HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 01 Downtown Circulation Study Update AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Meeting Date: 12/5/2011
Meeting Type:Work Session
Staff Contact/Dept.: Courtney Griesel, CMO
Kristi Krueger, PW
Staff Phone No: 541-736-7132
541-726-4584
Estimated Time: 20 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: Community and Economic
Development and
Revitalization
ITEM TITLE: DOWNTOWN CIRCULATION STUDY UPDATE
ACTION
REQUESTED:
Review staff and Kittelson & Associates recommendations regarding a refocus of the
Downtown Circulation project and scope and provide further direction to staff.
ISSUE
STATEMENT:
Circulation project staff have been working closely with Kittelson & Associates to
analyze the Downtown Plan recommendation of converting Main Street, and possibly
South ‘A’ Street, from one-way to two-way circulation patterns. Kittelson has
presented staff with preliminary findings based on initial analysis and stakeholder
interviews.
ATTACHMENTS: 1 – Kittelson & Associates Memo Dated November 21, 2011
2 – List of Stakeholder Interviewee Categories
3 – Stakeholder Interview Questions
DISCUSSION/
FINANCIAL
IMPACT
City staff have been working to progress the adopted 2010 Springfield Downtown
District Urban Design Plan by moving forward with the Plan recommendation to
analyze the two-way conversion of Main and South A Streets.
Based on initial findings presented by Kittelson & Associates, project staff believe it is
appropriate to continue to examine the project and make decisions about the direction
to proceed. After performing the initial analysis and stakeholder interviews, Kittelson
recommends reprioritizing the Circulation Study’s focus from an extensive
realignment analysis to:
• Identification of near-term transportation-related projects; and
• Performance of a sketch-level analysis related to the potential conversion of
Main and South ‘A’ Streets to a two-way configuration. The sketch-level
analysis can be used to establish a list of benefits and trade-offs for discussion
with the City in late-January or early February. At that time, the city could
assess the level of detail for any further analysis of potential reconfiguration.
Having completed the early phase of analysis, it is Kittelson & Associates’ assessment
that a two-way conversion is not likely to be feasible in the near term and may not
address the primary themes heard in the stakeholder interviews. Project staff concurs
with this assessment. Staff believes that the initial Kittelson assessment requires
further analysis providing the City with a list of benefits, trade-offs, and high level cost
analysis of the two-way conversion concept. Staff has requested that Kittelson provide
this information to Council in mid- February. Included in this packet, as Attachment 1,
is the Kittelson & Associates Memo dated November 21, outlining the above
recommendations in detail. The memo also includes a summary of responses heard
during the one-on-one stakeholder interviews.
Staff recommends that the consultant be directed to provide further analysis as
described above, accompanied by a formal recommendation in anticipation of a mid-
February Council work session.
FILENAME: C:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS\KRUE6087\LOCAL SETTINGS\TEMPORARY INTERNET
FILES\CONTENT.OUTLOOK\LKYTRVI8\ATT1 DOWNTOWN CIRCULATION KITTELSON MEMO 112111.DOCX
MEMORANDUM
Date: November 21, 2011 Project #: 10861‐3
To: Courtney Griesel, Mark Metzger, and Kristi Krueger, City of Springfield
From: Julia Kuhn and Brian Ray
Project: Downtown Springfield Circulation Study
Subject: Stakeholder Interview Themes
To help establish the context and identify issues and priorities for the Downtown Circulation Study,
we conducted stakeholder interviews on October 12th
and 17th
. Our intent was to gain insights related
to the existing and future needs within the downtown as well as potential projects that can help the
City work toward the vision articulated in the Downtown District Urban Design Plan and
Implementation Strategy 2010 (herein referred to as the "Downtown Plan").
The Downtown Plan identifies the need to evaluate converting Main Street and South ‘A’ Street to
two‐way streets to enhance the vibrancy of the retail environment and to improve pedestrian and
bicycle safety within the downtown. The Downtown Plan does not cite specific transportation‐related
deficiencies but rather provides a vision and a list of aspirational projects that may help transform
the downtown overtime. The stakeholder interviews were intended to provide us with specific
transportation‐related issues, needs and desires that could help shape a Problem Statement and
Goals and Objectives for our study. They also provided us with a broad range of keen insights for
consideration by the City. The two primary themes we heard focused on the prioritization of the
City's efforts, as summarized below.
