & LTD Board February 24, 2015 SAC #10 Celebrate! April 20, 2015 Springfield City Council Work Session: Range of Most Promising Solutions May 4, 2015 Springfield City Council Work Session: Range of Most Promising Solutions (if needed) May 4, 2015 Springfield City Council Resolution: Range of Most Promising Solutions May 11, 2015 LTD Board Work Session: Range of Most Promising Solutions *May 11 or 20, 2015 LTD Board Resolution: Range of Most Promising Solutions March 18, 2015 Springfield Rotary April 2 or 16, 2015 Springfield City Club (pending confirmation) March 27, 2015 Twin Rivers Rotary Main-McVay Transit Study Public Outreach Update 2.6.15 1 Main-McVay Transit Study Public Outreach Update 2.6.15 I. Public Outreach to Date Prior to Study launch: - -Fest During Study process: - - - - - - - - - - II. Upcoming Input Opportunities E-Updates: - - - Corridor Mailing: - Main-McVay Transit Study Public Outreach Update 2.6.15 2 Presentations: General Public Display Outreach: - - - Targeted Outreach: - - - - - - - -