The majority of stakeholders believe near and long‐term economic investments are
needed first and foremost for the downtown to be vibrant today and in the future.
Further, the City needs to show visible progress toward meeting the goals and objectives
articulated in the Downtown Plan. Some interviewees believed this could be
accomplished through incremental projects to improve the "charm" of downtown; others
believe a large, visible project is needed. Many also felt that now is the time to implement
policy changes to shape the future of the downtown, such as minimum design and
Downtown Springfield Circulation Study Project #: 10861‐3
November 21, 2011November 22, 2011 Page 2
Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Portland, Oregon
maintenance standards for buildings. These efforts would show the community at‐large
that the City is willing to invest in business and provide an environment that people
desire to visit and consistently feel safe and secure in during the day, in the evenings and
on weekends.
Many felt that major public investment in downtown transportation infrastructure should
be a lower priority for the city and may not be a catalyst for economic development. The
one exception to this was a strong desire for additional lighting on many of the streets,
especially north‐south streets.
The other primary themes expressed include:
Downtown is most often defined as the area between Mill and primarily 7th Streets and
between North ‘A’ and South ‘A’ Streets. This definition is consistent with the five minute
(one‐quarter mile) walk radius identified from the “Retail Hot Spot” in the Downtown
Plan.
The City can better capitalize on the relationship between the Washburne Historic
neighborhood and the downtown uses. Infusing neighborhood residents into the
downtown for shopping, dining, entertainment and employment purposes could have
mutual benefits for both areas.
Some stakeholders expressed a desire to facilitate through traffic on South ‘A’ and
transform Main Street into a local circulation and access street (primarily between
Pioneer Parkway and 10th) by converting both streets to two‐way. Others viewed this
conversion as unnecessary and in some cases, as a significant obstacle to redevelopment
to the south of South ‘A’ Street. In addition, one stakeholder noted that during the
Downtown Plan development, the consultants noted the converting Main Street to two‐
way would reduce traffic volumes to a level that would not enable a healthy retail
environment.
Several of the frequent freight users have been part of the community for more than 50
years and appear to be primarily related to the industrial and logging operations near
28th as well as the uses along 2nd Street, south of South ‘A’. There was varied opinion
amongst the interviewees on the impact of freight downtown. Several do not view freight
as a constraint or a problem. Most stakeholders acknowledge the role of freight in
providing a healthy and diverse economy but there is varied opinion as to what routes
should be used. Those viewing freight as problematic on Main Street cite issues related to
Downtown Springfield Circulation Study Project #: 10861‐3
November 21, 2011November 22, 2011 Page 3
Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Portland, Oregon
aesthetics and noise. No one identified any specific safety‐related issues associated with
freight.
Some stakeholders highlighted cyclists do not feel comfortable riding on street along Main
Street or South ‘A’ Street today. No one was able to identify specific safety‐issues but felt it
was more related to comfort and perception.
Most stakeholders noted walking along Main Street generally feels safe during the day.
There are pockets of downtown adjacent to less desirable businesses where people feel
uncomfortable walking at night but these areas are improving. Most stakeholders also
noted Main Street crossings generally feel safe for pedestrians. Some expressed a desire
for improved crossings of Main Street at 6th and 7th.
Several stakeholders noted walking along South ‘A’ Street does not feel comfortable
because of traffic volumes and speeds. They expressed a desire for improved pedestrian
crossings, especially near LTD.
Most stakeholders noted vehicular speeds on Main Street are not problematic.
Most stakeholders believed there is ample parking downtown today. However, many also
cited lack of enforcement of duration of stay limits on downtown streets negatively
impacts businesses. As a result, many perceive that City workers park in the
neighborhoods as well as on downtown streets in parking that could and should be
available for their retail customers.
NEDCO has had a positive influence on making progress toward stability and economic
development in the downtown. Many view the efforts of the four Main Street committees
as key to carrying the community’s vision forward.
NEXT STEPS
Based on the outcomes of the interviews, we believe it may be a better use of scarce City resources to
reprioritize our study’s efforts as well as potentially the City's own efforts related to Downtown
Economic Development. The cost to convert Main and South ‘A’ Streets to a two‐way configuration
will likely be beyond the fiscal resources of the City in the near‐term. A number of efforts can be
undertaken in the immediate future that are lower cost, would support both two‐way and one‐way
streets, and would show measurable progress toward achieving the Downtown Plan's vision. At the
same time we can perform a preliminary analysis of the opportunities and constraints related to a
possible reconfiguration of the streets.
Downtown Springfield Circulation Study Project #: 10861‐3
November 21, 2011November 22, 2011 Page 4
Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Portland, Oregon
To that end, our study could be refocused with an emphasis on two main tasks:
Identification of nearterm transportationrelated projects, such as:
o Establishing a Main Street demonstration block, as identified in the Downtown
Plan now, rather than 3 to 7 years in the future. This demonstration project could
include enhanced bulb‐outs and pedestrian crossing improvements, street
furniture, pedestrian‐scale lighting, hanging baskets, etc. as well as building
maintenance/aesthetic improvements.
o Identifying priority locations for enhanced street lighting on Main and A Streets as
well as some of the key north‐south streets.
o Identifying priority locations to reconstruct the bulb‐outs/curb‐extensions to
improve pedestrian crossings of downtown blocks.
o Identifying the potential for public‐private partnerships involving the City,
business owners, and the A3 students to improve the aesthetic appeal of
downtown.
o Identifying a consistent branding and way‐finding configuration for downtown
streets related to pedestrians, parking, and bicycle routes.
o Identifying specific intersection or street improvements that could enhance
multimodal travel within the downtown.
Perform a sketchlevel analysis related to the potential conversion of Main and South A
Streets to a twoway configuration. This would include sketches to identify the potential
magnitude of impacts and improvements associated with the conversion. At this point, we
do not recommend a detailed, in‐depth traffic operations analysis. The sketch‐level
analysis can be used to establish a list of benefits and trade‐offs for discussion with the
City in late‐January or early February. At that time, we could collectively assess to what
level of detail any further analysis of potential reconfiguration should occur.
We look forward to discussing this with you in more detail. Please let us know if you need any
additional information for your presentation to City Council.
Stakeholder interviews were performed over the course of 2 days during the month of October.
Interviews were conducted by Kittelson & Associates staff and stakeholders were assured that
comments received would not be directly linked to individual stakeholders. Listed below are
categories in which stakeholders fell.
DOWNTOWN CIRCULATION STAKEHOLDERCATEGORIES
LOCAL INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURER
UTILITY PROVIDER
SPRINGFIELD RENAISSANCE DEVELOPMENT CORP MEMBER
5 DOWNTOWN BUSINESS OWNERS
HISTORIC COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE
2 DOWNTOWN CAC MEMBER
5 MAIN STREET PROGRAM COMMITTEE MEMBERS
SPRINGFIELD PLANNING COMMISSION
LANE TRANSIT DISTRICT
LOCAL AREA DEVELOPER
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPER
LUMBER & TRUCKING INDUSTRY
SPRINGFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
NEDCO REPRESENTATIVE
LANE AREA COMMISSION ON TRANSPORTATION MEMBER
(ODOT RECOMMENDED)
October
10,
2011
[DOWNTOWN
SPRINGFIELD CIRCULATION
STAKEHOLDER
QUESTIONS]
Intro
KAI
is
working
with
the
City
on
implementing
recommendations
from
the
Downtown
District
Urban
Design
Plan.
Our
project
was
borne
out
of
the
recommendation
from
the
Downtown
Plan
to
convert
Main
Street
to
a
two‐way
street.
However,
our
work
is
much
broader
and
will
focus
on
improving
circulation
and
access
to
and
within
the
downtown
for
all
modes.
We
will
evaluate
both
retaining
the
one
‐way
configuration
as
well
as
the
potential
to
two‐way
Main
Street.
We
are
working
collaboratively
with
City
staff
on
this
project
and
anticipate
approximately
a
12
month
project.
We
are
at
the
beginning
of
the
project
and
are
interviewing
stakeholders
prior
to
conducting
any
technical
analyses.
This
will
ensure
that
we
are
as comprehensive
as
possible
with
identifying
the
issues
up
front
that
may
merit
consideration
and
study
as
part
of
our
project.
We
look
forward
to
hearing
insights
from
you
today
on
what
you
think
is
working
well
and
what
needs
to
be
improved
from
a
transportation
perspective
in
order
to
achieve
the
City’s
overall
strategic
objectives
for
the
downtown.
[Downtown
Springfield
is
envisioned
as
a
destination
rather
than
a
thoroughfare.
Within
a
five
‐minute
walk
or
bike
ride,
residents
will
be
able
to
access a
concentration
of
retail,
employment
and
services.
Main
Street
is
re
‐
established
as
a
pedestrian‐friendly
destination.
Other
key
elements
include:
safe
routes
to
neighborhood
connections,
protected
bikeways,
bus
rapid
transit
and
high
speed
rail
routes,
regional
truck
and
auto
access
corridors.]
Before
we
begin,
it
would
be
helpful
to
understand
a
little
more
about
you
and
your
interests.
•
Tell
us
about
your
business/agency
and
your
involvement
in
past
downtown
efforts
•
How
does
downtown
access,
circulation
and
parking
directly
affect
your
business/agency?
October
10,
2011
[DOWNTOWN
SPRINGFIELD CIRCULATION
STAKEHOLDER
QUESTIONS]
Downtown
Access and Circulation
•
What
are
the
most
important
issues
related
to
transportation
access,
circulation,
and
parking
in
the
Downtown
today?
o
What
do
you
see
as
opportunities?
o
What
do
you
see
as
significant
challenges?
o
Please
talk
to
us
separately
about
these
opportunities/constraints
related
to
autos,
freight,
pedestrians,
bicyclists
and
transit.
o
How
would
you
prioritize
the
issues
that
need
consideration?
o
How
do
those
priorities
change
as
you
think
about
the
future
and
what
the
City
is
trying
to
accomplish
with
their
strategic
objectives
of
creating
downtown
as
a
destination?
•
How
would
you
describe
downtown’s
pedestrian
environment
today
(including
safety)?
What
opportunities/challenges
do
you
foresee
in
accomplishing
the
city’s
vision
related
to
a
pedestrian
‐friendly
downtown?
•
Are
there
any
safety‐related
issues
that
are
of
concern
to
you
or
your
customers?
•
Do
you
consider
your
business
to
be
easily
accessed
and
visible?
Please
expand
on
why
or
why
not.
•
Please
describe
the
role
of
freight
in
the
downtown
environment
–
both
“through
freight”
as
well
as
local
deliveries.
Do
you
perceive
the
needs
of
freight
to
be
in
conflict
with
other
users
of
the
downtown?
What
opportunities/challenges
are
faced?
•
What
are
the
top
two
to
three
things
that
we
should
focus
our
work
on?
•
Are
there
others
we/the
city
should
be
reaching
out
to
as
part
of
our
work?
October
10,
2011
[DOWNTOWN
SPRINGFIELD CIRCULATION
STAKEHOLDER
QUESTIONS]
Original
questions
for
further
probing,
if
needed/time
to
do
so
•
Is
it
easy
to
navigate
the
roads
within
Downtown
Springfield?
•
Describe
your
perception
of
the
Downtown
Springfield
pedestrian
environment.
•
Does
traffic
move
to
slow,
to
fast,
or
at
the
right
speed?
•
Do
you
perceive
businesses
to
be
visible
Downtown?
o
What
role
do
you
see
the
traffic
circulation
plays
in
the
visibility
(or
lack)?
•
How
do
you
perceive
Downtown
pedestrian
safety?
•
How
do
you
perceive
Downtown
traffic
safety?
•
How
would
a
change
in
traffic
volume
affect
your
business?
•
How
would
relocating
heavy
truck
traffic
from
Main
Street
affect
your
business?
•
How
would
routing
through
traffic
off
of
Main
Street
affect
your
business?
•
How
does
existing
circulation
hurt
or
benefit
freight
mobility?
•
Are
there
any
changes
in
street
design
that
might
hurt
your
business?
•
Are
there
any
changes
in
street
design
that
might
benefit
your
business?
•
Is
parking
Downtown
visible
and
accessible?